Today, I will break my personal record and take another dip in the Kiel Fjord. The trees are already shedding their leaves and the air is very cold but I have to make the most out of this golden autumn day.

I put on my warmest clothes, hop on my bike, and make my way to the Kiel Fjord. Along Beseler Allee it’s peaceful and many people are enjoying the sunlight on a walk. After all, in Kiel, you never know how long the sun will last.  

I’m starting to feel a bit nervous—how cold will the water be? Will I warm up again after the swim? Will I actually go through with it? 

As I ride onto the Kiellinie I find myself in a sea of cheerful people, all basking in the sunshine. I park my bike across from Moby, shoulder my backpack, and head down to the bathing pier.

I’m surprised by how many people there are—it seems I’m not the only one with this idea today. For some Kiel residents, however, October 25th is just another normal swim day, just like all the other autumn and winter days are for them. 

I put on my swimsuit and slowly walk towards the ladder that leads into the water, feeling the cold breeze on my skin. I take a deep breath and dive into the cold very slowly but determined. Every little moment of hesitation might stop me from going further in. 

Out on the platform again my body feels so numb that I do not feel the cold wind on my body. Before that changes I quickly dry off and put on my warm clothes.

Back in my clothes I watch the other swimmers and enjoy the lively, warm feeling that fills my whole body from the core. I am very glad that I have overcome myself to go swimming in the cold water. 

Theory of cold swimming

No study has yet sufficiently proven that cold bathing actually strengthens the immune system. However, scientists agree that circulation is improved: When you expose your body to low water temperatures, the blood vessels constrict. Once you leave the cold water, they expand again. This explains the pleasantly warm feeling in my body when I left the water. If you regularly swim in cold water, also the cardiovascular system benefits from this training.

Moreover, our bodies release adrenaline, endorphins, and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids when exposed to low temperatures. Therefore, ice bathing can help the body recover more quickly after intense exertion. This is why this practice is very popular among athletes. Additionally, the release of happiness hormones that I also felt myself can have a positive impact on mental health.

With these scientific theories and my own experience in mind I can tell that this challenge is worth a try.

Tips for your cold-water-swim

Keep in mind

• Make sure you never go alone, as there is a risk of cold shock.
• Gradually acclimatize your body to the low temperature and don’t rush it.
• Avoid submerging your head underwater, as the body loses heat very quickly through the head.
• Do not stay in the cold water for longer than 5 minutes. Test your limits slowly and start with just a few seconds.
• Make sure you can dress warmly right after the bath.

Where to swim

• Reventloubrücke: free access
• Badesteg Bellevue: free access
• Seebad Düsternbrook: free access in summer, membership required for winter
• Seebadeanstalt Holtenau: free access in summer, key needed for winter
• Falckenstein Beach: free access
• Schilksee Beach: free access