--- title: Ice bathing on Lake Mondsee url: "https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en/magazin/ice-bathing-on-lake-mondsee.html" description: Tried out ice bathing and scrutinised closely image: "https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/user_upload/mondsee/Bilder_Startseite_1140x641___flip_carousel/Mondsee_Logo_80__gro%E2%94%9C%C6%92.jpg" author: Sarah Schopf date: 2025-02-06 modified: 2025-02-06 --- # Ice bathing on Lake Mondsee Ice and winter swimming at Lake Mondsee ======================================= An unforgettable experience for beginners and advanced skiers -------------------------------------------------------------- Ice bathing and winter swimming have become a trend that is attracting more and more people - and not without reason! This activity not only promises a good dose of adventure, but also has numerous health benefits. Especially in the Salzkammergut, with its picturesque lakes such as Lake Mondsee or Lake Irrsee, ice or winter swimming is attracting more and more people. But how does it feel to jump into the icy water for the first time? Our colleague Beatrix recently had this experience. We accompany her on her first winter swimming adventure and at the same time give tips for beginners who would also like to try this experience. Preparations for ice swimming ----------------------------- © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/8/9/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-36_8aad905b87.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Relax with breathing exercises and prepare yourself for the cold water © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/7/0/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-38_043091e603.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") 1. 2. [ previous slide ](#ttgNCESlider350848) [ next slide ](#ttgNCESlider350848) I'm curious, but also a little nervous. I've heard that it's very healthy and I wanted to know if it's really as refreshing and healthy as everyone says. Beatrix tomorrow in Black India on the shores of Lake Mondsee © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/7/e/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-8_5358090e11.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/9/d/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-54_31eac8d702.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") It helps you to really get in touch with yourself. If you're not used to the cold temperatures of the water in winter, it's important to do some soul-searching beforehand and prepare yourself mentally for the bath. Beatrix Tips for the right preparation ------------------------------ ### To help you start your first winter swimming adventure well prepared, we have prepared a checklist for you here: 1. **Swimsuit:** A swimming costume or swimming trunks are of course a must 2. **Towels**: A large and a small towel to dry off, bathrobe 3. **Warm clothes**: After bathing, you should dress warmly again quickly - warm socks, a cap (hat) and a thick jacket will ensure that you don't cool down. If your fingers get cold easily, make sure you also pack gloves. 4. **Thermos flask with a hot drink**: A warm tea or other hot drink can be very soothing after a bath. 5. **Bathing shoes**: These protect your feet from the cold ground - especially important if the ground is covered in ice. © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/4/a/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-26_5b312001f9.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") The right time of day ---------------------- The best time of day for ice swimming is usually midday or early afternoon. At these times, the temperatures are often not quite so extreme and the sunlight can provide a pleasant warmth as soon as you get out of the water. Nevertheless, an ice bath in the morning, for example, can have an energising effect, while in the evening (before going to bed) it can help you sleep better as it can relieve tension and release melatonin in the body. The cold shock is not long in coming, but after a short time she catches herself, remains calm and breathes deeply. This not only helps her to endure the cold, but also calms her pulse. It's a bit like a mixture of nervousness and excitement to take the first step into the water. Beatrix Is ice bathing dangerous? ------------------------- Whilst ice bathing offers many benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks. People with certain health conditions, such as heart problems or circulatory diseases, should consult their doctor before ice bathing. People who are prone to hypothermia should also be careful. It is advisable not to bathe alone and to always be close to other people in case you need help. Stick to the recommended time limits to ensure your safety. Bathing time and the incredible feeling afterwards --------------------------------------------------- ### How long should you bathe? For beginners, it is advisable to start with short ice baths - 1 to 3 minutes is enough at the beginning. As you gain experience, you can gradually increase your time in the water until you perhaps even reach the 10-minute mark. *But be careful: always pay attention to how your body feels!* ### The emotional high after bathing > "I never thought you could feel so warm after something cold," says Beatrix and laughs. "I was totally refreshed afterwards, as if my head had completely emptied and my body had rebooted. It was more than just a physical experience - it was also a mental high." This positive effect is not unusual. Regular ice bathing is known to release endorphins, which increase general well-being. And the skin also benefits from the cold water, as it stimulates blood circulation and tightens the skin - a nice side effect! © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/1/b/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-7_2ded6f52fb.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Conclusion: Winter swimming at Lake Mondsee ------------------------------------------- Beatrix is certain that winter swimming wasn't just good for her - it was an experience she definitely wants to repeat. > "It was indescribably beautiful and so liberating. I feel like I've simply left everything that was weighing me down behind," she says with a smile. Take time to prepare yourself - not only with the right equipment, but also mentally. The moment before you go into the water is just as important as going in. Stay calm, enjoy nature and then - "dive in"! © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/3/2/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-20_3fc61299ea.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Winter swimming at Lake Mondsee is definitely an experience that you will not only feel with your body, but also with your soul. Whether you're trying it out for health reasons or simply out of a thirst for adventure - Lake Mondsee is waiting to give you an unforgettable, revitalising experience! Ice bathing spots at Lake Mondsee ---------------------------------- © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/6/0/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-64_190d54e45e.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Black India bathing area Black India bathing area [ to the bathing area ](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en/experience/summer/bathing/oesterreich-poi/detail/201724/badeplatz-schwarzindien.html) , Black India bathing area - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/9/csm_281024_Oktober_TVB_Mondsee__37_von_71__91eece5994.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Loibichl bathing area Loibichl bathing area [ to the bathing area ](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en/experience/summer/bathing/oesterreich-poi/detail/203132/badeplatz-loibichl.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") , Loibichl bathing area - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/d/f/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-66_849559a26b.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Plomberg bathing area Plomberg bathing area [ to the bathing area ](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en/experience/summer/bathing/oesterreich-poi/detail/430003252/badeplatz-plomberg.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") , Plomberg bathing area - turn over the card Ice bathing spots at the Irrsee ------------------------------- © Open copyright © 290824_TVB Mondsee Irrsee (508 von 36).jpg Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/4/c/csm_290824_TVB_Mondsee_Irrsee__508_von_36__9cf22568be.jpg "290824_TVB Mondsee Irrsee (508 von 36).jpg") Tiefgraben bathing area Tiefgraben bathing area [ to the bathing area ](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en/experience/summer/bathing/oesterreich-poi/detail/201613/badeplatz-tiefgraben.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") , Tiefgraben bathing area - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/d/a/csm_281024_Oktober_TVB_Mondsee__36_von_71__04592e7de0.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Zell am Moos bathing area Zell am Moos bathing area [ to the bathing area ](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en/experience/summer/bathing/oesterreich-poi/detail/430003251/landesbadeplatz-zell-am-moos.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") , Zell am Moos bathing area - turn over the card © Open copyright © Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas: Close copyright ![](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/3/2/csm_051124_TVB_Mondsee_Eisbaden-25_d5cb9632f3.jpg "Foto TVB Mondsee-Irrsee/Kathrin Haas:") Laiter lido Laiter lido [ to the bathing area ](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en/experience/summer/bathing/oesterreich-poi/detail/201790/strandbad-laiter.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") , Laiter lido - turn over the card