Ice bathing in Lake Attersee means swimming in water that is usually around 2 to 5 °C, right in the heart of the Salzkammergut lake district. If you would like to try it, start with short dips of about 30 seconds, never alone and well prepared. From Hotel Aichinger in Nussdorf am Attersee, the water is only a few minutes' walk away, and afterwards you can warm up back at the hotel.
Ice bathing has gained more and more fans in recent years. Many enjoy the clarity and freshness that comes with stepping into cold water, and the quiet of the winter landscape around the lake.
Ice bathing, also called winter swimming, means bathing in open water at temperatures of around 0 to 4 °C. The lake does not need to be frozen. Cold-water swimming refers to temperatures of about 5 to 15 °C.
In winter, Lake Attersee usually cools to around 2 to 5 °C, and the water is often coldest in February. Because the lake is large and deep, it very rarely freezes over. Temperatures vary from year to year and from one part of the shore to another.
Choose a calm entry point, for example Hotel Aichinger's lake beach on Lake Attersee. Especially when you are new to it, go in with a partner so you can keep an eye on each other. Experienced ice bathers prepare for the cold with calm breathing exercises.
For beginners: start with short dips of about 30 seconds and build up gradually. As a guideline, the regional tourist board Attersee-Attergau recommends: water temperature in degrees divided by two equals the maximum time in minutes, so no more than about 2 minutes at 4 °C. In the water, breathe calmly through your nose and focus on breathing out.
There are plenty of assumptions about ice bathing. Here are the three most common, checked:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “The lake has to be frozen.” | Ice bathing starts at around 0 to 4 °C water temperature. No ice is needed. |
| “The longer, the better.” | Short dips are the safe way to start. The guideline is degrees divided by two in minutes. |
| “Your head should go under.” | Putting your head under costs a lot of heat. It is better to keep your head above water. |
In winter, the water of Lake Attersee is especially clear: divers report visibility of up to around 25 to 30 metres. A drysuit keeps you dry and warm even when the water is only a few degrees above freezing. A well-known entry point is on the eastern shore: the Dixi dive entry in Weyregg am Attersee.
At the Dixi dive entry in Weyregg, Austria's first underwater nativity scene is placed underwater every winter. It goes into the lake each year on the first Sunday of Advent and can be seen until Candlemas on 2 February.
Keep breathing calmly and steadily after your ice bath. Dry yourself off, put on warm, loose clothing and give your body time to warm up gradually on its own. Feeling slightly tired afterwards is normal, because warming up takes energy. If you feel very exhausted, you probably stayed in the water too long.
At Hotel Aichinger, everything is close at hand: the sauna and steam bath in the wellness area at Hotel Aichinger and the award-winning restaurant DAS BRÄU are in the same building.
Book your stay online at Hotel Aichinger or send a non-binding enquiry for your winter break at Lake Attersee. When you book direct, we guarantee you the nicer room in your booked category. For more ideas for the colder months, see winter activities at Lake Attersee.
Ice bathing can improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, alleviate joint pain, convert unhealthy white fat into beneficial beige fat, and enhance mood, potentially alleviating depression.
It's essential to approach your first ice bath slowly. Begin by finding a suitable location, wear appropriate swimwear, and consider partnering with someone for safety. Focus on breathing exercises before and during the bath.
The duration should match the water temperature: if the water is 10 degrees Celsius, stay in for a maximum of 10 minutes. Beginners should start with short sessions of about 30 seconds at temperatures between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius.
After an ice bath, continue to breathe calmly, dry off, and wear warm clothing, including a hat and gloves. Allow your body to warm up gradually, and if you feel fatigued, it may indicate you stayed in the water too long.
Lake Attersee offers crystal-clear water with visibility up to thirty meters, especially in winter. It is renowned for its unique underwater attractions, including Austria's first underwater nativity scene, making every dive a memorable experience.
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