Denmark’s national ice swimming championship kicks off in Faaborg this weekend, with 475 competitors taking on distances up to 1,000 meters in near-freezing water. Among them is Henry Lykke Stokholm, an experienced ice swimmer who describes the illuminated evening competition as similar to a rave party atmosphere.
Swimming 1,000 Meters in Near-Freezing Conditions
While most people find swimming in a regular pool at 24-28 degrees Celsius challenging enough, ice swimmers face an entirely different reality. This weekend, hundreds of athletes will plunge into water close to freezing point at the Danish National Ice Swimming Championship in Faaborg.
Henry Lykke Stokholm, who swims for Multiatleterne Esbjerg and Pro Swim Esbjerg, is competing in 13 different disciplines. His schedule includes the demanding 1,000-meter crawl. Despite his experience in the sport since 2019, he admits this competition presents unique challenges.
In fact, the water temperature at this year’s championship will be the coldest he has ever competed in. For someone who describes himself as completely crazy about water, even he acknowledges the mental preparation required for such extreme conditions.
The Mental Challenge of Ice Swimming
The physical demands of ice swimming are obvious, but the mental aspect proves equally crucial. Stokholm explains that managing nervousness is essential because anxiety affects how the body functions in extreme cold.
He emphasizes the importance of setting fear aside before entering the water. When the body becomes worried or afraid, it doesn’t work as efficiently. For a 1,000-meter race in frigid water, maintaining mental composure can make the difference between success and failure.
Despite the challenges, Stokholm finds the experience worthwhile. The sport offers opportunities for personal development, and he notes that ice swimmers consistently report feeling exceptionally happy afterward. The illuminated basin creates a festive atmosphere, particularly during evening competitions.
A Growing Sport in Denmark
The championship takes place at Faaborg Harbor, organized by Outdoor Sydfyn. With 475 participants registered, ice swimming has clearly captured the imagination of Danish athletes. The event runs from Thursday afternoon through Sunday, featuring multiple distances and swimming styles.
Competitors can choose from various distances ranging from 25 meters up to the grueling 1,000-meter freestyle. The championship also includes different strokes such as breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly, along with relay events.
Winter in Denmark offers unique sporting opportunities that attract both locals and visitors seeking unconventional athletic challenges.
Getting Started in Ice Swimming
For anyone considering trying ice swimming, Stokholm offers straightforward advice. The sport requires gradual acclimatization, and newcomers should expect discomfort. There’s no avoiding the fact that swimming in near-freezing water will hurt.
At the same time, he emphasizes that pushing beyond comfort zones provides valuable experiences. Ice swimming forces participants to stay present in the moment. When facing such extreme conditions, the mind cannot wander. You must focus entirely on the immediate experience to get through it.
Training Year-Round
Serious ice swimmers don’t just train during winter months. Stokholm maintains his regimen throughout the year, including summer swims in warmer waters. This summer, he even swam across Øresund, though the water temperature was considerably warmer than what he faces at the championship.
The year-round commitment demonstrates the dedication required to compete at the national level. Building tolerance to cold water takes consistent exposure and careful progression. Athletes cannot simply jump into competitive ice swimming without proper preparation.
Championship Details
The Danish National Ice Swimming Championship 2026 features competitions in a 25-meter pool. All events take place at the harbor facility in Faaborg, which provides ideal conditions for the sport.
The range of distances accommodates swimmers with different strengths and experience levels. Shorter sprints of 25 and 50 meters test speed and technique, while the 250, 500, and 1,000-meter events challenge endurance and mental toughness. The individual medley and relay events add variety to the program.
Surprisingly, the sport continues to grow despite its extreme nature. The festive atmosphere and sense of community among participants help explain ice swimming’s appeal. As Stokholm notes, the lit-up basin at night creates a unique environment that combines serious athletic competition with celebratory energy.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Winter in Denmark for Tourists & Expats
The Danish Dream: Fitness in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Henry skal svømme 1.000 meter i iskoldt vand: Det er ligesom at være til raveparty
