Cold plunges are more than just another popular wellness trend—they’re a time-honored tradition in many cultures around the world, including Nordic countries such as Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland. Cold plunge therapy involves submerging yourself in cold water, whether it be a lake, ocean, or an at-home ice bath.

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Cold plunges offer many health benefits ranging from aiding in faster recovery and boosting the immune system to reducing inflammation and improving sleep, among others. Cold plunge therapy is often paired with saunas or steam baths, and Nordic countries like Norway offer the ideal picturesque setting for enjoying a cold water therapy session with pristine lakes, forests, and the Northern Lights.

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Up Norway, Norway’s leading sustainable luxury travel curator, provides their list of the five best cold plunges across Norway that offer a variety of unique experiences for travelers.

Urban Oslofjord Plunge

Oslo saunas are located along the harbor promenade, right in the heart of the city center. Travelers can enjoy a private morning sauna session at the Oslo Badstu Forening with architecturally renowned cosmopolitan views prior to a jump into the Oslofjord. Open year-round, this plunge offers a rejuvenating start to the day while being immersed in the cityscape.

Arctic Plunge at Isfjord Radio

Part of Up Norway’s exclusive "Far Out in Svalbard" itinerary, this remote plunge experience at Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, inaccessible by any roads, promises unmatched serenity. The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole and the destination is known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, and Arctic foxes.

After a day of Arctic adventures, travelers can visit the sauna, an architectural gem, situated on the edge of the tundra with views of Isfjorden, Forlandet islands, and passing whales.

Secluded Beach Plunges from Kalvåg

Travelers can experience the charm of the traditional fishing village Kalvåg before going by boat to Grotlesanden or Vetvika Beach. Renowned as Norway's best beach, Grotlesanden’s captivating 700-meter-long shoreline is a year-round wonder. To get to Vetvika, travelers must hike over rugged mountain terrain to the hidden gem. The breathtaking view and dip at the sea makes the trip rewarding.

Later, as the afternoon unfolds, travelers can return to the village via boat where the majestic sea eagle flies overhead. Back at Knutholmen, guests also have access to the traditional floating sauna and plunge along the Frøysjøen strait, the southern entrance to the Nordfjorden.

Northern Lights Plunge

For the truly adventurous, the Northern Lights Plunge for guests staying at Varanger Lodge in the Finnmark region of northeastern Norway offers a dramatic ice hole dip. After warming up in a wood-fired sauna, guests can do the cold plunge in a frozen mountain lake where a motorized saw is used to cut a hole in the ice daily. The best part is that guests can witness the ethereal beauty of thousands of stars, and likely even the Northern Lights.

Sauna Ritual in the Mountains

Geilo is a mountain village located midway between Oslo and Bergen, known for its stunning natural beauty. Travelers can combine the thrill of a mountain hike with the relaxation of a private sauna ritual that revitalizes both body and soul. Upon arrival, the experienced sauna therapist will guide travelers through a holistic wellness experience where they will enjoy the aromatic scents of selected essential oils and  herbs such as chamomile and lavender providing natural healing effects.

The sauna experience connects visitors with nature through many different steam and sauna rituals. Following the sauna session, one can dip in the ice-cold lake for a cold plunge.

For more information about Up Norway and to plan your next adventure, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @upnorway

[Photos courtesy of Up Norway]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk