Elina Mäkinen’s Guide to Finland’s Best Ice Bathing Spots

A Finnish Ironwoman’s Guide to the Best Outdoor Ice Plunges in Finland

Elina Mäkinen, the first Finnish woman to complete the Ice Mile, is no stranger to the freezing waters of Finland. From plunging into icy lakes beneath the Northern Lights to immersing herself in sacred Arctic waters, Finland offers some of the world’s most unique and invigorating ice bathing experiences. Here, Mäkinen shares her top five spots for the ultimate ice plunge.

Why Ice Bathing is a Finnish Tradition

Ice bathing is a revered practice in Finland, where the rich sauna culture, now part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has long been paired with icy dips for holistic health. The ritual of submerging the body in ice-cold water is not only a way to relax, but it also offers various health benefits, from relieving ailments to boosting energy and mental clarity.

Elina Mäkinen emphasizes that ice bathing is a deeply personal practice, not a competitive sport. “The ice hole is a place to learn about yourself and your reactions,” she says. “I only have the need to compete with myself.”

While the health benefits of ice bathing have gained popularity in recent years—especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic—many people still practice it to wake up in the morning, improve sleep, or simply for self-discovery, much like yoga and meditation.

Mäkinen’s Top 5 Ice Bathing Spots in Finland

Here are Mäkinen’s top five Arctic locations to experience the thrill and peace of ice bathing in Finland’s pristine, snow-covered landscapes.

1. Best for Ice Bathing Under the Northern Lights: Särkitunturi Fell and Särkijärven Majat

Finnish Lapland, known for its minimal light pollution, is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. Särkitunturi, a small mountain in the area, is a favorite spot for Mäkinen, who begins her ice bathing season here. The small lakes atop the mountain freeze faster, providing a perfect spot to dip into the cold waters while surrounded by the northern sky’s mesmerizing light show.

“I’ve often swum here under the Northern Lights,” says Mäkinen. To reach Särkitunturi, it’s a 20-minute drive from Muonio, followed by a short hike. For an easygoing ice bathing experience, Mäkinen recommends staying at Särkijärven Majat, rustic lakeside cabins with a wood-fired sauna and ready-made ice holes.

2. Best Wilderness Retreat for Beginners: Isokenkäisten Klubi

Located near the Arctic Circle in Kuusamo, Isokenkäisten Klubi is a remote wilderness lodge that’s perfect for beginners. Set amidst dramatic scenery, including vast forests and waterfalls, the lodge offers both a traditional smoke sauna and a modern electric sauna. There’s also an ice hole for the full Finnish experience.

Mäkinen describes the lodge as “a fabulous log cottage in the middle of nowhere,” and notes that it’s featured in the documentary Cold, where she built a 10-meter-long practice pool for her Ice Mile swim. This lodge is part of Finland’s Sustainable Travel programme, making it an eco-friendly destination for ice bathers seeking a serene and restorative escape.

3. Best for Dips in Sacred Scenery: Jeris Arctic Sauna World

In northern Lapland, the Jeris Arctic Sauna World offers an unparalleled ice bathing experience. Situated on the shores of the sacred Lake Jerisjärvi, the site features a collection of saunas named after Finland’s traditional gods—Tapio, Ukko, Ilmatar, and Vellamo. The lake holds cultural significance for the indigenous Sámi people, adding a spiritual element to your ice bath.

“It’s the paradise of the north,” Mäkinen says, adding that the views of the Olos fells and the stunning sunsets make this one of the most beautiful places to take a plunge. After enjoying the saunas, guests can dip into a ready-made ice hole just a few steps away.

Jeris Arctic Sauna World is an ideal spot for experienced ice bathers, as it requires equipment like an ice saw to create the ice hole. However, Mäkinen assures that it’s well worth the effort, as the setting is both breathtaking and sacred.

4. Best for the Magical Lapland Feel: Lake Kilpisjärvi and Mount Saana

For those seeking a more remote and magical ice bathing experience, Mäkinen recommends Lake Kilpisjärvi and Mount Saana in the northernmost reaches of Finnish Lapland. Known for its beauty and serenity, this area is perfect for anyone wanting to escape into nature.

“I lived in Kilpisjärvi for three months,” Mäkinen recalls. “It’s a very communal place with only around 100 inhabitants, and it’s incredibly beautiful. If I could live anywhere, it would be here.”

The lake, with its crystal-clear waters and the towering Saana mountain in the background, is a breathtaking location for ice bathing. For those without their own ice-cutting equipment, the Kilpisjärvi Lapland Hotel offers a ready-made ice hole maintained with pumps. Mäkinen, however, prefers to create her own ice holes here, ensuring a unique and personal experience.

“While cutting an ice hole in the middle of the lake, always make sure to mark it properly and ensure it’s safe,” Mäkinen advises. She adds with a laugh that while she’s never met another ice swimmer in the area, ice fishermen often stop by to marvel at her large ice holes.

Conclusion

From the Northern Lights in Lapland to the sacred waters of Jerisjärvi, Finland offers some of the most breathtaking and tranquil settings for ice bathing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, these locations provide a unique way to connect with nature and experience the profound benefits of ice-cold immersion.

As Elina Mäkinen wisely says, “The ice hole is not just about the plunge; it’s about discovering yourself.” So, are you ready to take the plunge?

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