Swimming in winter has become more and more popular. In Bergen, there are several places where you can jump in the water and get the cold shock before the joy of the fresh ice bath kicks in. The boost of adrenaline and endorphins in your body gives you more energy.
Whether you prefer to jump in or walk calmly into the water, hold on to the ladder or go for a swim, you can afterwards adorn yourself with the title ice bather. And if you just want an outdoor bath with winter temperatures in the air, there are ways to cheat a little too. The discussion whether it qualifies or not, however, you have to answer for yourself...
Is ice bathing healthy?
Researchers dispute the health effects of ice bathing, but that endorphins and adrenaline are released in the body, they largely agree on. The endorphins can have a pain relieving effect and also work against depression, so you can experience being in a better mood and getting more energy. Research has also shown that the cold shock can start the metabolism.
But remember that ice bathing is not for everyone, and do not forget that there is a risk of shock due to the cold. Never bathe alone, and if you have severe cardiovascular disease or epilepsy you should stay away. If you have the opportunity, it is often an advantage to start in late summer, and gradually adapt to the declining temperature over the winter.
Here are some great places for swimming in winter in Bergen and the region:
1. Nordnes Sjøbad in Bergen City Center
Nordnes Sjøbad (sea bath) was established in 1910, and has a long tradition of receiving bathers, albeit primarily in the summer. But with increasing interest in ice swimming and winter swimming, Nordnes Sjøbad is also open several days a week throughout the winter. After a fresh sea bath, you can warm up either in the heated seawater pool or in one of the saunas. There are also changing rooms and shower facilities.
Photo: Arne Haugland
2. Solstrand Hotel & Bad in Os, 40 minutes from Bergen city center
Another place with historical buzz is Solstrand Hotel & Bad. The hotel was built in 1896 and has been run by the same family for generations. Located at the waterfront by the Bjørnefjord, you can easily stroll down to the pier just wearing your bathrobe. Solstrand Hotel & Bad also has a heated outdoor swimming pool, with beautiful views of the fjord and mountains.
On weekdays, the hotel's spa is also open for booking treatments for those not staying at the hotel. You will then also get free access to the bathing facilities.
Photo: Montag Solstrand
3. Mjøsvågen on Osterøy - Flabellina
In Mjøsvågen on Osterøy you can combine the chilling sea bath with lovely heat - and vice versa. In addition to providing shelter and warmth, the sauna is also an art project, with artists Wenche Kvalstad Eckhoff and Else Karin Tysse Bysheim responsible for the artistic part. The sauna is decorated both inside and outside with inspiration from the nudibranchs snail, which is also called the butterfly of the sea. The snail lives in the Norwegian fjords and stand out with its fluorescent colors.
Photo: Flabellina
Read more about the floating artistic sauna Flabellina here.
4. The Skomakerdiket lake on Mount Fløyen
You do not necessarily have to jump into the sea to go ice swimming. At Mount Fløyen, they have organized winter swimming in the Skomakerdiket lake when the ice is safe on the lake. Please check Floyen.no for dates. Here they take ice bathing literally! If there is ice on the water, they make a hole and put out a ladder, and if there is no ice, you can walk in from the beach. When you are finished you can enjoy the warmth of the indoors at the new Skomakerstuen hut with delicious hot soup while you talk to other tough swimmers. To get to the top of Mount Fløyen you can take the Fløibanen Funicular from the city center.
Photo: Fløyen
5. Heit Sørfjorden Sauna in Hardanger or in Bergen city center
Heit Sørfjorden Sauna is located 2.5 hours by car from Bergen, but definately worth the drive! Heit Sauna Sørfjorden is beautifully located with stunning views of the fjord and mountains. Here you can enjoy a cold dip in the fjord followed by a steaming hot sauna. Swimming in the fjords can be a chilling experience and the sauna is a welcoming place to heat up after a refreshing dip. If you are doing the Dronningstien hike, a visit to Heit Sauna Sørfjorden is the perfect way to end your day.
If you want the sauna experience, but not the drive, the Heit Bergen Sauna 10 minute walk from the city center, just behind VilVite Science Center. Open all year and you can book a shared sauna or a private sauna for you and your friends. The other option in Bergen city center is the sauna boat City Sauna & Cruise.
Foto: Heit Sørfjorden Sauna
Foto: Heit Bergen Sauna
So far, we have given you tips to the most comfortable places with the opportunity to quickly get back into the heat, but there are of course several places you can winter swim in Bergen. Check out more popular beaches in Bergen.
Some useful tips for swimming during the winter:
If you do not have a short way back into the heat, these tricks can be useful:
- A beanie on your head keeps the body warmer.
- Wear woolen socks when swimming. Change to dry woolen socks when you get back up. Bring a mat or sandals to stand on while changing. It quickly gets cold standing on the cold ground.
- Wear wool after the swim.
Are you not completely convinced that winter swimming is for you? Then Bergen fortunately has several options for indoor swimming as well, such as Vannkanten Waterworld and Ado Arena.
Check out more things to do in Bergen in winter.
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