It’s said to relieve stress and pain. Improve circulation and boost the immune system. It’s said to make you feel reborn, refreshed. Ready for whatever awaits you. It’s time to take a deep breath and gather courage. Sinking down in the dark water makes your body react, every inch is wide awake, ready to escape. The sensation is indescribable, incomparable. A few strokes and the cold is bearable. Nature is all around, clouds whirling by in the sky. The wind blowing gently in the trees. The scent of frozen flora and rich fir fills the air. Until spring, people will go winter swimming – an exhilarating escape that boosts body and mind.

It’s simply a Scandinavian custom.