Lithuanian sauna (we call it pirtis) is a unique tradition, known for many centuries. First archeologically proven pirtis belongs to XIV century (you can see or sometimes even try the replica of oldest known pirtis in Kernavė archeological site https://www.kernave.lt/en/). But the linguistic and historical sources say, the history of Lithuanian pirtis can reach at least 2000-3000 years, or even more. It is a special way of sauna bathing, which includes using steam, trees, herbs, and natural products, such as honey, clay, salt, fruits, berries etc. Pirtis was always a place of physical, emotional and spiritual purification, initiations, healing, rituals, and community meetings.
Nowadays, pirtis becomes very popular again, as a form of relaxation, celebration, having fun with friends, or special experience, where you can reconnect with yourself. This phenomenon has official UNESCO recognition: attending pirtis and pirtis education are listed in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Lithuania (https://savadas.lnkc.lt/en/).
Usually pirtis is a 3-5 hours process, which combines ancient knowledge, natural treatments and using a lot of plants and local organic products, and is designed to meet modern people’s needs. The temperature is typicaly ~60-70°C, using a lot of water and physical touch.
It can be individual or group process, but most often, you get a combination of individual and group treatments.
Probably the most attractive technique you can try, is whisking (we call it vanojimas). It is a special phyto-thermo massage with various plants, such as birch, oak, maple, linden etc. It can be gentle or rather intense, and gives you deep sense of physical and emotional relaxation.
The scenario of typical procedure:
- Initial upwarming and introduction to procedure;
- Aromatherapy, salt treatment;
- Individual or group whisking;
- Skin treatment (usually with honey, fruits, clay or other natural products).
Lithuanian Pirtis is mostly about the experience, not about the place. So, choosing the right bathmaster is your first task. The bathmaster can also help you with choosing the best place for your pirtis experience. You can use our website for planning or find your favorite Lithuanian Pirtis guide in https://pirtininkuasociacija.lt/en
Other important questions
- Region. In what part of Lithuania are you planning your event?
- Group size. Most saunas are designed for groups of 6-8 people, bigger ones can accept up to 10-12. Some places can offer a few saunas (it is an advantage, if you want to have different programs, e.g. male and female bathing). We also could offer places which can fit up to 20 clients or even more.
- Time limits. Plan enough time for bathing experience. Minimal time for small groups or individual treatments – 2,5-3 h, for bigger – 3-4 h. Having more time allows really enjoy and relax. Also, we could offer some extra educations and experiences. E.g. making plant whisks for bathing, degustation of herbal tea or excursion to the nature.
- Special needs or requests. Let us know, if there are any special people in the group or if the group has a special intention of visiting sauna (e.g. a special occasion, wish to learn, wish to get some specific treatments or experiences).
- Language. What languages you can communicate with the bathmaster? Will you have a translator?
- Prices. The price of typical pirtis experience consists of two parts: price of the place (it can be one or more saunas) and price of the bathmaster (with bigger groups or using a few saunas you may need a few bathmasters).
Lithuanian pirtis is something, what should be in “Must Try” list, when you visit this country! Contact us, and we’ll arrange your adventure!
Birutė Masiliauskienė,
President of Association of Professional Bath Masters
Webpages: www.pirtininkuasociacija.lt
E-mail info@pirtininkuasociacija.lt
Phone/Whatsapp +370 689 56969