KEY POINTS
- Elina Mäkinen, the first Finnish woman to complete an Ice Mile, shares ice bathing locations across Finland.
- Ice bathing pairs with Finland’s sauna culture and is growing in popularity beyond competitive swimming.
- Recommended spots include sites under the Northern Lights and wilderness lakes in Finnish Lapland.
Elina Mäkinen, a renowned Finnish ice swimmer, offers her top outdoor icy plunges in Finland’s Arctic regions. She was the first Finnish woman to complete the “Ice Mile,” a swim of one mile in water near 5 °C or lower.
Mäkinen explains that ice bathing blends with Finland’s traditional sauna culture, now practised widely across the country. Many people pair a hot sauna session with a cold plunge into a frozen lake or prepared ice hole.
She notes that ice bathing has become more mainstream in recent years, with people using it for various health and wellness benefits. The practice gained renewed interest during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues as part of self-care routines.
Mäkinen’s first recommendation is Särkitunturi fell and the nearby Särkijärven Majat in Finnish Lapland. Here, visitors can enjoy ice bathing under the Northern Lights in pristine Arctic scenery. She cautions beginners to start slowly and always with companions for safety.
Another top pick is Isokenkäisten Klubi, a wilderness lodge near Kuusamo. The lodge blends traditional smoke saunas with modern facilities and provides access to an ice hole for dipping. It sits amid vast forests and remote landscapes ideal for those seeking a true Nordic winter experience.
Jeris Arctic Sauna World is highlighted as a site rich in cultural connections. Situated on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi, this destination offers multiple types of saunas and ice holes named after Finnish gods. Visitors can admire sacred scenery while enjoying traditional sauna and icy dips.
For adventure-seekers, Lake Hietajärvi in Ylläs-Pallas National Park stands out as a remote ice bathing location. Here, hikers are rewarded with crystal-clear water and wilderness solitude. Mäkinen says reaching this spot requires proper winter gear and preparation.
Further north, Lake Kilpisjärvi and Mount Saana offer dramatic Arctic landscapes and ice bathing opportunities. The region’s expanse includes ease of access and hotel sauna facilities with pre-prepared ice holes.
Mäkinen stresses that ice bathing, while exhilarating, should always be approached with caution and respect for cold-water conditions. She recommends ice bathing as a personal experience focused on listening to the body and building comfort over time.
Whether under shimmering auroras or beside serene wilderness lakes, Finland’s icy waters appeal to those seeking unique outdoor winter experiences. Ice bathing also reflects deep elements of Finnish cultural life tied to sauna rituals and nature immersion.
