Elina Mäkinen was the first Finnish woman to complete the Ice Mile. Here are her top ice bathing experiences, from plunges under the Northern Lights to paying homage to Arctic gods.

From the technicolour sky dance of the Northern Lights to freely roaming reindeer, Finnish Lapland is a true winter wonderland. Its frozen Arctic landscapes, pristine natural waters and rich sauna tradition also provide the ideal backdrop for ice bathing – the traditional holistic practice of submerging the body either fully or partially in ice-cold water.

We spoke with Finnish ice swimmer Elina Mäkinen to learn more about this hallowed self-care ritual. Though Mäkinen is renowned for breaking records in distance ice swimming, she stresses that ice swimming – and ice bathing – are a personal, not competitive experience. “I only have the need to compete with myself,” she says. “The ice hole is a place to learn about yourself and your reactions.”