A new hobby is on the rise. While others may prefer a hot tea on the couch in the dark winter months, many Danes choose to do something else. They strip off in subzero temperatures and dip into the cold water: winter bathing. Is this the reason why Danes are the happiest people on earth?
A guide to winter bathing
The Danish people love to be active. It’s common for all households to attend sport clubs or attend other clubs after school or work.
The first winter bathing establishment was founded in Copenhagen in 1913. It risen to fame in the 1970s. People jump into the cold water, either dress up again or go into a sauna. People are usually in the water for 10 until 40 seconds. It’s a quick in and out, but take your time. It’s dangerous to jump in all at once. You go in step by step and slowly sink yourself into the water. You have to focus on your breathing while going in, because it might cause you to hyperventilate.
Fight or flight
Dipping into the cold water can be extremely energizing for your body. The shock of the cold water kicks your body into a ‘fight or flight’ mode. This releases the stress hormones. It empowers the immune system, strengthens the heart, gets your blood flowing through your body, may induce chronic pain and might even increase your libido. No wonder why the Danes are so into winter bathing.
First time
Mikkel Jessen is one of the Danes who go winter bathing. He is an artist and he usually bathes somewhere in the afternoon to have a break. He got into winter bathing three years ago during covid. His first time was with his dad. “I was a little hesitant at first, but the sight of a hot coffee and a croissant afterwards was what got me through it.” He tells me as we prepare for the imminent shock of cold. “Normally I go in for two minutes, but once a week I stay in for ten minutes. But that is for the more advanced bathers.” Mikkel tells that winter bathing isn’t just bathing, it’s about pushing my boundaries. “Once I saw that people go in longer than I did, I pushed myself to stay in longer too. I got a little competitive.”
Winter blues
Sometimes he takes his sketchbook to the sauna. “I love to talk to people and gain inspiration from their stories.” While sitting in the sauna there’s an overview of the harbor. The wildlife is a huge inspiration for Mikkel too. “I once saw a seal and a dolphin, that was very special.” The birds are a re-occurring subject in his art. So the winter bathing doesn’t only benefits physical aspects, but also mentally. Mikkel says it’s also very beneficial for fighting against winter depression. “By taking a little time for myself and my surroundings, I learned to appreciate the little things like rain ticking against the windows, flat water and even fog.
You can try it too
Winter bathing club Aarhus organizes events such as full moon bathing or gather up to swim in the sea. There are even Scandinavian winter bathing championships. It’s easy getting started, but remember to always be safe. Never swim alone, always pair up with someone else to be safe. And if the magic is true, your winter depression will disappear!
