Finland at its coolest: A deep dive into ice swimming

What makes the happiest country in the world love swimming in freezing cold water so much? In Finland, the traditions of swimming in an ice hole go way back, all the way to the 18th century when going into cold water was part of the purification traditions. People would go in the ice cold water after a sauna, another crucial part of the Finnish culture, to refresh and make their body stronger. It was a mental practice that came with many health benefits. 

During the 20th century, ice swimming began to gain more and more ground as a modern health exercise. Scientific studies provided further evidence of the benefits of cold water: better blood circulation, muscle recovery and improved mood. Today, ice swimming is at the core of Finnish culture and one of the most loved winter hobbies for Finns. 

We interviewed eight Finnair team members who shared their ice swimming stories as well as some practical tips for beginners eager to try it.

Why on earth would you swim in the ice-cold water?

Nina Linden, Cabin Crew Member: “After ice swimming, blood circulates differently and the quality of sleep is always better.” 

Nina, who loves the heat of the summer, believed for the longest time that ice swimming was not for her. Until, three winters ago under the starry sky in Kittilä in Finnish Lapland she thought to herself “but why not?” Surprisingly, the water didn’t feel so cold and the feeling afterwards was something else – she finally understood what others had been talking about. She immediately loved it! Throughout the year, Nina now swims about once a week in a lake, going in the water for about 2–3 times each time. Sometimes, it’s just a dip, while other times, she swims for some metres.

“I usually go to the sauna first and then to the water, but I’ve also tried going directly to the water, which I also enjoy. Oftentimes, after the last dip or swim, I don't go to the sauna anymore but dress warmly instead. Woolen socks by the fireplace feel the best! You feel so refreshed but relaxed at the same time,” Nina explains. 

Päivyt Tallqvist, Senior Vice President, Communications: “Ice swimming is good for my head, it helps me to unwind and relax.” 

Päivyt always loved swimming in natural waters, and one year she just didn’t stop when the summer ended but continued through the winter. She swims at a lake close to her home and tries to swim at least once a week. She goes to the water three times and stays for 1–3 minutes each time. Her basic rule is at least 30 strokes of swimming, and even more if it feels good. Päivyt usually swims in the evening and always sleeps like a log afterwards – with woolen socks on.

“As I go to the water, I take a deep breath and just forget everything else, just breathe. The cold water instantly calms me down. I do not think about anything but just focus on keeping moving. Afterwards, my whole body tingles,” Päivyt says. 

Marge Sellenberg, Cabin Crew Member: “A warning to consider before you start practicing ice swimming: you might become addicted!” 

Marge has practiced ice swimming since childhood. Nowadays, she goes for a morning swim whenever possible and living near the sea makes it easy. There’s also an ice swimming spot right near her home. She aims to be in the water for at least a minute, or a minimum of 30 seconds, to enjoy the full benefits. With a group of friends, they also call themselves the “sauna sisters” as they go together to different saunas around the Helsinki metropolitan area to swim and socialise. Marge rejoices that ice swimming makes her feel good and energised for a couple of days and keeps the flu away efficiently.

“The hardest part is the moment when you're standing on the pier, the air is freezing, it's windy and you have to go into the freezing water. But I personally like that kind of challenge. I think it's wonderful to show myself that I can do anything. And being in the water is always so refreshing, you can feel how your body and mind wake up. When I get out, I don't feel cold at all, dopamine is flowing in my body and the morning fatigue or groggy feeling is gone,” Marge tells. 

Antti Kleemola, Chief Digital Officer: “I love the sensational feeling and energy uplift I get afterwards.” 

Antti gives credits to his wife for getting into ice swimming, as he followed her example a few years ago in 2022. Antti goes ice swimming at their lakeside cottage several times a month, staying in the water for an impressive 5 to 10 minutes, usually without going to the sauna first. According to Antti, the first 30 seconds are always the most intense – especially after a week or two-week-long break – but once you just keep doing deep breaths, you’ll get used to it again.

“Normally, I step out of the water when I start to feel warm. When I get out, the feeling is always sensational and I want to keep that feeling a little bit longer – therefore I never rush into the sauna,” Antti says. 

Tiina Sund, Customer Journey Lead: “My favourite things about ice swimming are the feeling of euphoria, its multiple health effects and the social sides of it.” 

Tiina tried ice swimming for the first time about 10 years ago, but for the past six years she’s practiced it 1–3 times a week. When the water gets too warm in the spring, she starts taking ice cold showers. Mostly, Tiina likes to swim at Kuusijärvi in Vantaa, but she also enjoys trying out new places. For her, ice swimming is a social event, as she often does it together with her friend, so catching up in between dips in the water is guaranteed. A familiar place also means other familiar faces, and she finds it nice to chat with them in the heat of the sauna.

“The first dip always feels the coldest and can take your breath away for a moment. When I go to the sauna in between and go into the water again and again, the feeling of well-being increases. Usually after a few dips and saunas, the endorphins are literally pumping in my body and a euphoric feeling and relaxation are guaranteed,” Tiina says. 

Aki Nakatake, Cabin Crew Member: “I’ll be honest, I still get scared before going in.” 

Aki tried ice swimming for the first time a few years after moving to Finland. She says that she didn’t think she would ever be able to do it, but now she goes every now and then with her friends. So far, Aki has always gone ice swimming with a sauna – perhaps one day she’ll try it without. Her current record is staying in the water for two minutes, thanks to her Finnish friend who challenged her to stay a little bit longer than usual.

