Cold baths are all the rage

Cold-water swimming is said to strengthen the immune system and improve both blood circulation and energy levels. Annika Harrsjö, from Örebro, is a newly converted cold-water swimmer who bathes outdoors regularly year-round. She is a certified health coach and yoga instructor and describes her interest in health as holistic, noting that it is “important to feel good overall.” On her Instagram account , Annika posts inspiring health tips and alternates thought-provoking quotes with uplifting photos of her swims.

But how do you get started with cold-water swimming? What should you keep in mind? Which lakes in Örebro are best suited for cold-water swimming? Annika shares more about this health-boosting trend and how she got started:

The water was 3 degrees when I took my first cold bath.

Annika Harrsjö

"The water was 3 degrees Celsius when I went cold-water swimming for the first time. A friend inspired me to swim in the winter, and I was blown away right after my first dip. The positive effects of the cold-water swim were immediate, and I could feel the endorphins rushing through me."

Annika Harrsjö is winter swimming in a white beanie and a red swimsuit.

She quickly realized that the specific breathing techniques in yoga were very beneficial to her and helped her stay calm. By focusing on her breathing and taking long, deep breaths, it became easier for her to step into the water and resist the urge to rush back to dry land.

"When combined with yoga, cold baths are an excellent way to improve your health. The combination of hot and cold—warming up the body with yoga and cooling down the mind through bathing—has many beneficial effects."

Nearby is the beautiful Lake Lindesjön, where you can try a dip in the cold water if you like. In addition to Lake Lindesjön, Annika recommends several other lovely lakes around Örebro for swimming:

"We often go to Lake Ånnaboda because it’s a swimmer-friendly lake, with a dock and a ladder leading down into the water. For cold-water swimming in particular, it’s helpful to have those kinds of aids so it’s a little easier to get in and out of the water. Plus, the nature in Ånnaboda is so beautiful! Little Ramsjön in Nora is also a favorite, as is Lake Stora Trehörningen in Tiveden."

A woman with blonde hair and a white swimsuit is swimming in a lake. She has her eyes closed and is holding onto a ladder attached to a dock.

Remember to always swim with someone else. Think of it as a social activity, and if something happens, it’s important that you don’t swim alone!

Here are some places to swim in Örebro

Swimming in Örebro: 7 Tips for Swimming Spots

Discover the hidden gems along the shores of Lake Hjälmaren or explore the more central swimming spots. One thing is certain: a dip in the water is refreshing—any time of year!

Learn more at Swimming in Örebro

More inspiration for nature and adventure

"Sörbybacken" spelled out in letters between two pine trees. Between the trees is a high-rope course where a person wearing a blue helmet is standing and balancing.

Full speed ahead at Sörbybacken

Things are in full swing at Sörbybacken. Here you can try the zipline, the high ropes course, and the quickflight, as well as some calmer activities.

Yellow-plastered buildings in Brevens Bruk. One of the buildings has a tall chimney.

Brevens Mill

Brevens Bruk is a virtually untouched industrial complex with yellow-plastered buildings, designated as a cultural heritage site of national interest. It features craft shops, art galleries, a museum, and a café.

Purple flowers in the foreground and a girl wearing a white shirt and brown pants walking in a green park in the background.

Örebro City Park—one of the most beautiful in Europe

Stadsparken is a green oasis in central Örebro where you can take a walk, have a coffee, play in the playground, enjoy the flowers, and watch concerts on the Main Stage.