Tired of carols? Try a cold plunge!
Find Christmas markets a bit dull? Don’t feel like shopping? Sick of stuffing yourself with gingerbread?
Try something new and non-Christmassy — winter swimming!
Ice dipping. Polar plunge. Cold water therapy. Whatever you call it, wading into frigid water is a thing these days — but ask an Estonian, and they’ll tell you they’ve been doing it for generations.
Swimming in Estonia in summer takes some nerve — water temperatures aren’t usually much over 20 degrees — but swimming here in winter requires an extra dose of courage. Lakes usually freeze, so you have to cut a hole in the ice. Seawater hovers around zero degrees. Most Estonians refresh themselves with cold water after a steamy sauna, but hardcore winter swimmers don’t even need the heat.
Tips for beginners
A few things you should know before getting into the water:
- Check with your doctor, especially if you have a heart condition or blood pressure issues. Your body will react to the cold water, and you want to make sure it’s up to the task.
- It’s not a contest. Listen to your body and start slowly. Your first dip might be a quick in and out; there’s no need to push beyond your limits.
- Go slow. Never dive into the water: the shock can cause you to take an involuntary breath and can lead to drowning. Wade into the water or slowly lower yourself in while breathing deeply.
- Wear a hat. The head loses a lot of heat, so many winter swimmers wear knit caps and keep their heads above water. Some wear neoprene socks and gloves as well.
- Bring a friend. It’s always a good idea to have someone else along for safety.
- Get dressed quickly. After leaving the water, your body will continue to cool down. A hot drink and a small snack will also help your body warm up.
Where to go winter swimming in Estonia
These locations attract dedicated groups of winter swimmers. More locations are listed on two different sites, in Estonian.
In Tallinn
- Lennusulps, behind the Seaplane Harbor Museum. You can pay to visit the sauna and to use the heated changing rooms.
- Next to Linnahall, there’s a popular beach for winter swimming. It’s rocky, so water shoes come in handy.
- Pirita, by the yacht club.
Lakes
- Klooga Lake, near Niitvalja Golf Course.
- Selgi Lake, at the start of the White Lake hiking trail. On a sunny winter day, you might be lucky enough to see the colors of the Estonian flag in nature!
- Viljandi Lake in Viljandi.
- Tamula Lake in Võru.
Rivers
When swimming in rivers, proceed with caution, as the current may be faster than expected. Always make sure you have a secure way to exit the water.
- Emajõgi River in Tartu.
- Pärnu River in Pärnu.
- Keila River in Kohila, accessed from a pier behind the Beach Volleyball Center.
An easy way to start — visit the spa
One way to ease into ice-dipping is to warm up in a sauna and cool off with cold water. For that, you don’t even have to be outside; you can do it in the comfort of the spa. Most spas have cold pools or showers next to the saunas for cooling down.
