The winter swimming season is starting – heated changing rooms can be used with the winter swimming wristband

A winter swimming wristband will be introduced at the winter swimming sites at Espoo’s seaside beaches (Hanikka, Haukilahti, Kallvik, Kivenlahti, Klobben, Matinkylä, Tyrskyvuori, and Westend) starting on 1 September 2026. With the winter swimming wristband, you can use all city-maintained heated changing rooms at winter swimming spots by the sea. A wristband was introduced for the changing room of the Westend winter swimming site in January 2026.

The winter swimming wristband costs 30 euros / season. The product loaded onto the wristband is valid for the entire winter swimming season, from 1 September to 31 May.

The product and the wristband can be puchased at the City of Espoo indoor swimming pools. You can download the product to the same wristband as the multi-visit products for indoor swimming pools and gyms. A new wristband costs 10 euros. You do not need to purchase a separate wristband if you already have a wristband for the multi-visits products for indoor swimming pools or gyms.

The lock of the changing room door opens with the winter swimming product downloaded to the wristband. The door lock is active between 5:00 and 24:00. From 1 September 2026, you can only enter the changing rooms with a wristband. 
The previously used door code is no longer in use.

As a rule, the door codes used until now have worked well but vandalism and misuse of the changing rooms have increased. Supervised access control will enhance customer safety.

• 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).