Embracing the Chill: A Year of Swimming Adventures in scandinavia
With the glow of cozy lights illuminating the snow-covered slopes of Mount Fløyen, I found myself battling a brisk wind, clad only in a swimsuit, as I prepared to join friends for a swim in BergenS harbor. The stars began to twinkle against the darkening sky, hinting at an extraordinary experience ahead.
A Moment That Changed Everything
Reflecting on pivotal moments often reveals their importance only after they’ve passed. At that time, my decision to plunge into icy waters felt like just another choice. Just shy of backing out, I took the leap. The frigid water was shocking; it stung my skin and left me gasping for air as I paddled furiously beneath its surface. Within less then a minute, we emerged from the depths.
The Spark of Inspiration
Cuddled around steaming mugs of hot chocolate post-swim, our skin tingling from the cold embrace of nature’s elements, more women joined us at the café with hair still damp from their aquatic adventures. As stars filled the evening sky above us, we shared stories about swimming and its invigorating effects on our spirits. After leaving my job due to burnout,I had been searching for something revitalizing; that day marked my commitment: “I’m dedicating this year to swimming across Nordic countries,” I declared to my friend enthusiastically.
The Nordic Connection with Water
Nordic culture is rich with interesting stereotypes—Finns are saeid to be born amidst steam and Norwegians on skis—but if you ask me, every Nordic individual has saltwater coursing through their veins due to their profound love for maritime life. In Icelandic tradition, water is viewed as therapeutic; when seeking clarity or solace, one should immerse themselves fully—a ideology that became central during my journey.
A Weekly Commitment to Swim
I resolved then and ther: each week would find me swimming wherever life took me. After that initial plunge in Bergen’s harbor, I returned home to Copenhagen and mapped out potential swim spots across Scandinavia—where could I dive next? My local harbor was an obvious choice but what about Sweden just 35 minutes away by train? Or perhaps even venturing north into Arctic waters? Allas Pool—a heated floating oasis nestled within Helsinki’s harbor—caught my eye after seeing it online.
Packing light for Adventure
As a journalist focused on Scandinavian travel stories made logistics simple—I simply packed my essentials whenever heading out for assignments: one swimsuit along with two towels (one designated for drying off feet) and an S hook recommended by fellow swimmers so bags wouldn’t end up soaked or muddy while unattended!
A Network Built Through Shared Passion
I reached out via instagram connecting with other enthusiasts who welcomed me into their aquatic circles whenever visiting nearby towns or cities known for saunas or natural beaches frequented by swimmers alike! Serendipity played its part too—I found myself writing about an enchanting hotel located within Norway’s remote archipelago while packing up yet again! Arriving amidst swirling snowflakes led me down slippery paths towards the Arctic Hideaway’s sauna , where flip-flops were hardly appropriate footwear!
Photograph credit goes here!
Daring Swims Across Borders
Diving headfirst into chilly waters became second nature over time! From mermaid-clad dippers embracing whimsy alongside whirlpool enthusiasts relishing daily rituals submerged beneath waves—it was exhilarating meeting individuals pursuing ambitious challenges while also enjoying simple pleasures derived from regular swims together! This transformative journey reshaped not only how confidently navigate cold seas but also fostered connections among diverse communities sharing similar passions!