Finland - Event

The die-hards swear that it does your circulation, mood and general well-being the world of good. Normal people tend to agree that it's insane. But avantouinti, or ice swimming, is a time-honoured Finnish winter custom.

Go to any piece of frozen water (not difficult in a Finnish winter), drill a large hole, take a deep breath (and perhaps a slug of vodka) and then plunge straight in.

Apparently there are three kinds of swimmer. The toughest simply strip off and dive into the water. Those with a slightly greater sense of comfort change in heated dressing-rooms, while the remaining softies heat up first in a sauna. Pick your style and hit one of the 170 or so maintained ice holes (please contact the Finnish Tourist Board for details).