Valikko Sulje

Pyhäselkä Ice-Swimming Club

Is located on the shores of Lake Pyhäselkä, about 10 km to the south of Joensuu. The club has its own sauna and dressing rooms. It should be noted that there are no washing facilities, showers, or running water.

Membership stands at around 390 (dec 2023) , with daily ”swimmers” numbering between 20-50 per day (winter season).

Annual membership: 95+40 euros for the first year, 95 euros/year thereafter.
Student membership 47+20 euros for the first year, 47 euros/year thereafter.
Kids membership 22 euroa/year. Kids means children/young people aged 7-17. Children under 7 go for free when accompanied by their guardian.

Visitor Fee: 7 euros/session (no time restriction, closing time 10 p.m.)

Equipment required: swimsuit, towel, sandals and bench cloth (last one is sold at club for 50 cents). Also you may need drinking water, juice or similar. NOTE: alcohol strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

The club is open all year round daily except Mondays, but the in-season period is approximately November to April, when there is ice covering the lake, and snow to roll in. NOTE: club door is open within the opening hours only if there are members present.

While beneficial to those in good health ice-swimming is not recommended for those with heart problems. If in doubt consult your doctor, preferably beforehand! The club is visited annually by exchange students from N-Karelia Polytechnic. In year 2006 the group was some 35 participants, with students from as far away as Namibia, Australia, Portugal, Bulgaria, Ireland etc etc – and after early doubts they had a wonderful time, with no fatalities!

Check club location at Haapaniementie 51a, 80330 Joensuu.

See the location or driving directions also on Google Maps.

Updated in January 2024