VINTERBADNING

Aarhus, Denmark

​

Water temperature: max 2°C / min 0°C

​

I shiver as I walk with Helle along the pier towards the sea, wrapped in a small towel. I realise later that my only thoughts are on how shockingly cold the water might be, rather than feeling self conscious of my nudity. As my body touches the water, I breathe in sharply and feel hundreds of pinpricks all over my skin. It feels exhilarating but a little painful and after a few seconds, I rush to pull myself out of the water, laughing. Teeth chattering, we quickly find respite in the sauna and we relax for ten minutes. As we leave its warmth, Helle informs me we must dip into the cold waters once more to close our pores. With some hesitation I submerge myself again, but this time I’m surprised by how good it feels and when I get out of the water, I don’t feel cold at all.