“In the beginning I really thought I wasn’t able to do it. But the feeling afterwards – the warmth, the freshness – it’s so addictive! And I always sleep so well after ice bathing,” Aki tells. 

Hanna Voolaid, IT Support Manager & Pille Tagel, IT Support Specialist: “Every swim brings a sense of accomplishment.” 

Also, our Estonian colleagues Hanna and Pille from Finnair Business Services in Tartu have fallen for ice swimming. The two colleagues tried it for the first time five years ago, and now they swim together for 1–2 times per week trying to stay in the water for at least one minute. There is an artificial lake in the middle of the city in Tartu, and Hanna and Pille mostly like to go swimming before heading into the office – and what makes things even more refreshing for them, is changing clothes outside on a park bench. For the winter, they are looking forward to the freezing cold days, as according to them, the colder it gets, the better the thrill!

“Getting into the water never gets easier, and sometimes we find ourselves standing on the shore, questioning why we are about to do this. But the feeling afterwards is like unlocking our superpowers – we suddenly feel invincible, our senses are sharp, and we’re ready to conquer the world,” Hanna and Pille sum.

Ice swimming pro tips for beginners 

If the ice swimming stories of our Finnair team members got you curious, they also shared their best tips for a successful ice swimming experience. 

1. Use neoprene shoes and gloves 

Swimming with neoprene shoes and gloves makes a huge difference, and they are also important for safety: with the shoes, you are less likely to slip, and with the gloves, you can get a better hold of the rail as you climb in and out of water. With shoes and gloves, you will also be able to stay in the water for longer. If it’s windy or very cold, a hat is also a great idea. 

2. Prepare mentally 

Tell yourself that it’s going to be lovely and you’re going to enjoy it – at least the feeling afterwards is something to look forward to. Remember that your mind holds power. If you decide beforehand that you’re going to do it, you most likely will be able to, and you might even get addicted! 

3. Focus on breathing 

Start having long breaths already before getting into the water and continue while going in. You might even close your eyes for a little while to focus on breathing even more and paying attention to exhaling especially. Deep breathing helps you relax your muscles in the cold, prevents your body’s stress reaction and activates your parasympathetic nervous system to make you feel calmer. 

Some of our interviewees advised going in the water in one smooth motion while breathing deeply. You can try if that works for you or whether you prefer to take it slowly step by step while taking deep breaths. 

4. Go with a friend 

Trying out ice swimming is much more fun with a friend, and if possible, it might be easier to go with someone who already has some experience. Getting started with a friend makes the whole experience less intimidating, and it’s also important for safety reasons not to go completely alone. 

5. Don’t rush out 

Don’t rush out of the water but focus on breathing and try staying in the water at least for 30–60 seconds. If you want to get out, try counting to 10, and it should feel easier to stay in. Afterwards, when you come out of the water, don’t rush into the sauna but wait for a little bit for the good feeling to surround your whole body. 

+ Bonus tip: If possible, choose a beautiful, calm day so that going into the water feels easier than in a freezing cold wind and rain.

Best places to try ice swimming in the Helsinki Metropolitan area 

Are you travelling to Helsinki during the winter months and looking forward to giving winter swimming in an ice hole a try? Our interviewees also gave some recommendations on where to go. 

Löyly in Helsinki downtown: Globally recognised architecture, chill atmosphere and tasty food – in this unique sauna restaurant you can try a traditional smoke sauna and wood-burning sauna, while taking refreshing dips in the Baltic Sea. Shampoos and towels are included in the 2-hour sauna visit, and you can purchase drinks to enjoy by their cosy fireplace. Afterwards, top your Finnish experience with traditional and delicious creamy salmon soup. 

Allas Pool in Helsinki downtown: In this sauna oasis where urban meets vibrant, you can enjoy the heat of five saunas and swim in both a sea pool as well as a heated pool outdoors. The central location right next to the Helsinki Market Square guarantees easy access and great downtown views. This place is perfect for a morning swim or even a swim before a night out. 

Furuvik Seaside Sauna in Eastern Helsinki: If you’re looking for a more peaceful and authentic ice swimming experience, this cosy and idyllic beach sauna is located next to a sheltered sandy beach right on the sea. Shampoo is included for the two-hour-long sauna shift, and you can rent a towel in case you don’t want to bring your own. The more remote location ensures a cottage-like soothing sauna experience. 

Saunas at Kuusijärvi Lake in Vantaa: Not far from the Helsinki Airport, you can visit Kuusijärvi and swim in a lake instead of the sea. This place has separate saunas for women and men, while the popular smoke saunas for additional cost are unisex. The area also offers great facilities for nature walks, cross-country skiing as well as barbeque spots where firewood is provided. Thus, Kuusijärvi is an excellent spot to spend an outdoorsy winter day. 

The Sipoonjoki traditional sauna in Sipoo: If you’re willing to travel a bit further, you’ll find a traditional smoke sauna about 23 kilometres away from Helsinki. The sauna is built underground offering a special atmosphere and allowing you to swim in both cold and warm waters. And if you’re really passionate about the Finnish sauna, this place also offers sauna healer training. 

Travelling to Lapland instead of Helsinki? No worries, you'll also find plenty of nice options for ice hole swimming in our Northern destinations Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, Ivalo and Kittilä.