Ice swimming
Embrace the cold waters.
Refreshing experience
In Kuopio and the surrounding areas there are several winter swimming spots and ice holes – and for good reason, as the sport has gained immense popularity in recent years. Thanks to dedicated enthusiasts, winter swimming clubs have been established in the Kuopio region, with a long waiting list of eager new members.
Publicly accessible winter swimming locations in Kuopio include Saana, Rauhalahti’s Jätkänkämppä, Luoto and the Kuopion Talviuimarit Ry winter swimming site at Väinölänniemi.
Winter Swimming Spots in Kuopio
Saana offers a winter swimming season from October to May, with access to both the ice hole and sauna available through a seasonal pass. A discounted seasonal pass is available for children.
At Rauhalahti’s Jätkänkämppä, traditional and smoke sauna evenings are held every Tuesday and are open to everyone. After enjoying the gentle heat of the smoke sauna, you can refresh yourself in the waters of Lake Kallavesi and, if you wish, continue the evening with a traditional lumberjack dinner accompanied by live music.
At Väinölänniemi, winter swimming is available for visitors with a guest wristband every Tuesday and Friday from 4 PM to 9 PM. The wristband, costing 10 € (cash only), can be purchased from Sale grocery store at Kuopio harbour. It grants access to the ice hole, dressing rooms and sauna. The Kuopion Talviuimarit ry association maintains the site, and its members have extended access to swimming and sauna facilities. Membership is currently full, but new applicants are occasionally accepted onto the waiting list. The association also operates a second winter swimming site in Sorsasalo, which, due to high demand, is open exclusively to members.
At Luoto, located at the breakwater of Kuopio’s passenger harbor, visitors can also take a dip in the ice hole by purchasing a sauna wristband. The wristband includes a two-hour sauna session.
Ice swimming spots near Kuopio
In Siilinjärvi, just outside Kuopio, there are two winter swimming locations. Avantosauna Lauteet welcomes everyone to enjoy the sauna and ice swimming. Access is available with a single-entry ticket or a seasonal membership. In Siilinjärvi there’s also Spa Hotel Kunnonpaikka, where visitors can experience winter swimming during the public smoke sauna evenings held on Mondays and Saturdays.
In Tahko, the Löylykontti in the town center offers a year-round sauna and winter swimming experience. The sauna operates by reservation only, and visitors can book a spot for a shared session or reserve the entire sauna for private use.
In Nilsiä, the Kankaisten winter swimming spot, maintained by the City of Kuopio, is freely accessible for winter swimming. Those who wish to use the dressing room can collect an access key from the customer service point at Nilsiä Library with a refundable deposit. There is no sauna at this location.
Membership required in these spots
Due to the growing popularity of winter swimming, some clubs in the region operate member-exclusive facilities that are currently at full capacity.
In Petonen, Kuopio, the Petosen Talviuimarit ry maintains a winter swimming center at Kirveslahti Beach. This facility includes an ice hole, piers and saunas, but is strictly reserved for members. At present, the club is full and is not accepting new members or visitors.
Pinboard