The journal
Stories from
the banya.
From Kazakhstan to the Smoky Mountains: My Sauna Story
Why Stefan started Smoky Banya: growing up with the banya in Kazakhstan, and bringing that tradition of warmth and fellowship to East Tennessee.
Read the post →Rediscovering the Tradition in Tennessee
How moving to East Tennessee brought the sauna ritual back — and the vision of a wood-fired banya beside the mountains, rivers and lakes.
Read the post →Beyond the Heat: Our Vision for Health, Community, and the Authentic Sauna Experience
Our vision for Smoky Banya: health, community and the authentic sauna experience, beyond the heat.
Read the post →