St. Petersburg residents sought refuge from summer heat in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by utilizing the city’s waterways. With no modern air conditioning available, they turned to the Neva River, floating bathing areas, and coastal resorts for relief.

Public bathing areas were established as early as the first half of the 19th century due to the dangers of unsupervised swimming in the Neva River. These were complex structures, featuring covered rafts with pools drawing water directly from the river.

These bathing areas were strictly regulated by status, purpose, and gender. “Elite” bathing areas catered to the wealthy, while more accessible options were available for commoners. Men and women had designated hours for swimming, with police ensuring order.

Coastal resorts like Terijoki, Kuokkala, and Ollila became increasingly popular with the development of railways. These locations offered beaches and a quick escape from the city.

The Sestroretsk resort stood out with its well-planned amenities, including separate changing booths and bathing suit rentals. Unique “bathing machines” – booths on wheels pulled into the Gulf of Finland – allowed women to enter the water discreetly.