Ice bathing in clear water has become increasingly popular in recent years. Immersing yourself in the freezing cold water has been proven to have positive effects on the cardiovascular system, boost the body's immune system, reduce acute pain caused by rheumatism and other joint pain, convert (bad) white fat into (good) beige fat and stimulate the mitochondria. The cold is also said to lift the mood, which in turn can alleviate depression. So there are many good reasons to take an ice bath in Lake Attersee in winter. However, it is important to approach your first ice bath slowly and prepare yourself well.
Ice swimming or winter swimming is swimming in open water at temperatures between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius; it does not necessarily have to be in actual ice. Cold water swimming refers to temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius. If you have never tried it before and would like to learn more about it before giving it a go, the Ice Swimming Association Austria has some helpful tips.
Find a suitable location, such as the lake beach at Lake Attersee at the Boutiquehotel Aichinger. Put on your bikini or swimming trunks, put on a cap and slowly begin your ice bath in the Salzkammergut. Especially at the beginning, it makes sense to take an ice bath with a partner so that you can look out for each other. Then it's time to find peace, block out the world around you and enjoy the moment for yourself. Experienced ice bathers support the process with preparatory breathing exercises.
Professionals generally recommend breathing calmly and slowly through your nose in the water, focusing on exhaling. You should not submerge yourself, as a lot of heat is lost through the head. It is best to fold your hands over your chest and keep them above water. As far as duration is concerned, there is a "temperature = maximum duration" formula. In other words, if the water temperature is 10 degrees, stay in the water for a maximum of 10 minutes; if it is 9 degrees, stay in for 9 minutes, and so on. At 2 degrees and below, 2 minutes in the water is sufficient. For beginners, real ice bathing, i.e. at water temperatures between 0 and 4 degrees, should start with short sequences of approx. 30 seconds and then slowly increase.
Continue to breathe calmly and evenly after the ice bath in Lake Attersee. Dry yourself off, put on warm, loose-fitting clothing, don't forget a hat and gloves, and give your body a chance to warm up slowly on its own. If you feel tired after an ice bath, you have been in the water too long, your adrenaline production is no longer functioning properly, and you should take a break.
Divers from all over the world appreciate Lake Attersee as a unique diving spot. Many do not realise that the ice-cold and therefore crystal-clear water allows visibility of up to an incredible thirty metres, especially in the winter months. This makes every winter dive at Lake Attersee an unforgettable adventure. A dry suit keeps you nice and dry and warm inside, while the silent underwater world lies at your feet, cold as ice. In addition to the natural winter attractions of Lake Attersee, the Dixi diving entry point in Weyregg am Attersee is also home to Austria's first underwater nativity scene.
All information about the entry points for winter diving in Lake Attersee near the Hotel Aichinger, as well as the best diving spots and other underwater attractions in Lake Attersee, can be found here.
Book your stay at Hotel Aichinger and venture into the refreshing winter waters of Lake Attersee with ice bathing and winter diving. Or send us a non-binding enquiry and enjoy unique winter experiences in the Salzkammergut.
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