Ice Bathing in Norway—From Tropical Beginnings to Icy Fjords
Moving from the warm Philippines to chilly Norway was a big leap—especially when I realized winter here isn’t just about skiing. Don’t get me wrong, skiing is fun, but I craved more outdoor thrills. The challenge? It’s too darn cold for typical adventures like hiking, camping, or swimming. Then came a surprising suggestion from my Polish friend: Wim Hof–style ice baths. I’d only seen pictures on Instagram of people grinning from ear to ear in a chainsaw-cut hole in the ice. That’s when everything changed—I was about to experience ice bathing, a popular cold water immersion practice in Norway’s winter landscape for the first time.
"A breath of frost, a fearless dive,
Where winter’s grip meets fire inside.
The ice may bite, the air may sting,
Yet here, I rise—alive, burning.”
Why Try Cold Water Immersion?
Ice bathing (or cold water immersion) has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. Enthusiasts claim it can:
Improve circulation and help reduce inflammation
Boost mood and mental clarity
Offer a unique adrenaline rush that breaks the monotony of winter
Even as an “Asian woman who hates the cold,” I found these benefits too intriguing to pass up.
“As if I stroll where waters gleam,
A frozen path, a liquid dream.
Dark green below, an abyss so true,
Yet euphoria waits as I walk through."
My First Sub-Zero Plunge
Living along the west coast of Norway, I’m surrounded by stunning beaches that feel off-limits most of the year—until now. Inspired by those epic images (chain-sawed lake holes, anyone?) and the Wim Hof Method, I decided to test my limits. Sure, stepping into near-freezing water felt like a thousand needles against my skin, but the exhilaration was indescribable. When I emerged, I felt more alive and oddly calmer, like I’d unlocked a hidden superpower.
“Bare skin greets the biting air,
Where none but bold peaks dare to stare.
In frozen depths, my spirit wakes,
The cold is mine—my strength, it takes.
A fearless plunge in a Norwegian lake.”
With ice bathing part of my routine, winter suddenly felt less restricting. I still bundle up in layers, but my tolerance for the cold has improved. Hiking trails once deemed too frigid now feel more approachable, and the sheer thrill of a quick dip leaves me smiling long after I’ve towelled off.
Overcoming the Mental Barrier
“ Who said the freeze must bring me pain?
No, it sparks like fire in my veins.
It trains my mind, it sets me free,
A chill so sharp—yet joy in me."
Beyond the physical discomfort, ice bathing is a mental challenge. Your mind instinctively resists the cold, urging you to escape. But through consistent exposure to freezing waters, I rewired my mindset—learning not just to endure, but to thrive in discomfort. Instead of fearing the cold, I embraced it as a personal challenge. Now, every icy plunge is no longer about enduring discomfort—it’s about embracing resilience, unlocking inner strength, and proving that the mind can conquer the cold.
Final Thoughts
Ice bathing in Norway taught me that winter doesn’t have to be dull or isolating. If a tropical soul like me can muster the courage to jump in, anyone can. It’s not just about the cold; it’s about challenging your mindset, finding joy in unexpected places, and realizing that sometimes, the wildest ideas lead to the biggest rewards. If you’re curious, give cold water therapy a try—you might just discover a new way to thrive in the frost.
