The 7 Best Ice Bath Spots Around the World

In recent years, ice baths have seen a surge in popularity, from being solely used by elite athletes as part of muscle recovery after intense exercise to being used by a multitude of people, from weekend runners to social media wellness influencers. Ice baths – also known as cold plunges or cold water immersion therapy – have several benefits, alongside muscle recovery, such as a boost in mental well-being.

While ice baths are not for everyone – especially those who are pregnant or suffer from cardiovascular issues – they are a fantastic way to boost recovery and enjoy a spike in mental wellness. As such, these 7 ice baths have been ranked based on their locations, scenery and how usable they are year-round.

Where are the best places in the world for an ice bath?

1. Lake Joutolampi – Finland

Found in Lapland, in the frozen north of Finland, is Lake Joutolampi – and unless you’re an ice bath enthusiast, the last thing you might think of doing is jumping in the freezing cold waters of this largely frozen lake. 

However, if you know anything about Finnish culture, you’ll likely know that they love their saunas (sauna being a Finnish invention). As such, combining an icy cold plunge into the waters of the lake, which sit between 0℃-4℃, with a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna to warm up afterwards is an ice bather’s dream.

The best time of year to utilise this dip is from December to March, when the lake is completely frozen over. Guides will cut a small portion of the lake open for those brave enough to complete the plunge, while the intense heat of the lakeside sauna is there to warm you up in no time at all. In addition, while the calm and peaceful snow-covered landscape surrounds you, it’s like being in a true winter wonderland. There is no better way to start your day than the Finnish way when in Lapland.

2. Laguna del Caminante – Argentina

Found along the Valle de Andorra hiking trail, the attraction of an ice bath at Laguna del Caminante in Argentina is the tricky route to get there, and the reward at the end.

High in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego National Park, Laguna del Caminante is a glacial lagoon, meaning the waters that feed the lagoon come straight from the meltwater of the glaciers, making it an icy cold lake, perfect for an ice bath after a long hike.

If you start from the beginning of the trail, you can expect a 25km hike to reach here, and what better way for instant relief and muscle recovery than taking a dip in this glacial lake, high in the mountains, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green forest?

If you want to enjoy your ice bath experience in peace, then this is the place to go – and the ideal place to cool off after a hike. The best time of year to visit is between November and April, as the peak of winter (June to August) makes the hiking route impassable due to snow.

3. Katsura River – Japan

In the rolling hills to the northwest of Kyoto, the Katsura River gently lolls through groves of maple trees, making this not just one of the best but one of the most scenic ice bath spots in the world.

Shuzenji is arguably the best spot to experience this, with the chilly waters settling into natural pools in the woodland, directly from the runoff from the nearby mountains.

This is an ideal location to visit for an ice bath experience, not just because of the sheer natural beauty of the Japanese countryside, but also to immerse yourself in some Japanese traditions.

Taking a cold plunge in Japan is a tradition that dates back centuries, and is known as mizuburo (cold water bath). This natural experience is also known as misogi (purification), and supports what we know about ice baths today: that they are used to reduce muscle soreness, as well as boost mental clarity.

If you’re a cultural enthusiast, as well as someone who enjoys an ice bath, then this is the place to visit. It is best visited between December and February, when winter is at its coldest, leaving water temperatures just above freezing.

4. Lago di Braies – Italy

Found in the stunning Italian Dolomites, at an elevation of 1,496m above sea level, Lago di Braies is one of Europe’s best spots for an ice bath.

The glacier-fed Alpine water is clear, cool and refreshing year-round, making it one of the most accessible places to take a cold plunge throughout the year. In fact, even during the scorching Italian summers, thanks to the altitude and the lake being fed by glacier water, the water temperatures rarely exceed 14℃ – meaning you can spend the morning sunbathing, and the afternoon in an ice bath.

