The winter swimming season has started – Read the instructions for using free changing rooms

Many winter swimming spots in Espoo have separate heated changing rooms for men and women, free of charge. You can open their doors with a key code at any time. The City of Espoo's changing rooms require a door code that you can request by calling the Espoo info, tel. +358 9 81621, open weekdays 8:30 -16:00. Changing rooms are available for the winter swimming season, i.e., until the end of May.

The Laaksolahden talviuimarit swimming club is responsible for the use of changing rooms at the Pitkäjärvi winter swimming spot. The key is subject to a fee; you can request it from the winter swimming spot’s contact person.

The changing rooms on the Oittaa beach are maintained by the local winter swimming club Oittaan Uppo-Nallet.

Oittaa, Kivenlahti and Matinkylä have saunas maintained by private companies. There are no saunas or showers at other winter swimming spots.

Additional information can be found on our website on each winter swimming spot’s own page. Explore the winter swimming spots in Espoo.

Espoo Region Environmental Health Services monitor the water quality, cleanliness and hygiene of winter swimming spots. Winter swimming spots are monitored from October to March.

The amount of intestinal bacteria in swimming water is examined, and the blue-green algae situation is also assessed organoleptically during these visits. You can check water sample results on Espoo beaches on this page.

Espoo Region Environmental Health Services also monitor water quality at two winter swimming spots in Kirkkonummi and at one spot in Kauniainen. The results for the Kauniainen winter swimming spot are available on the same page as the results for Espoo winter swimming spots. You can check the results of the Kirkkonummi winter swimming areas here.

• Only go swimming with a friend. The cold can make even an experienced winter swimmer go stiff quickly. A friend can help you if something happens or it is difficult to get from the water onto the pier because of the cold.
• Warm up before swimming. Good warmups include Nordic walking and skiing. Stretching before going into the water is also recommended.
• Switch off the pump that keeps the hole in the ice open while you swim. Winter swimming spots have pumps that keep the water circulating and the hole in the ice open. The circulation might create even strong vortices in the water. You should switch off the pump while you swim. The switch can usually be found next to the winter swimming spot’s windbreak. Turn the pump back on after swimming.
• Always keep your head above the surface. Diving is not recommended. Getting your head wet may lead to hypothermia. Heat escapes especially through your forehead, the top of your head and your neck, as the blood vessels in the head do not contract. When swimming, it is recommended to wear a woolly hat or some other hat.
• Breathe calmly. Cold water might easily make the swimmer hyperventilate. Deep breathing will help you relax your muscles, which lowers your heart rate and helps you calm down. If you are a first timer, you should start with a quick dip. As your ability to withstand cold temperatures increases, you can gradually extend the time you spend in the water.
• Allow your body to warm up gradually. The temperature difference between the hole in the ice and the sauna puts a strain on the heart, and fluctuations in blood pressure may cause dizziness. You should let your body temperature to stabilise slightly before going to the sauna from the hole in the ice or vice versa.
• Remember adequate hydration. Swimming in cold water and going to sauna will accelerate your metabolism. You will feel less thirsty when it’s cold. Don’t forget to drink water during and after your winter swimming trip.
• Right equipment make winter swimming more comfortable. You can do winter swimming without expensive equipment, but some basic accessories will make the experience more pleasant. Keep your head warm with a woolly hat. Winter swimming shoes or woollen socks will prevent slipping and protect your feet from scratches. You can wear neoprene gloves if you want.

Sources: Suomen Latu(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish), Viisaasti vesillä(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish).