{"id":1175,"date":"2019-05-01T10:52:40","date_gmt":"2019-05-01T09:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naturetravels.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1175"},"modified":"2019-05-14T15:19:14","modified_gmt":"2019-05-14T14:19:14","slug":"wild-swimming-on-a-nordic-summer-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naturetravels.co.uk\/blog\/wild-swimming-on-a-nordic-summer-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"Wild Swimming on a Nordic Summer Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wild swimming has increased in popularity in the UK in recent years. People appear to embracing the idea of taking a dip in natural waters after years of swimming up and down lanes in a chlorine-filled swimming pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while it’s still quite a novelty here, swimming in the outdoors is totally normal in the Nordic countries, and \u201cwild swimming\u201d is a somewhat strange concept – that\u2019s just how you go for a swim!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s warm enough, why would you swim indoors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children are taught to swim at a young age and spend most of their childhood splashing in lakes, rivers and the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Most
Most children in the Nordic countries will grow up swimming wild from an early age. Photo: John Hartshorn.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For those who are not convinced, there are many benefits of swimming outdoors. It increases circulation, gives your immune system a boost and it burns more calories than robotically paddling up and down a lane. Plus, it\u2019s much more enjoyable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water temperatures will of course vary greatly depending on factors such as the time of year, how far north you are, the depth of the water and the weather conditions a few days beforehand, but in general, lake and archipelago waters in Sweden and Finland can easily reach 20 degrees C or more in the height of summer, making the water very comfortable for swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, deeper lakes such as those in the Norwegian fjords, or lakes in the far north, may remain cold throughout the summer and in some cases temperatures may be only in single figures – be particularly careful if the water is cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter swimming is also popular for the brave in Sweden, Norway and Finland in connection with a traditional sauna, but you may want to just have a roll in the snow to cool down quickly as it can be quite a shock to the system!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Enjoy
Enjoy diving – but check the depth of the water and for any hazards first! Photo: Josh Meaden.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Please remember that any sort of swimming has its risks and you should always be sensible in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never swim alone, as wild waters won\u2019t have the benefit of a lifeguard. If it\u2019s very cold, get in the water gently, as the shock of the cold water can cause breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, leaping into a lake on a hot summer’s day is highly recommended. If it’s deep enough, why not practise your dive, as a belly flop can be painful but does have the added bonus of splashing any surrounding bystanders!<\/p>\n\n\n\n