Typical Ice Swimmers in Finland

‘Eek!’ ‘No way!’ ‘You Finns are nuts!’ These tend to be the first unenthusiastic reactions of tourists faced with the prospect of a dip in an icy lake. Slipping into black, frozen water does bring to mind the fate of the Titanic rather than the exciting prospect of a pleasant swim. Why on earth would anyone take the plunge if they didn’t have to? Well, maybe because it’s not an extreme sport for masochists, but an experience that leaves you feeling fantastic and refreshed.