Winter swimming at Skellefteå Kanotklubb in Ursviken

Swimming outdoors in winter has shown good health effects. Studies claim that winter bathers, among other things, have lower blood pressure, withstand the cold better, and become more stress-resistant - not to mention all the endorphins that get a rush of joy after a winter dip.

In theory, it might not sound like the best of ideas. A winter bath. To only undress when the thermometer reads -20 degrees goes against all human common sense. But once you discover that it's not so dangerous to bob around among sleet and ice crystals, that rush of happiness comes and settles like warm cotton around your heart - and the risk is that you become a winter bather for life.

Updated information December 8th, 2025:
New location for ice-bathing is Skellefteå Kanotklubb in Ursviken. Sauna available. The premiere was Sunday December 7th year 2025 in Ursviken from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

NOTE! Join the Facebook group Vinterbad in Skellefteå where the association posts information about winter bathing and information about when there is winter bathing at Skellefteå Kanotklubb in Ursviken.
 

Tips and advice

Equipment:

• Normal swimwear that you use when swimming in a bathhouse. 
• A bathrobe or a large bathing sheet to protect your body when moving between the dressing rooms to the swimming spot. 
• Warm hat. 
• Big shoes that are easy to put on when your feet are wet. Something even better is bath shoes which you can wear all the way from the dressing rooms, during the bath and afterwards (Crocs). 
• You can use gloves made out of neoprene, but it is not necessary. 

Before bathing: 

• We do not recommend that you use the sauna before swimming since it strains the body more than if you do it after. 
• Feel free to warm up before the swim with some physical activity, such as taking a fast-paced walk or doing physical exercises. 
• Depending on the cold air, wind and moisture can feel colder or less cold when walking between the dressing rooms and the hole. Your daily fitness is also a factor. 
• Do feel free to tell us if there is something we need to know. It can be anxiety, or that you have certain habits when winter swimming, or any conditions that you might have.