1. A stronger immune system

Let go of the idea that freezing makes you sick – cold water swimming can actually boost your immune system. Just take a few precautions before jumping into the cold water, like choosing a safe spot sheltered from the wind where it's easy to get back out.

It can also be nice to wear a beanie and mittens, and keep towels and warm clothes close at hand for when you get out of the water.

2. You feel happier

There is something special about freezing intensely, only to get out of the water, put on warm clothes, sip a hot drink, or sit in a sauna — feeling the warmth slowly but surely spread through your body. The reward is an instant sense of achievement and a lasting mental boost.

Not only does it feel great, but it also triggers your endorphins—which can actually make you feel happier. An extra endorphin rush in your everyday life? Yes, please!

Many ice bathers feel more energized, content, and happy.

3. Reduced pain, stress, and fatigue

Many regular ice bathers report feeling less stressed overall — they manage stress better, and the cold water has a positive effect on muscle and joint pain. Most people also find that they feel more energized, alert, and content.

Please exercise caution with ice bathing if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions. Never swim alone or under the influence of alcohol—and avoid areas with strong currents.

4. Better blood circulation and increased metabolism

When you expose your body to freezing water, it has to work in overdrive to stay warm, which kickstarts both your circulation and your metabolism. To get the most out of your ice bath, it’s a good idea to warm up beforehand. You can take a brisk walk, go for a quick jog, or warm up in a sauna before taking the plunge.

Several of our spa hotels offer sauna rituals combined with ice bathing, such as Son Spa.

5. Train your willpower and breathing

Plunging into freezing water requires mental strength, which is exactly why increased willpower and focused breathing are among the greatest benefits of ice bathing. This newfound willpower is something you can carry with you into your daily life.

Tip: When standing at the water's edge, walk in purposefully without hesitating. Take deep, slow breaths as you meet the water; controlled breathing calms the body's natural shock response and helps you manage the cold.

6. A wonderful nature experience

Ice bathing is about more than just the cold plunge — Nordic winter swimming is also a fantastic way to experience nature during the winter months. By combining your winter dip with a short walk in the woods or along the coast, you get your body moving and enjoy a peaceful break from everyday life.

Sounds exciting?

Norway:

📍Son Spa, located just a short distance outside Oslo, offers sauna rituals that include ice bathing in the water right outside the hotel. You will also find a sauna situated right on the pier.

📍Farris Bad in Larvik is a popular spot for ice bathers. Part of this spa hotel literally sits directly over the water, so warmth is never far away after a quick dip.

📍Clarion Hotel® Oslo has the Oslo Fjord as one of its closest neighbors. Right next to the hotel, you'll find a swimming pier and floating saunas, and you can even bring slippers and a bathrobe along for the walk down to the waterfront.

📍Clarion Hotel® The Edge in Tromsø is just a 4–6 minute walk from the swimming spot "Pust," where people plunge into the water every single day during the winter. There is also a sauna there.

📍Home Hotel With is also located in Tromsø and offers views of the "Pust" swimming spot from both the hotel rooms and the hotel restaurant. Many guests take advantage of this great swimming opportunity.

📍The Thief is beautifully situated at Tjuvholmen in Oslo, and arguably boasts the city's most spectacular location. From the hotel, you have access to both a swimming pier and a beach right outside the door.

Sweden:

📍Clarion Hotel® Sea U is located right by the sea in Helsingborg, just a 15-minute walk from "Pålsjöbaden", a go-to spot for many ice bathers. Will you be joining them?

📍Stenungsbaden Yacht Club is located 30 minutes from Gothenburg and is a beautiful spa and conference hotel with swimming options right outside your window. Here, you can truly experience the vibe of Newport and coastal romance.

📍Yasuragi is a Japanese spa hotel located right by the sea just outside Stockholm. Here you will find several hot baths, a sauna with a view, and—for those who prefer not to step foot outside the hotel—you can take an icy plunge in the spa's own 12-degree cold pool.