The Joensuu Polar Bears

Joensuu Polar Bears is a winter swimming club based in city of Joensuu. With more than 1200 members, it’s one of the largest winter swimming clubs in Finland. Their mission is to sustain and promote winter swimming as a healthy hobby. They also host and take part in competitive ice swimming – as crazy as it might sound!

The club has an impressive winter swimming center as their clubhouse. The sauna is heated up daily and the club is open year around. Visitors are more than welcome and many foreign travelers have had memorable experiences dipping into the ice cold waters. Just remember to bring your swimming suit and you are good to go! Start with quick dips and use the sauna often. When you’ve used to the cold, try to swim a couple of strokes – just don’t submerge your head. We’ll bet you will understand the health benefits afterwards.

For more information and directions, visit: www.joensuunjaakarhut.fi/en/frontpage/