The Thrill of Ice Swimming in Saaristo
Do you remember what it was like to go swimming as a child?
When a day at the beach was a day to remember,
the first step into the water felt like an adventure,
as the cool waves lapped against your feet.
The sun warmed your skin as you ran back to the shore, only to dive in again and again.
Even though swimming here is a must during the nightless summer season, also ice swimming, or avantouinti as it’s called in Finnish, is a long-standing tradition.
It's said, that cold water immersion reduces inflammation and helps alleviate muscle soreness, making it popular among athletes for recovery.
Ice swimming typically begins with warming up in the sauna.
The intense heat from the sauna prepares the body for the cold plunge, creating a contrast that invigorates the senses.
Once ready, swimmers step outside to the water’s edge, where a hole has been cut into the ice.
Descending into the water, they spend just a few moments immersed in the icy stillness before returning to the sauna to warm up again.
The process is often repeated several times, each plunge becoming easier as the body adjusts to the temperature.
Ice Swimming Spots in Saaristo
Järvelä | This charming sauna retreat on the shore of Lake Littoinen offers an all-round sauna- and ice-swimming experience year-round. Address: Järveläntie 133, 20540 Turku |
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Harjattula | Harjattula, located on the island of Kakskerta near Turku, features spacious saunas with sea views and direct access to the water for winter swimming. The facilities include a wood-heated sauna, a modern electric sauna, and a sheltered swimming area. Address: Harjattulanrannantie 44 |
Villa Wolax | Villa Wolax, situated on the island of Kuusisto near Turku, offers a stunning seaside retreat with a variety of activities and amenities. The venue features a traditional Finnish sauna, a private beach, and opportunities for kayaking or fishing. Sauna Fridays 3.1.-4.4.2025 |
Läbbnas | Labbnäs, located in the peaceful village of Dragsfjärd, offers a pop-up lakeside sauna experience surrounded by serene nature in the heart of Saaristo. Address: Labbnäsvägen 66, 25870 Dragsfjärd |
Ala-Lemu Manor | The Ala-Lemu manor, situated near Turku, features a cozy wood-heated sauna with a private pier for swimming. The peaceful setting is complete with a cafe, jacuzzi and panoramic views of the water. Address: Lemuntie 242, 20760 Kaarina info@alalemunkartano.fi |
