The ladies from Voss ice bathe every week throughout the winter. Photo: Åsmund Aarsand.

Press release - 6 December 2023 13:16

From old Christmas tradition to hot bathing trend

Floating saunas and refreshing winter bathing have become a hot trend in several places in Fjord Norway. But did you know that the traditional Norwegian Christmas bath has a history of over 100 years? In Voss, a small group of pensioner ladies maintain this cool tradition for both social reasons and health benefits.

"My body goes into a kind of resting mode in the cold water, and it becomes like a meditative experience in the beautiful nature", says Marit Wæhle, one of the eight pensioners who enjoys a swim and hot sauna at Voss Hostel throughout the winter.

On this Monday before Christmas, they have put on their Santa hats to create a Christmas atmosphere in the small and cozy sauna. In recent years, more and more people have become interested in ice bathing in Fjord Norway, as a refreshing physical challenge and an enjoyable and social happening. For the eight ice swimmers in Voss, it is an enjoyable way to start the week.

"When you come out of the water, a strong feeling of warmth comes over the body, and I almost feel a bit euphoric. Afterwards the conversation flows easily, endorphins bubble, and it is very social", says Tove Reisegg Jacobsen.

Breathe deeply, and feel that the body is alive

Several of the ladies say that they are not normally the type who seek cold conditions, and they tend to freeze more quickly than others. However, according to them, this is not a hindrance to either trying ice bathing or becoming a pro ice bather.

"I am actually a "freeze baby", and I thought winter bathing was out of the question. There is still a strong sense of accomplishment associated with this when we feel that we accomplish it, and defy the cold. For me, it´s a joy to dive into the ice-cold water and feel that it´s not dangerous or painful at all", says Marit.

She has some good tips for everyone who wants to try ice bathing:

Try it, even if you may think it´s not your thing
Don´t dip your head and hands in, and use a hat and gloves, and remember your water shoes
Don´t jump or dive in like they do on TV, especially not if you are our age
Consult your doctor if you have known health issues
Never ice bathe alone

"When you get in, you should breathe deeply four times, don´t rush, and feel that the body adapts. We try to stay calm and not talk too much when we are in the water, although it´s difficult when there are so many of us who love to chat", Marit continues.

A hot trend for over 100 years

But the popular winter trend has long historical and cultural roots in Fjord Norway. The Christmas bath was a major annual event that was a rare opportunity for many to take a full-body wash. According to social researcher Eilert Sundt, the Chrtismtas bath has traditions dating back to the 1800s, when bathing was an essential part of the preparations for the Christmas season. Both sauna bathing and bathing in water tubs, the sea and rivers were established traditions far back in time.

The historical Christmas bath was often done on Christmas Eve, and it was the man who was the first to go in, followed by the wife, children and servants. After the bath, they put on clean clothes and were ready for the grand Christmas celebration. Along with the Chrismtas bath, they often had a drink, and in several places there were traditions associated with bathing, such as drinking beer and socializing while waiting their turn.

Find your place for a bath

It is this tradition that is the background for the popular trend of saunas and ice bathing in beautiful nature in Fjord Norway today. You can find saunas in villages and cities, both deep in the fjords and along the coast. Common to all is the experience of getting as close to nature as possible, in spectacular and beautiful surroundings.

Health promoting benefits

The social and refreshing aspect of ice bathing is a clear driver for many to take up the tradition or try ice bathing and saunas for the first time. There is also much talk about the health-promoting effects of ice bathing, as the body adapts to the extreme conditions, leading to long-term health benefits. This hypothesis has been confirmed by researchers.

"Among ice bathers, higher levels of several protective factors in the blood have been measured, factors that protect against infections, and this corresponds to the fact that ice bathers have a fewer respiratory infections than others", says Professor Maja-Lisa Løchen at UiT, The Arctic University of Norway.