Students try winter swimming: “It can’t be worse than the exam I have tomorrow”
Nine students tried winter swimming for the first time under a radiant spring sun. The ice lay smooth across Brunnsviken, but in the sawn-up ice hole, icy water awaited – and the tension in the air was almost tangible.
Everyone went straight into the ice hole, almost without hesitation! Photo: Karin Warvlin.
Winter swimming has become increasingly popular in recent years. The leaders for the day, Joel Humlesjö from the Student Health Service and Wilhelm Ek Tedefors from SSIF – Stockholm Student Sports Association – both experienced winter swimmers, wanted to give students the opportunity to try the activity under safe conditions.
Gathering at Studenthuset
Before the swim, the group gathered in Studenthuset for a short briefing and some practical tips. Helga, a trained lifeguard, was present in case she would be needed.
The students were divided into pairs to support each other during the swim. The group was mixed and consisted of both national and international students at different levels of study. Most had not met before.
Marie Plays, an Erasmus student from Sorbonne Université in Paris, feels the cold but smiles during her first winter swim. Photo: Karin Warvlin.
Heading for the ice hole in Kräftriket
After that, the group headed toward a bathing jetty in Kräftriket where an ice hole had already been sawn open and frequently used by cold-water swimming enthusiasts in the area.
At the dark opening in the ice, the students gathered, and an excited anticipation hung in the air. Joel and Wilhelm demonstrated how the plunge would be carried out, and then it was time. One by one, the students stepped down into the icy water.
Chek Yia Choi with a cup of warming coffee after the swim. Photo: Karin Warvlin.
Typically Scandinavian
Doctoral student Chek Yia Choi considers winter swimming as something one should try during their time in Sweden.
– It feels like a Swedish thing, so I wanted to cross it off my bucket list of Swedish things. It was good to try it in a group so it felt safe. I would recommend others to try it at least once.
Jean-Lucien Raban-Schürmann, Marie Plays and Emilie Leblanc from Sorbonne Université in Paris. Photo: Karin Warvlin.
Student Jean-Lucien Raban-Schürmann was pleasantly surprised:
– At first it felt really cold but only for a couple of seconds. After that it actually started to feel quite warm, and now I feel totally relaxed. I would recommend others to try it.
Ilana Jode says she isn’t fond of cold water (in Swedish: “badkruka”) but didn’t hesitate to jump into the ice hole. Photo: Karin Warvlin.
Challenging yourself
Teacher education student Ilana Jode, who describes herself as someone who dislikes swimming in cold water, joked several times about why she was putting herself through this – but still stepped into the water when it was her turn.
– It feels good to have done it! It felt safe to do it together with others. I was thinking to myself; it can’t be worse than the exam I have tomorrow!
She also sees value in challenging yourself:
– As a teacher I will probably face bigger challenges than this. So it is a good way to develop.
All of the students stayed in the water for at least 60 seconds. Several also dipped their heads before getting out – a slightly more advanced version of winter swimming. Afterwards, the atmosphere was cheerful. All participants agreed: it was an exciting experience and it felt great to try winter swimming together in a safe and suitably sized group.
A happy group after a fun experience together! Photo: Karin Warvlin.
Tips for those who want to try winter swimming
- Focus on your breathing – the first few seconds are the worst
- Try to stay still in the water – the cold feels less intense then
- Keep your hands above the water surface – they cool down quickly otherwise
- Move slowly when getting into and out of the water
Last updated: 2026-03-13
Source: Student Services