Swedish Photographer and Artist Embraces Winter with Ice-Cold Baths
For Swedish photographer and artist Ingrid Norrström, winter isn’t a season to endure but a time to celebrate. While many shy away from the cold, Ingrid finds inspiration—and physical rejuvenation—in ice-cold baths. Her daily routine of plunging into frozen lakes has become both a personal ritual and a central theme of her artistic work.
Ingrid, who grew up in the snowy landscapes of northern Sweden, was introduced to the tradition of cold-water bathing as a child. What began as a family pastime has evolved into a profound connection with nature and a source of creative energy. “There’s something deeply meditative about immersing yourself in icy water,” she explains. “The shock of the cold forces you to be present—it’s like pressing a reset button for your mind.”
Ingrid’s photography captures the stark beauty of winter, from frost-covered trees to the shimmering patterns of ice on frozen lakes. Her self-portraits, often taken mid-dip in freezing waters, convey the rawness and vulnerability of the human body against nature’s icy embrace. These images, celebrated for their minimalist aesthetic, have earned her international acclaim.
Beyond the artistic benefits, Ingrid credits cold baths with enhancing her physical and mental well-being. Studies support her claims, suggesting that cold-water immersion can boost circulation, reduce stress, and even improve immune function. “It’s not just about surviving winter—it’s about thriving in it,” she says.
Through workshops and exhibitions, Ingrid encourages others to embrace the cold as a source of strength and inspiration. Her message resonates far beyond Sweden’s icy shores, reminding us all that even the harshest seasons can offer moments of beauty, growth, and renewal.
