Open water swimming became all the rage during the pandemic, when long periods of self-isolation pushed us towards discovering new ways of taking care of our mental health. And what better way to do that than with a bracing dip into the calm surface of a shimmering lake?
Immersing yourself in cold water activates the “fight or flight” response in your body, the same way it would if you were doing something scary. Outdoor swimming in cold water is also known to increase dopamine — the happy hormone that’s responsible for feelings of euphoria, excitement and enjoyment. In fact, according to this scientific report swimming in water of 14° Celsius (57° Fahrenheit) can increase dopamine by 250%.
Plain and simple, open-water swimming — when practiced safely following a few simple guidelines — makes us happier. It makes us feel alive and alert and brings an immense sense of peace that benefits both body and soul. Physically, it can help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and improve circulation. Mentally, it boosts energy levels and helps you feel less anxious and stressed. What’s not to like?
7 Of The Best Open-water Swimming Spots In Europe
With more people than ever stripping off and diving into open bodies of water, a popular open-water swimming festival (anyone fancy a trip to Mallorca?), as well as a rich calendar of open-water swimming events and activities, where in Europe can you dip your toes to boost that feel-good factor of watery pleasure?
There are thousands of open-water locations to choose from in Europe. Below, we’ve chosen just seven of our favorite lakes, rivers, natural pools and beaches from across the continent.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
The ultimate postcard-perfect swimming experience! This freshwater lake in Alpine Slovenia is 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long but you can break your swimming trip by stopping at Bled Island right in the middle to visit its quaint 17th century pilgrimage church.
Snowdonia, Wales (Eryri in Welsh)
Though better known for its hikes, Wales’ largest national park contains over 100 lakes. Watkins Pool, a path of natural pools connected by waterfalls, is said to be among the most beautiful natural pools in the country.
Lake Saimaa, Finland
Now, they don’t call Finland “The Land of a Thousand Lakes” for nothing, do they? Lake Saimaa, Finland’s biggest lake and Europe’s fourth largest body of freshwater is a spot of heaven for open-water swimmers and wildlife lovers alike. Littered with 13,710 islands — a lot of them pine-covered — Lake Saimaa is home to the world’s most endangered seal, the Saimaa ringed seal.
Upper & Lower Letten, Zurich, Switzerland
Landlocked Switzerland boasts eight rivers and 1,500 lakes. Lake Zurich in the south of Zurich feeds into the Limmat river, creating a 400 meter long swimming channel that flows through the city center. When the sun is high and temperatures reach uncomfortable levels, you’ll find locals floating away with no worry in mind.
Lake Walchen, Bavarian Alps, Germany
White beaches, lush green trees, turquoise waters…you’d be excused for thinking you’ve been swept away to an Alpine Caribbean. While there, don’t forget to visit the fairytale 19th century Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
Sarakiniko Beach, Milos Island, Greece
Out of this world Sarakiniko Beach looks like a lunar landscape made out of bone-white volcanic rock filled with air bubbles. The winds and waves that lap these shores have over the years created whimsical rock formations and caves you can swim in and out of.
Achen Lake, Tyrol, Austria
Situated at an elevation of approximately 930 m., Achen Lake is a place of breathtaking beauty. With its quaint little villages and cool mountain streams flowing into the water, it has been appropriately dubbed the Fjord of the Alps! Expect this to be quite a bracing dip!
10 Water-related Expressions From Around The World
The relation between man and water goes back thousands of years. We depend on it for our survival, we bathe in it, we play with it.
It’s no wonder, then, that there are so many expressions about swimming and the various bodies of water in every imaginable language. Below, you’ll find 10 water-related expressions from around the world.
1. Nager entre deux eaux (French)
Translation: to swim between two seas
A sailing reference that dates back to the 19th century, this expression is used to describe someone who hesitates to take sides or make a decision about a situation.
2. Tirarse a la piscina (Spanish)
Translation: to jump in the swimming pool
Much as we would love to jump head-first into a skin-tingling cold swimming pool right now, this expression is used to describe, apart from its literal meaning, someone who takes a risk or dares to do something dangerous without thinking of the consequences. A closer translation would be “to take the plunge.”
3. Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il mare (Italian)
Translation: Between what’s said and what’s done lies the sea.
It’s easier to say something than to actually do it. As the saying goes: “actions speak louder than words.”
4. Ins kalte Wasser springen (German)
Translation: to jump into cold water
A bit similar to the Spanish expression above, this German idiom describes someone who has decided to do something daring, difficult or unfamiliar. A similar translation in English would be to “jump in at the deep end.”
5. Mit allen Wassern gewaschen (German)
Translation: Washed with all the waters
Another expression of seafaring provenance, this idiom is used to describe someone who knows his stuff well, who knows every trick in the book, just as water-weathered seafarers travel and get to know the world.
6. Ta sig vatten över huvudet (Swedish)
Translation: to take water over your head
If you’ve taken water over your head, then you’ve taken more than you can handle. In other words, you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
7. Filho de peixe sabe nadar (Portuguese)
Translation: A fish’s son knows how to swim.
It means that a child can be very similar to their parents and follow in their footsteps, or inherit the same skills and traits.
8. Em rio que tem piranha, jacaré nada de costas (Brazilian Portuguese)
Translation: In a river that has piranhas, an alligator swims on its back.
Did you know that in times of peril, crocodiles and alligators swim on their back so that their hard shell can protect them from attacks? This Brazilian expression, commonly used in riverside regions, means we should be alert, prepared and careful in the face of potential dangers.
9. Denize düşen yılana sarılır (Turkish)
Translation: He who falls into the sea will cling to a snake.
A man in a desperate situation will accept any available opportunity to solve his problem, including opting for a riskier or more dangerous solution. A closer translation would be “a drowning man will clutch at a straw.”
10. De tal riu, tal aigua (Catalan)
Translation: Like river, like water
It’s another way of saying “like father, like son” or “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”