A cold plunge a day keeps the doctor away! 

By Ellen Sleeuw, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

You’re probably going to think that I am mad, because I thought the same when I first heard about it. However, I quickly came to love the thrill of it.

Copenhagen has many lovely open swimming spots around the city. People gather in the hundreds in the summer, swimming, sunbathing and just socialising. However, there is also a community of people who still use these spaces even during the winter months. Cold plunging/winter bathing (and sauna, if you’re lucky) is very popular. 

Cold plunging is thought to be good for your health, such as helping your immune system and improving circulation. However, for me it was amazing for mental health, it never failed to make me feel so calm afterwards, and it was even better if I was doing it with other people.

The first time I tried it my fingers and toes turned white, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to cycle home because my body was like an ice block. But I kept going that and it became addictive. The moment you enter the water it is cold, and it does feel like a shock, however once you regulate your breathing your mind clears and the whole process feels so peaceful. 

Where to go? There are so many places in Copenhagen to go for a dip, but here are some of my favourites:

• Islands Brygge Havnebadet
• Kalvebod Bølge
• Amager Strand
• La Banchina
• Nordhavn, Badezone Sandkaj
• Badezone Byskoven

Top tips:

1. Take warm clothes, hat, gloves, thermals, jumpers, you name it bring it, its better to be too warm than staying cold!
2. Hot drinks. Whether this be a flask of tea, or even better going to sit in a café for a coffee and pastry afterwards, the hot liquid helps to warm your body from inside.
3. Go with someone, you can hold each other accountable and it also feels safer.
4. Make sure to breath! Regulating your breathing as you enter the water allows your body to stay calm rather than panicking with the cold.
5. Take it one step at a time, even if the first time you only dip your toes in, that’s a great start!
6. Try a sauna. If you get a chance to, I would really recommend trying the cold dip and sauna together. My friend and I attended a ‘family day’ at Havnebadet Islands Brygge, which allowed us to use the saunas for free. You can also book and pay for sessions at places such as Kalvebod Bølge and Fisketorvet open water pool. 

Whilst winter bathing is very popular amongst the Danes, and I also became a big advocate for it, you still need to be careful and sensible! You know your body and just make sure to stay safe.