Winter Swimming in Fjordlandet
This guide is for those dreaming of taking the plunge as a winter swimmer, as well as for anyone looking for information about good swimming spots or winter swimming clubs in the Fjordlandet area.
More and more people are taking the plunge during the cold winter months – and winter swimming is possible all along Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord, as well as in several freshwater lakes in the Fjordlandet area.
So if winter swimming appeals to you and you are looking for information about good swimming spots or winter swimming clubs in Fjordlandet, this guide introduces winter swimming and places to go in the region.
Where to go winter swimming in Fjordlandet
In principle, you can go winter swimming all along Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord, as well as in a number of freshwater lakes in the Fjordlandet area. VisitFjordlandet has compiled a selection of recommended winter swimming spots. If, for example, you prefer a bathing jetty and easy access on foot, by bike or by car, you can read more below.
Marbæk Strandpark
Marbæk Strandpark is located in Frederikssund and is a well-maintained family-friendly beach. At the southern end of the beach, you will find a year-round public slipway suitable for small boats as well as winter swimming. Close to the car park, there is a public building with toilet facilities.
From Marbæk Strandpark, you can enjoy fine views along the fjord towards Roskilde Cathedral, the new Crown Princess Mary’s Bridge and, to the north, the Crown Prince Frederik’s Bridge. The beach faces west, making an evening visit at sunset a wonderful destination throughout the year.
Avnsø swimming lake
In the heart of the Bidstrup Forests near Lejre, you will find the beautiful Avnsø – one of the cleanest lakes on the island of Zealand. Avnsø is 6–8 metres deep and is a very popular place for swimming both in summer and winter. The lake has a bathing jetty that remains in place all year round. By the lake, you will also find a fire pit as well as picnic tables and benches. The nearest car park is located at the end of Tjørnehusvej, from where there is an approximately 1 km walk down to the lake.
Jyllinge Marina
Jyllinge Marina is located in a very scenic area, centrally situated in Roskilde Fjord. The marina offers modern toilet and shower facilities, as well as a small bathing beach located between the modern marina and the old fishing harbour.
The winter swimming section of Jyllinge Sailing Club is based at the marina and has recently had a bathing ladder installed, providing access all the way down to the seabed. In addition, the sailing club has a sauna, which is reserved for members only.
Gershøj Harbour
In Hornsherred, you will find the small fishing village of Gershøj. Gershøj is located on Roskilde Fjord, and the harbour forms a natural focal point for the village. Gershøj Harbour is a small, idyllic harbour with good toilet and shower facilities. By the harbour, you will also find a small, family-friendly beach.
Directly in front of Gershøj Inn, you will find the mobile sauna run by Gershøj Sauna Association. It is open to members from October to March – and there is still room for new members.
Himmelsøen
Himmelsøen is beautifully situated amid wild, natural surroundings with lovely views, close to Roskilde. Take a refreshing dip from the 140-metre-long floating jetty or plunge into the clear blue water from the fine sandy beach. Close to the lake, you will also find a shelter and fire pit area, which is freely available for use.
A footpath leads to Himmelsøen from Darupvang near Ringstedvej. Visitors arriving by car can park above the lake at the car park on Darupvej.
Herslev Beach
Just 600 metres north of the village of Herslev lies Herslev Marina and beach. Here, you will find one of the best bathing jetties in Fjordlandet during the summer months. Only 120 metres from the water is a shelter area, surrounded by bushes and offering a fire pit as well as access to water and public toilets.
Herslev Strand Sailing Club is based at Herslev Harbour. Members can make use of the five-metre-long barrel sauna and bathing ladder. Non-members can use the ladder at the end of the breakwater for a refreshing cold dip.
Winter Swimming Clubs in Fjordlandet
In Fjordlandet, there are several winter swimming clubs, and many of them offer the opportunity to enjoy a pleasantly warm sauna after a cold dip. Most clubs require membership, but it is often possible to join a trial swim, allowing you to find out whether winter swimming is right for you.
Find your winter swimming club here:
Frederikssund Vinterbadere | Gershøj Sauna Association | Helårsbaderne Frederikssund | Herslev Strand Sailing Club | Jyllinge Sailing Club | Lejre Watersports | Roskilde Ice Swimming Association (RISF) | Roskilde Viking Winter Swimmers | Veddelev Winter Swimming | Winter Swimming in the Dark at Avnsø
The 8 Winter Swimming Safety Tips
From the Danish Council for Greater Water Safety
Before entering the water
1. Check conditions and know the rescue equipment
Keep an eye on the weather. Check the forecast at www.dmi.dk and the water quality at www.badevand.dk or on the municipality’s website.
2. Watch out for ice on steps and jetties
Keep steps and jetties free of ice. A fall can have serious consequences.
3. Enter the water slowly and calmly
Never dive headfirst. Never go directly from the sauna into icy water. If you wait for around one minute, your body will have cooled enough for the temperature difference to cause only a minor rise in blood pressure. Tests have shown that the greater the temperature difference between the sauna and the icy water, the higher the risk of a severe increase in blood pressure.
4. Never swim alone
Enter the water together and leave the water together. Ideally, swim in groups of at least three people: one to assist the injured person and one to fetch help. If someone becomes unwell in the water and needs assistance, one helper is rarely sufficient. Experience shows that four people are needed to help a person out of the water on a spineboard.
While you are in the water
5. Breathe calmly
If you breathe too quickly and hyperventilate, you may faint in the water. If you feel unwell or need help, time is critical, as everyone in the water has only a limited active time in cold conditions. Senior consultant Bo Belhage conducted tests showing that 2 out of 16 participants fainted in cold water within just 20 seconds due to hyperventilation.
6. Look out for each other
Those you greet before entering the water are the ones you keep an eye on while in the water.
Signal immediately if you suddenly feel unwell. Shout or splash with your arms. Avoid grabbing others if you are losing balance.
7. Stay close to steps or exit points
Do not move further away from the ladder or exit than you can reach in a few strokes. Winter swimming often lasts between 10 and 30 seconds. If you stay in the water for more than two minutes, the cold can significantly reduce strength and sensation in fingers and toes, making it difficult to climb out unassisted.
8. Never swim under the ice
You cannot swim as far underwater in icy water as in temperate water. Cold water increases the need for frequent breathing.