8 min

Beneath the Ice Sheets: Unraveling Finland's Winter Swimming Culture‪"‬ SAM-ERIK PRIVE'

    • Places & Travel

"Picture this - it's freezing outside, snowflakes are falling, the lake nearby is almost frozen, and yet, you see people, clad in swimsuits, ready to jump in. In Finland, this isn't an eccentric activity of a few daredevils, but a well-adopted hobby, known locally as avannon uinti (swimming in ice hole). An estimated 750,000 Finns are passionate about winter swimming, cherishing the icy plunge as an invigorating routine. But what makes dipping in icy water so popular? Let’s dive deeper."

"Picture this - it's freezing outside, snowflakes are falling, the lake nearby is almost frozen, and yet, you see people, clad in swimsuits, ready to jump in. In Finland, this isn't an eccentric activity of a few daredevils, but a well-adopted hobby, known locally as avannon uinti (swimming in ice hole). An estimated 750,000 Finns are passionate about winter swimming, cherishing the icy plunge as an invigorating routine. But what makes dipping in icy water so popular? Let’s dive deeper."

8 min