Steam and brooms:
10 saunas in Riga

In Latvia, sauna-going is linked to ancient historical customs: the first references to saunas can be found in traditional Latvian Dainas and in the 12th-13th century “Livonian Chronicle of Henry”. Baths were perceived not only as a cleanliness measure, but also as a form of relaxation and spiritual purification.

Many things in the bath are connected with pagan beliefs. Bathing was accompanied by special songs and rituals. People believed that brooms made from herbs collected at certain times would cure illness and bring good luck. The steam baths were home to Mara and Laima—as they were traditionally where births took place, both deities were present during the birth of new life. 

Now the national sauna tradition is making a comeback in Latvian culture. Since 2018, the village of Višķi in Daugavpils County has been hosting the Latvian Sauna and Herb Festival: bathers and bath women perform circle dances, sing songs and take part in sauna rituals. 

Here are ten saunas in Riga and some rules for visiting them. 

Public

Vizlas pirts 

/ Public Russian wood sauna /

The establishment boasts its own 20-tonne stove, which generates enough steam for a relaxing and leisurely atmosphere. The sauna sells three types of brooms: oak, eucalyptus and birch. The only thing to note is that there is only one women’s day a week (Thursday). 

Pārdaugavas malkas pirts

/ Ancient sauna in the Tornakalns neighbourhood / 

The Pardaugava wood-fired sauna is another place that old Rigans remember from their childhood. The men’s and women’s sections operate simultaneously and are separated by floors: men steam on the ground floor, women on the first floor. 

Jauna Pārdaugava Pirts

/ Wood-fired sauna with swimming pool and picnic area /

Another wood-fired sauna, this time in the Ziepniekkalns neighbourhood. In addition to the steam bath, there is also a large pool with cool water. Behind the building is a courtyard with a seating area and an outdoor picnic area. There is only one Women’s Day—Wednesday. Tuesday is family day.

Private

Riga Pirts

/ Sauna on the banks of the Daugava /

Another sauna with a panoramic window, but in the centre of Riga—in Zaķusala. The sauna room can accommodate up to 6 people. The seating area has a sofa and fireplace, and outside there is a veranda with a table, hammock and tree garlands. A special dock on the beach next to the sauna allows guests to swim in the open water.  

Green Island 

/ Floating Russian bath with a panoramic view /

A floating sauna house on the shore of Ķīšezers with a panoramic window. The lounge area is equipped with a mini cinema, and guests can prepare their own meals in the kitchen or bring snacks. 

Wudu Sauna

/ New place with stylish interior in dark tones /

A sauna well suited for small stag parties: the steam room can accommodate up to 6 people at a time, while the seating area can accommodate up to 20 people. There is a poker table for 10 players, a barbecue and a bar. 

Sparģeļu pirts 

/ Almost 24-hour sauna in Riga’s historic district / 

This wood-fired sauna is located near Ziedoņdārzs. The steam bath is small and modest, but visitors praise the steam in their reviews; in the cold season, the fireplace smoulders in the lounge area.  

Ku-Ku Pirts

/ Small sauna with fireplace and swimming pool /

A sauna with a banquet room for up to twelve people. After the steam bath, guests dip into the cascading pool and then warm up by the fireplace. The lounge area has a large TV where you can switch on films and music of your choice. 

1. Latvian saunas are characterised by everything connected with nature and its gifts: herbal brooms, herbal infusions, natural oils, bathing in the nearest body of water.
2. The sauna ritual is not to be rushed; allow at least 3-5 hours for the experience.
3. Do not bathe on a full stomach, limit yourself to a light snack an hour and a half beforehand. It’s also worth refraining from the bathe in case of acute inflammation, physical fatigue or a hangover. 
4. Wear a special hat when bathing: as the head is higher than other parts of the body, it receives much more heat.
5. Do not use soap—it damages the skin’s natural protective layer. Salt mixed with any natural oil or honey can be used instead of soap.
6. People usually wear bathing suits when bathing in Latvian saunas. In addition to swimsuits and swimming trunks, you should bring at least two towels: one to wrap yourself in between baths and one to wipe yourself with. Linen towels are most commonly used in saunas.
7. If possible, lie in the steam room instead of sitting (it is easier to relax and steam your whole body evenly).