Brave the Cold: A Winter Swim in Stockholm

Summer might seem like the obvious season for a swim in Stockholm, but many locals keep heading for the water all year round. During the winter months, taking a quick dip in a hole in the ice on a frozen lake – or in the chilly waters of the Baltic Sea – has become a popular Swedish pastime.

The secret is to combine the cold with something warm. A steamy sauna, a hot shower, or a cup of something warm to drink before and after your dip makes the experience much more pleasant. Many winter swimmers describe the feeling afterwards as energising and clear-headed, and some studies suggest that cold baths can help relieve tension and boost your mood.

Where to go winter swimming in Stockholm

Stockholm has several places suitable for a refreshing winter swim, some of them with changing rooms, ladders, and saunas. You’ll find options both close to the city centre, and in nature areas just outside town, so it’s usually easy to combine a dip with a winter walk or a day trip.

Some spots are organised winter-bathing clubs, others are public swimming places that stay open year-round. Always follow local signs and recommendations, and stick to designated bathing areas where winter swimming is allowed and considered safe.

If it’s your first time trying a winter swim in Stockholm, consider joining a guided activity or local club – it’s safer, and you’ll get plenty of tips from experienced swimmers.

Safety tips for winter swimming in Stockholm

Winter swimming can be an amazing experience, but it’s also a strong physical stress for the body. Especially if it’s your first time, take it easy and prepare well.

Before you decide to go

• Make sure you’re healthy. Avoid winter swimming if you have heart or circulation problems, high blood pressure, are pregnant, or feel sick. Talk to a doctor first if you have any medical conditions or are unsure.
• Think about who is coming along. Be extra cautious with children and other sensitive groups; keep dips very short and never pressure anyone to go in if they don’t want to.
• Never swim alone. Always bring a friend or join an organised winter swimming group.
• Skip alcohol. Do not drink alcohol before or during a winter swim. Alcohol increases the risk of accidents and makes it harder to feel how cold you are.

Choosing time and place

• Choose a safe, designated bathing spot. Follow local advice, use marked bathing places and check signs and information about ice and currents.
• Prefer daylight or well-lit areas. It’s easier to see ladders, steps, ice and surroundings – and easier for others to see you.

Before you go into the water

• Warm up first. Move around a bit or sit in a sauna before your dip, so you’re not going into the water chilled.
• Prepare your gear. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and lay out a towel, warm hat, gloves, shoes and dry layers for after your dip.

Getting in and being in the water

• Move slowly and carefully. Use a ladder or steps if possible, and watch out for icy and slippery surfaces – never dive or jump into cold water.
• Keep it short. A few seconds to half a minute in the water is usually enough for beginners. You don’t need to stay in long to feel the effect.
• Keep your head above water. Most heat is lost through the head, and sudden immersion can feel very shocking in icy water.
• Listen to your body. Get out immediately if you feel numb, dizzy or unwell.

After your dip

• Warm up gradually. Dry off, put on warm clothes and enjoy a hot drink or sauna – but avoid going straight from the cold into extremely hot water.

Many people describe winter swimming as energising and mood-boosting, but long-term health effects are still being studied – think of it as an adventure, not a medical treatment.

Below you’ll find a selection of places in and around Stockholm where you can try winter swimming – from classic city spots to quieter lakeside locations.