Steam bathing has an enduring history across a wide range of civilizations, from Greece to Rome to Russia. As we steam through the centuries, we’re making Iceland our next stop.

Here in the efficiency-minded U.S. of A., we jump in the shower, grab a shower, hit the showers, or forget to shower. Steam, for most Americans, is what we wipe off the mirror to check our hair before dashing off to work. But this is changing. Millions…

The Roman Baths in Bath are the best preserved ancient baths in northern Europe, as well as a World Heritage site and the only thermal springs in the UK. When MrSteam had the opportunity to visit recently, we not only caught a glimpse of our distant…

As long as there has been fire and water, there has been steam. We’re no scientists, but that’s probably a pretty long time, certainly longer than the span of human history. And throughout history, humans have made the most of steam—to power our…

Around the world on steam power with Dan Reinert

When it comes to imagining a dream job—something less caloric than “Taster at a Belgian chocolate factory” and lower-risk than “Formula-1 race car driver”—you might land on what Dan Reinert does for a…

Ah, steam—that limb-loosening, detoxifying, trance-inducing tonic for what ails you. You’ll find steam rooms in resorts, spas, community bath houses of all description, therapeutic centers, and increasingly in private homes. But where did the steam bath…

Steam Bathing: A Journey through the Ages continues with part 8, an exploration of steam bath benefits in America. This is also the final chapter in the journey.

Steam Bathing: A Journey through the Ages continues with part 7, an exploration of the Banya of Russia. 

If you are new to this series, be sure to check out Steam Bathing: A Journey Through the Ages, which introduces the journey, Steam Bathing History…