From the technicolor sky dance of the Northern Lights to freely roaming reindeer, Finnish Lapland is a true winter wonderland. Its frozen Arctic landscapes, pristine natural waters, and rich sauna tradition make it the perfect setting for ice bathing a time-honored practice that combines self-care, resilience, and a deep connection with nature.
To gain insight into this revered tradition, we spoke with Finnish ice swimmer Elina Mäkinen, a pioneer in distance ice swimming. Based in Muonio, Lapland, Mäkinen is the first Finnish woman to complete the Ice Mile a grueling mile-long swim in water at 5°C or colder. She is one of only six women globally to have accomplished this feat and frequently shares her ice bathing experiences on TikTok. She also features in the documentary Cold, which explores the mental and physical endurance required for ice swimming.
Despite her impressive achievements, Mäkinen emphasizes that ice swimming is not about competition but about personal discovery. “The ice hole is a place to learn about yourself and your reactions,” she explains. “I only have the need to compete with myself.”
Sauna culture has been an integral part of Finnish life for thousands of years. Recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Finnish saunas have long been linked with ice bathing. Traditionally, people would take a dip in frozen lakes or rivers after a steaming sauna session to stimulate circulation and rejuvenate the body.
Although ice bathing has ancient roots, it has recently surged in popularity. “Its popularity grew during and after the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Mäkinen. “Previously, it was seen as a remedy for ailments like rheumatism. Today, ice bathing has become a mainstream wellness activity, alongside yoga and meditation. People do it for different reasons—some to improve sleep, others to wake up in the morning.”
In Finland’s urban centers like Helsinki and Tampere known as the sauna capital of the world—numerous saunas provide ice bathing facilities. Meanwhile, in more remote regions such as Lapland, many hotels and cabins offer the quintessential Finnish experience of alternating between a sauna and a plunge into a frozen lake.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are Mäkinen’s top picks for the best outdoor icy dips in Finland.
With its minimal light pollution, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. According to Mäkinen, the region also offers some of the most breathtaking ice bathing spots.
“I start my ice bathing season in Särkitunturi because the small lakes up on the tiny mountain freeze faster,” she says. “I have often swum here under the Northern Lights.”
Särkitunturi is a 492-meter-high fell with panoramic views of the Pallastunturi fell—a landscape recognized as one of Finland’s most scenic. The journey is relatively straightforward by Lapland standards, with a 20-minute drive from Muonio and parking along Route 79 before beginning a hike to the summit.
For those who prefer a more structured experience, Mäkinen suggests visiting Särkijärven Majat, a lakeside lodge offering a traditional wood-fired sauna and a ready-made ice hole. Guests can even borrow woolen socks to keep their feet warm while dipping into the freezing waters.
Mäkinen stresses that ice bathing should always be done safely. “The most important rule is never to go ice bathing alone,” she advises. “Take on challenges, but do so cautiously.”
For beginners, she recommends gradually introducing the body to the cold by splashing cold water on the skin or alternating brief dips with sauna sessions. Listening to your body and respecting your limits is key to making ice bathing an enjoyable and invigorating experience.
Whether you are a seasoned ice swimmer or a curious first-timer, Finland’s frozen waters offer an unforgettable opportunity to embrace the cold, reconnect with nature, and experience the deep-rooted traditions of this Arctic wonderland.
