Go winter swimming with DILLING

Marianne and Daniel go winter swimming with DILLING

Marianne and Daniel have travelled together to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the northern hemisphere to swim in ice-cold waters. Here, they share their experiences with winter swimming – and explain why they wear merino wool after a cold dip.

Why do you like to go winter swimming?

To us, winter swimming is both a calming and exhilarating experience. It’s a moment to truly tune in and be fully present – especially by focusing on your breathing.

We particularly enjoy it after a long day at work. It feels like a mental reset – tension leaves the body and the mind settles. And we always sleep incredibly well after a swim and a sauna.

The sense of community also means a lot to us. Both the bond between us – and with friends and fellow winter swimmers. In our experience, it’s an open and welcoming community where everyone is included.

When did you first try winter swimming?

Daniel: I tried winter swimming for the first time in Lofoten, Northern Norway, back in 2019 – with a mix of sauna and dips in the Arctic Ocean. It was a pretty wild first experience and definitely what sparked something in me.

Marianne: I started winter swimming back in 2013 in Copenhagen and kept it up regularly for quite a while. Today, we typically go 2–3 times a week, often in combination with sauna sessions.

Top 3 most beautiful places you’ve been gone winter swimming

1. The fjord in front of the Eqi Glacier, Greenland (near Ilulissat)

We swam straight from the boat on a sunny (but chilly) summer’s day after sailing up close to the enormous glacier. We kept a safe distance and watched it calve several times. The water was an incredible milky, glacier blue, with small icebergs floating around us – a completely surreal and unforgettable experience.

2. Lofoten, Northern Norway – swimming under the Northern Lights

Swimming in cold water followed by warming up in the sauna while the Northern Lights danced across the sky was something truly special. The sensory experience really blended together here – cold, heat, silence, and the most magical light.

3. Forest lakes in Southern Norway

There are countless beautiful saunas across the Nordics – many placed next to quiet forest lakes. Taking a dip in a still lake surrounded by autumn colours and the peace of the woods is another unique experience we never tire of.

Why do you wear merino wool after winter swimming?

Being able to slip straight into a soft set of wool underwear after a cold dip is an absolute must – along with a warm hat. That’s something we always pack.

There’s just something about wrapping yourself in soft wool and feeling the warmth return to your body. Add a warm fleece and thick wool socks – and you’re good to go again.

Want to follow along on more of Marianne and Daniel’s adventures?
Look up @mariannesoegaardv and @dvphoto.dk on Instagram.