Freedive Under the Ice in Finland
It’s cold. It’s beautiful. And honestly it’s a lot of fun.
​If you've ever wanted to try freediving under ice, now is the time. We are organizing ice diving this winter at Lake Sonnanen for anyone who wants to experience something beautiful and empowering.
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​Welcome to the ice diving spot of Johanna Nordblad, the world record holder in freediving under ice, known from the Netflix documentary Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive.
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Experience crystal-clear water, under-ice silence, and a lakeside wood-heated sauna at the legendary Lake Sonnanen in Finland.
You don’t neccessarily need prior experience with cold or freediving. We'll start with just having a peek under the ice, and eventually, you can swim under the ice with or without a wetsuit, whatever feels comfortable to you.
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For certified freedivers, we have lines set up for dynamics under the ice.
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Duration: 4 days
Early bird price: 552 eur per person (Early Bird price until December 15, 2025)
Price: 690 eur per person
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Email: info@freedivinghelsinki.com
For Everyone
​For everyone interested in ice diving, with no freediving background.
You will learn how to enter ice cold water calmly in a safe and comfortable way. We'll start with just having a peek under the ice, and eventually, you can swim under the ice with or without a wetsuit, whatever feels comfortable to you.
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For Freedivers
For certified freedivers who have always dreamt of freediving under the ice.
We have lines set up for dynamics under the ice. The lake is approx. 10 meters deep at the ice diving spot.
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We go through how to build a proper ice diving line system, including ropes, attachments, and safety procedures. You’ll learn how the setup works, so you can dive with your buddy, and if needed, we can assist you as safety divers. During the 4 days, you can dive as much as you like.
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Want to Enjoy Cold Water?
For everyone interested in cold water exposure.
You'll learn about the health benefits of cold and how to regulate your nervous system. This experience combines breathing and body awareness with cold. We'll practice in an icy lake in a safe and relaxed way, focusing on skills like stress relief. ​
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Hosted by
Johanna Nordblad, world record holder in under-ice freediving, with freediver Riikka Lammi.
Book your place
Send us a WhatsApp message or email to choose from available dates in February-March 2026.
You will receive an invoice via email. Your spot is confirmed upon payment.
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Limited spots to keep the day focused and safe!
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Email: info@freedivinghelsinki.com
Safety and Coaching
Clear briefings, and professional set up. You will learn practical cold-exposure skills so you can stay calm and make good decisions. A traditional wood-heated lake-side sauna available to warm you up throughout the day.
Lake Sonnanen
Legendary visibility and a pristine winter setting. Several under-ice world records have been set here, and it’s the best place to shoot under ice photos and videos.
What’s included
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Under-ice or cold water sessions
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Sauna and warm indoor base for changing and recovery
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Hot drinks and snacks
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English-language instruction and local hosting
What's Not Included
Transportation: Travel to Lake Sonnanen is not included. There is no public transport in the area, so a rental car is recommended. The drive from Helsinki is about 2.5 hours. You will receive detailed arrival instructions after your booking is confirmed.
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Accommodation: Accommodation is not included, but we can provide tips on nearby hotels.
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Meals: Please bring your own lunch. A microwave, snacks and drinking water are available on site.
Location and accommodations
Lake Sonnanen in Heinola, Southern Finland, with a 2.5-hour drive from Helsinki. (Google Maps)
The closest airport is Helsinki (HEL). The easiest option is to rent a car, as the lake is remote and not reachable by public transport.​
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For accommodation Villa Rapakivi is one option nearby. You can also ask them about transport/shuttle options if you need one. Get in touch with them directly by email rapakivi@rapakivi.fi and let them know you're coming for the ice diving event.
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Or you can look for accommodation in the nearby town of Heinola.
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Accommodation, transportation and meals are not included.
What to bring
Warm clothes and shoes are a must in the Finnish winter. Bring your swimwear, swimming cap, towel, neoprene gloves and socks. For freediving under ice any personal freediving gear you prefer.
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Equipment:
Bring your swimsuit and a towel, and the following freediving items:
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Swim cap (mandatory for diving without a wetsuit)
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Fins
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Mask (mandatory for diving under the ice)
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Wetsuit (we recommend a 5mm freediving or spearfishing suit)
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Neoprene socks and gloves (we recommend 5mm with sealed seams)
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Weight belt and weights (Under the ice you need about 8 kg of weights with a wetsuit. You can rent 4 kg from us.)
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Lanyard (Lanyard is mandatory safety equipment. You can rent one from us.)
Don't have all the gear? No problem! You can also rent freediving equipment from us. Please specify your rental needs when booking.
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Prerequisites
Age: 18+
Swimming ability: Must be able to swim 200 meters.
Health: Be in basic good health.
Pricing & Policies
Duration: 4 days
Early bird price: 552 eur per person (Early Bird price until December 15, 2025)
Price: 690 eur per person
Booking:
Send us an email or a WhatsApp message to choose from available dates in February-March 2026. You will receive an invoice via email. Your spot is confirmed upon payment.
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Disclaimer: Your safety is our highest priority, and we carry out the experience with comprehensive safety measures. However, as with any physical activity, we ask that you listen to your body and take personal responsibility for your well-being throughout the day. Participation is at your own risk.
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If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on WhatsApp or email.
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Email: info@freedivinghelsinki.com
"We believe that in a safe and encouraging environment, you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. In the water, our goal is to help you relax, connect with your breath, and dare to do more.
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If the thought of cold water or diving under the ice makes you nervous, that’s completely natural. We’ll guide you every step of the way, starting with a simple peek under the ice and gradually extending your dive at your own pace. Our priority is to make you feel relaxed and in control, never pushed or rushed."
