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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In the wellness and recovery world, cold plunges and hot baths are two of the most talked-about practices. Both methods offer distinct benefits for the body and mind, but how they work, and when to use them, differs. Let’s dive into the specifics of each, their science-backed benefits, and how to use them effectively.

Cold Plunge: A Powerful Tool for Recovery and Alertness

A cold plunge involves submerging the body in cold water, typically between 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C), for a short duration—usually 3 to 10 minutes. Cold immersion is often used for reducing muscle soreness, improving circulation, and enhancing recovery after physical exertion.

Key Benefits of a Cold Plunge:

1. Reduces Muscle Inflammation and Swelling:
   Cold exposure constricts blood vessels, which helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in muscles and joints. This makes cold plunges a staple recovery tool for athletes, especially after intense exercise or injury. After exiting the cold water, the body experiences a rebound effect—blood vessels dilate, which helps flush out metabolic waste products and delivers oxygen-rich blood to the tissues, aiding in muscle recovery.
2. Enhances Circulation:
   The body’s response to cold water is to direct blood flow to vital organs, preserving warmth. Once you exit the cold plunge, blood rushes back to the extremities, improving overall circulation. This can aid in cardiovascular health and speed up muscle repair after strenuous activity.
3. Boosts Mood and Mental Clarity:
   Immersing in cold water triggers the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that can enhance mood, reduce pain sensitivity, and increase focus. The shock of cold water also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight response), which leads to higher levels of alertness and energy post-plunge.
4. Decreases Stress and Anxiety:
   Cold water immersion has been shown to increase endorphin levels (the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones) and lower cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This can lead to an improvement in mood and a reduction in overall anxiety levels.

Who Should Try It?

• Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: Cold plunges are particularly useful for reducing post-exercise soreness and speeding up muscle recovery.
• People with Inflammatory Conditions: Cold water helps alleviate swelling and discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis or tendinitis.
• Individuals Seeking a Mental Boost: Cold immersion is great for those looking to sharpen focus, increase alertness, and combat fatigue.

Safety and Considerations:

• Duration: Limit exposure to 3-10 minutes. Prolonged exposure to very cold water can lead to hypothermia or shock.
• Health Precautions: Those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or poor circulation should consult with a doctor before attempting cold plunges, as the shock to the system can be intense.

Hot Bath: The Ultimate Relaxation and Stress-Relief Ritual

A hot bath involves soaking in water heated to 100°F to 104°F (37°C to 40°C). It’s a therapeutic practice that has been used for centuries to ease muscle tension, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. Hot baths stimulate heat receptors in the skin, which activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s rest-and-digest response.

Key Benefits of a Hot Bath:

1. Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief:
   Heat dilates blood vessels, which increases blood flow to muscles and joints, helping to relax tight muscles and ease tension. This makes hot baths excellent for anyone experiencing muscle stiffness, chronic pain, or discomfort from stress and daily activities.
2. Promotes Better Sleep:
   A warm bath before bed raises your body temperature, and as you cool down afterward, your body signals that it’s time to sleep. This helps promote deeper and more restful sleep, making hot baths a perfect pre-sleep ritual for those struggling with insomnia.
3. Improves Circulation and Detoxification:
   The heat of the water encourages sweating, which is a natural way for the body to flush out toxins. Improved circulation also supports cardiovascular health and can enhance skin appearance by increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface.
4. Mental and Emotional Well-being:
   Soaking in a hot bath has a calming effect on the body, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. The warmth relaxes muscles and the mind, creating a tranquil environment that encourages mindfulness and a sense of emotional balance.

Who Should Try It?

• People with Chronic Muscle Tension or Pain: If you’re dealing with stiffness, back pain, or tension headaches, a hot bath can provide soothing relief.
• Individuals Seeking Stress Relief: Hot baths are ideal for anyone needing a break from daily stress or looking to decompress.
• Those with Sleep Issues: A pre-bedtime soak can improve sleep quality by inducing relaxation and preparing the body for rest.

Safety and Considerations:

• Hydration: Hot baths can cause dehydration due to sweating, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before and after soaking.
• Avoid Prolonged Soaks: Limit bath time to 20-30 minutes to avoid overheating and dizziness.
• Certain Health Conditions: If you suffer from low blood pressure, skin conditions, or cardiovascular issues, consult with a healthcare provider before using hot water baths regularly.

Cold Plunge vs. Hot Bath: Which One Should You Choose?

When to Choose a Cold Plunge:

• Post-Exercise: After intense physical activity, a cold plunge can help reduce muscle inflammation and accelerate recovery.
• For Mental Clarity: When you need a burst of energy or focus, the cold plunge’s ability to increase norepinephrine and endorphins makes it an excellent mental refresher.
• Reducing Swelling: Cold immersion is effective for managing swelling or injury in joints and muscles.

When to Choose a Hot Bath:

• To Relax: If you’re looking to unwind after a stressful day, a hot bath will soothe muscles, reduce tension, and calm the nervous system.
• For Better Sleep: A hot bath taken about an hour before bed can significantly improve sleep quality by helping your body cool down and induce a state of relaxation.
• Chronic Pain Relief: For people with chronic pain, arthritis, or stiffness, the heat from a bath can relieve discomfort and ease tension.

Alternating Between Cold Plunge and Hot Bath: A Powerful Duo

For maximum benefits, you can alternate between the cold plunge and hot bath. This method, often called contrast therapy, combines the benefits of both heat and cold to stimulate blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and improve recovery. For example, you might spend 3-5 minutes in a cold plunge, followed by 10-15 minutes in a hot bath, then repeat the process. This can increase the effectiveness of both treatments and help rejuvenate the body more efficiently.

Conclusion: Tailor Your Routine to Your Needs

Cold plunges and hot baths each offer unique benefits that can be tailored to specific needs. Cold plunges are ideal for muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, and boosting mental clarity, while hot baths excel at promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and relieving chronic pain. Both can enhance your wellness routine, depending on your immediate goals, whether it’s recovery, relaxation, or stress reduction.

By understanding the specific benefits of each practice, you can decide which one to incorporate into your routine, or even alternate between them for optimal results. Remember, always listen to your body and take safety precautions to ensure the best possible experience.

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