Swimming in a Glacier

The Hintertux Glacier

The Hintertux Glacier is one of the most famous glaciers in the world. It hides a labyrinth of passages and water channels within it. But that is not the only reason why this glacier is so special. Water temperatures inside the glacier are around 0°C. However, the water masses do not freeze because they are slightly above freezing point and are also in motion.

Entering the Glacier

We planned the trip over a weekend together with the experienced ice swimmer Christof Wandratsch. With a cable car, we ascended the glacier. We followed the ice swimmers, who immediately knew the way, to a small hole. That was the entrance. We entered and could not believe we were in a glacier. The walls shone a deep blue and we crossed a long glacier system until we reached a water channel. At first we crossed it in a large rubber dinghy, and it was at that moment that the swimmers in the ice made it clear to us that we would soon be swimming in that channel. I dipped my hand into the icy water and thought that only madmen could enter there.

The Ice Swimming Experience

A few minutes later, we finished the dinghy ride and had to change. My father and I were the first ones in. I simply turned my head off and stopped thinking about the freezing water I would soon feel. "Down the ladder and in" that was my only thought. My body filled with adrenalin as my feet touched the water. I entered completely and started swimming, feeling the icy water that was about to freeze. After a short back and forth in the water, I climbed up the ladder and felt divine.

An extraordinary experience, absolutely recommendable!

The Wim Hof Method

This unique adventure aligns perfectly with the principles of the Wim Hof Method, which combines breathing techniques, cold exposure and mental training to unlock the potential of the human body and mind. The icy waters of the glacier provide an incredible setting to practice cold immersion, a key aspect of the method that strengthens resilience, increases energy and improves mental clarity.

If you are inspired by this experience and would like to learn how to harness the power of the Wim Hof Method, you can sign up for our courses. Embrace the cold, challenge your limits and discover the transformative benefits of this practice!