Pyhätunturi: Ice Floating & Sauna Experience

This 2.5-hour tour in Lapland offers a unique blend of cold and heat, combining ice floating in a dry suit with relaxing sauna sessions. Starting near Pyhätunturi, this experience is designed for those curious about Finnish traditions and seeking a memorable winter adventure. The tour includes a dry suit, a short safety briefing, and the chance to play with ice or try ice swimming without a drysuit.

While it’s an activity that emphasizes relaxation and support in icy water, it’s important to note that certain health restrictions apply, making it unsuitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or those over 243 lbs. The experience is accessible in English and Finnish, with flexible booking options that allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

For anyone interested in lakeside sauna culture and cold water support, this tour offers a peaceful yet invigorating way to connect with Finland’s winter traditions. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience winter’s contrasts safely, with guides providing clear instructions and support throughout.

Key Points

• Duration: 2.5 hours, including preparation, floating, and sauna time
• Location: Near Pyhätunturi in Lapland, Finland
• Activities: Ice floating in a dry suit, sauna, optional ice swimming without a suit
• Included: Drysuit, safety briefing, access to lakeside sauna
• Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women, heart issues, or those over 243 lbs
• Booking: Flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

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The Unique Setting of Pyhätunturi’s Frozen Lake

This tour takes place right close to the dressing room and sauna, on a frozen lake in Lapland. The setting offers stunning winter scenery with the vast, icy expanse of the lake as a backdrop. The dry suit provided ensures participants can safely float in icy water, feeling the support of the water while remaining warm and dry.

The support of icy water in the dry suit is a key feature, helping participants feel relaxed and supported as they float. The experience emphasizes the contrast of cold and heat, with the sauna heated and open during the activity, creating a comforting environment after the cold water experience.

The proximity of the lake to the sauna means there’s no long travel time between activities, allowing for a smooth flow from floating to sauna relaxation.

Preparation: What to Bring for the Ice Floating Experience

Participants are advised to bring swimwear, a towel, and thermal clothing. These essentials will help ensure comfort during the sauna and after the water float. The dry suit is provided by the tour, designed specifically for icy water, but personal clothing and towels are necessary for afterwards.

Since the activity involves cold water, packing thermal layers will enhance comfort during transitions. The short safety briefing provided before entering the water covers how to float safely and play with ice if desired, ensuring everyone feels prepared.

How the Dry Suit Enhances the Ice Floating Experience

The dry suit plays a crucial role in safety and comfort for ice floating. It allows participants to relax in the icy water without feeling cold, as the suit prevents water from entering and keeps body heat in. The suit supports floating effortlessly, enabling a calm, meditative experience as the water supports the body naturally.

Guides are present to explain how to float and to assist with ice-breaking activities. For those feeling more active, there’s an option to play with ice or try breaking ice with instructor help, adding an element of fun and interaction.

After the floating, participants switch to swimming suits or towels before heading to the sauna, making the transition easy and comfortable.

The Lakeside Sauna: Finnish Tradition in Action

Post-floating, the heated lakeside sauna becomes the focus. It’s open during the entire program, allowing visitors to dip in anytime. The sauna offers a chance to warm up quickly, complementing the cold water experience perfectly.

The Finnish sauna culture is explored as guides share insights into its significance, making this part of the experience both relaxing and educational. The sauna’s warm environment contrasts sharply with the icy lake, creating a classic Finnish winter ritual.

Participants also have the option to try ice swimming without a drysuit, offering a more daring way to connect with traditional Finnish winter practices. Whether relaxing in the sauna or taking a quick dip, the sauna session enhances overall well-being and comfort.

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Physical Requirements and Safety Precautions

This experience requires participants to be at least 150 cm (4 ft 9 in) tall and not exceed 110 kg (243 lbs). It’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with heart problems. Travelers feeling under the weather or with a cold should reschedule for another day to ensure safety.

Guides provide a short safety briefing, explaining how to float safely and play with ice responsibly. The English and Finnish-speaking instructors are experienced in guiding participants safely through the icy water and sauna routines.

Logistics and Booking Flexibility

The tour starts at various times depending on availability, giving flexibility for scheduling. It’s possible to reserve your spot now and pay later, which helps to plan your trip without immediate financial commitment.

Cancellations are fully refundable if made at least 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind to booking. The tour is designed with a small group size, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Arctic Activities

Unlike snowmobile safaris or husky sledding, this experience emphasizes personal relaxation and mindfulness through the cold and heat contrast. The support of the dry suit and lakeside sauna create a well-rounded experience focused on well-being.

Compared to ice climbing or snowshoeing, this tour offers a gentler, more meditative way to enjoy Lapland’s winter. The ability to try ice swimming without a drysuit provides a daring option for those who want a true adrenaline rush, while the sauna and floating cater to those seeking peace and relaxation.

The Sum Up: A Refreshing and Warm Finnish Winter Experience

This Pyhätunturi Ice Floating & Sauna Experience stands out for its balanced approach to winter, blending cold water support with warm sauna relaxation. The dry suit ensures safety and comfort, making it accessible even to those new to icy water activities.

The location near Pyhätunturi offers a scenic, quiet setting perfect for mindfulness and tranquility. The guides’ expertise helps build confidence, and the flexible booking options make it easy to include in any winter itinerary.

While it’s necessary to consider health restrictions, this experience is ideal for adventurers seeking a peaceful connection with Finnish winter traditions. It’s a refreshing activity that awakens the senses and leaves you feeling invigorated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dry suit included in the tour?
Yes, the dry suit is provided as part of the experience, ensuring safety and comfort during ice floating.

Can I try ice swimming without the dry suit?
Yes, after floating, you can try ice swimming without a dry suit if you feel comfortable, provided you meet the physical requirements.

What should I bring with me?
Participants need to bring swimwear, a towel, and thermal clothing for after the floating and sauna.

Is the activity suitable for children?
The tour has a minimum height requirement of 150 cm (4 ft 9 in) and weight limit of 110 kg (243 lbs). It’s not specified if children under 4 ft 9 in are accepted.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts 2.5 hours, including safety briefing, floating, ice activities, and sauna time.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.

Is the sauna always open during the tour?
Yes, the heated lakeside sauna is open during the entire program and can be used anytime.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak English and Finnish, providing clear instructions and insights throughout the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby