A ritual in Sweden that’s followed by steaming yourself up in a sauna, taking a cold bath (kallbad) is meant to put a smile on your face—not a grimace!
This long-held tradition is a way of life in countries such as Norway, Finland, and Sweden. In fact, it began with the ancient Greeks, who used cold baths as a therapy for ailments (a treatment for fever and aching joints), relaxation, and analgesic benefits. Considering the number of Greek baths, the whole affair was definitely a social occasion. Even rampaging Vikings indulged in the practice, maybe not in a bath per se, but plunging into ice-capped lakes was definitely on their agenda.
Taking the cold plunge in Sweden took place as far back as the 18th and 19th centuries. In the early 20th Century, cold bathhouses emerged along the country's coastline and on the fringes of lakes. One can imagine the body's reaction to being immersed in freezing water and then wrapped in a haze of warmth after jittering your way to a purpose-built sauna. Steeped in Swedish culture, this practice of cold bathing followed by a sauna reflects the belief that it's therapeutic, a chance to socialize (clothes on or off in some cases), and the opportunity to commune with nature—the Swedes love being outdoors.
In the 21st Century, cold bathing or swimming is a growing trend worldwide, with many people using social media to brag about their endurance in water temperatures that turn your skin blue and literally take your breath away, as if it's something new. From portable large buckets or tanks to taking a winter plunge in the ocean, it's said to be good for you if you are over eight years old or under sixty with no history of heart dramas. For the oldies over sixty, it's best to consult a health professional before dipping into icy liquid. Apparently, taking cold baths will improve memory (remembering to never do it again), increase energy (jumping out quickly), and decrease any bodily tension (more like give you a case of the shakes and jitters that loosen up your muscles). Of course, the initial shock and adrenaline rush prepare your body to fight or flee when plunging into arctic waters, which some folks will label 'excitement.'
If you are prepared to brave the nail-biting chilly water, following a few tips is helpful, especially if you are a virgin of this practice. Hide briefly in the sauna before and after your dip. Always move to keep your blood flowing through your body, and save on the embarrassment factor by wearing swimwear—remember, body parts shrink when cold! Keep the frosty immersion for short periods and gradually increase the wallowing time in the frigid water. Make sure you get your body temperature back to normal after the numbing experience by using a sauna or having a hot shower, and have a friend handy in case of an emergency, like ending up as an ice cube.
If you wish to freeze your butt off (and everything else) in Sweden, there are plenty of options, including some intriguing venues listed below:
Saltsjöbadens Friluftsbad, Stockholm
An open-air wooden bathhouse built at the beginning of the 20th Century, it has separate cold bath enclaves for women and men, a combined sexes sandy beach, and a restaurant for when you get an attack of the munchies. Closed during the winter months (December to February), its doors are open for the rest of the year.
Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, Southern Sweden
With a history dating back to 1867, when it was first built, this bathhouse is one of the oldest and best-preserved bathhouses that still has its doors open for the adventurous cold soul. It is located in the pretty town of Malmö, where contemporary buildings sit side-by-side with a taste of the old in its historical buildings dating back to the 14th Century that line cobblestone squares. There are separate areas for men and women.
Karlshamns Kallbadhus, East coast
A newbie in the world of cold bath houses, it was opened in 2015 with a distinctive Scandinavian architectural flair akin to a 'flying saucer' on stilts with massive windows overlooking the dramatic archipelago coastline landscape. Again, men and women have their own domains, and it's open all year for the intrepid frigid lovers.
Kallbadhuset Varberg, West coast
An icon in the industry, Kallbadhuset Varberg is perched on stilts and designed with a definitive Asian bent, topped with splendid domes. The area's history goes back to the 1820s when a floating pool was constructed in the ocean. This is one for the nudist enthusiast, as swimsuits are not required. There are separate spaces for men and women, and the venue is open all year round. When you've had your bragging rights moment in arctic waters, there's a café with stunning seaside vistas, but you must wear clothes to appreciate the views.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
