parilka

Parilka (Russian: парилка) is the steam room of a traditional Russian bathhouse, or banya, and is a feature found in many Slavic bathhouses. The word derives from парить, meaning to steam or to parboil. The parilka is designed to produce hot, moist air by heating stones on a stove and pouring water over them to create steam.

The heating source is typically a wood-fired or electric stove, often with a masonry heater and stones arranged to retain heat. Water poured onto the hot stones releases steam, increasing both temperature and humidity. Typical temperatures in a parilka range from about 60 to 90 degrees Celsius, with humidity varying according to how much water is used and the room’s design.

Bathers enter the parilka after warming up in other areas of the bathhouse, seating themselves on wooden benches at different heights to enjoy the heat. The steam can be intensified by fanning or by using a venik, a bundle of birch or oak branches, which is also used for massage to stimulate circulation. The parilka is part of a larger banya, which also includes washing and cooling spaces where bathers rinse off and relax.

Culturally, the parilka serves as a social and ritual space, emphasizing cleansing, relaxation, and social interaction. Safety considerations include staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and limiting alcohol use during sessions. In contrast to the dry Finnish sauna, the parilka relies on higher humidity produced by water poured on hot stones.