While many people enjoy man-made ice baths, the advantage of experiencing a natural ice bath in Lago di Braies is the natural benefits associated with it, such as the mineral-rich water having cleansing properties for skin, as well as the simply breathtaking surroundings of the Dolomites.

The lake is also accessible for those who wish to drive up the mountain instead of hiking, including several nearby car parks. There are also many spots on the water’s edge where you can take a quick plunge. For those who don’t mind the extreme cold, we recommend visiting between November and March, when the lake is frozen over, and special spots have to be carved out for those brave enough to take a dip in the icy waters.

5. Taggart Lake – Wyoming, USA

Wyoming is the least populated US state as of 2025, with under 600,000 people calling the Cowboy State home. As such, it is home to vast areas of natural beauty, and its natural geography means that several spots along Taggart Lake are perfect for an ice bath.

Found under the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Mountains, this alpine lake is as beautiful as it is practical, with the sheer beauty of the surrounding scenery being enough to take your mind off the freezing waters for a second or two.

Because the lake is naturally filled from mountain run-off, it remains consistently cold throughout the year, making it perfect for an ice bath, whether you visit in the middle of summer or the middle of winter.

This lake is also situated along a popular hiking trail, which is only around a 5km hike, so accessible for most people, even beginner hikers. Rewarding yourself with some cold water therapy is a great way to end a hike and enjoy the gorgeous scenery at the same time.

6. Rambergstranda – Norway

Found in the remote Lofoten Islands in Norway, Rambergstranda is an ideal place for those seeking solitude while being surrounded by pristine and untouched Arctic scenery.

It’s also the perfect place for an ice bath – it is around 170km north of the Arctic Circle for starters!

Rambergstranda is also unique compared to many of the other spots on this list – saltwater ice bathing is on offer here.

That is because Rambergstranda is located along Flakstad Beach, and with pristine white sands, it is perfect for beach lovers who want a secluded, open beach practically to themselves.

There is parking access nearby, making it one of the most accessible spots for a cold plunge on the Lofoten Islands, while it is also in one of Norway’s most picturesque spots, perfect for basking in the ambience after receiving the benefits of a cold plunge, including improved mood and circulation.

Because it is so far north, it is also cold year-round, meaning an ice bath experience in the summer is still definitely possible.

7. Deception Island – Antarctica

The most remote and unique ice bath spot in the world is found at Deception Island, Antarctica.

While it is not the easiest place to get to, it offers what could potentially be the best ice bath spot in the world. This is because Deception Island sits on a live volcano, meaning it is geothermally heated from below. This is also where Deception Island got its name from: the warmth of the island is deceiving when you’re surrounded by ice.

Visitors here typically take a ‘polar plunge’ – that is, a quick dip in the icy-cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean, before retreating to the island and digging a hole in the black volcanic sand where they can create their own geothermal bath. The waters from below can reach temperatures of up to 70℃, but cold water from the Antarctic Ocean flows in, keeping the temperature at a pleasant bathing level.

Not only is visiting Antarctica a completely unique experience in itself, but why not make it even more unique by having an ice bath followed by a warm bath – all on the same beach?

FAQs

How long should I spend in an ice bath?

Generally, anywhere from two to five minutes is sufficient for muscle recovery. However, beginners should gradually increase their tolerance up to this point, aiming for 30 seconds at first.

Are natural ice baths better than man-made ice baths?

While both have benefits, the natural elements can be beneficial in outdoor ice baths, while man-made ones have the advantage of being perfectly temperature controlled.

Should you warm up immediately after an ice bath?

Yes, but gradually. Taking a hot shower immediately afterwards can cause dizziness as well as discomfort on your skin, whereas a sauna or layering up in warm clothes with a hot drink can be much more beneficial and safe.

Can beginners try ice baths while travelling?

Yes, but never enter the water alone, and choose an experience with a professional guide. You should also aim for shorter immersion times.

How cold is an ice bath?

Ice baths are generally between 0℃ and 10℃, although cold water immersion is usually when the water temperature is under 15℃.