*Updated for 2025*
Finland is the perfect place for diving due to the fantastic conditions of the waters. No doubt if you are an experienced diver then ice diving is top of your list of things to do. Alternatively, perhaps you’re just seeking a new thrill. Taking a swim in the icy cold waters has long been a way to kick start the mornings for the older generation. If you’re looking for an energy boost, this is the perfect trend to take up! Whatever your reason for taking to the waters, here’s a rundown on ice diving in Finland.
Photo by: nudiblue/Fotolia
What is ice diving?
Dive into a body of water which has been covered with a layer of ice. Then, use a snow shovel to clear excess snow/ice from the chosen diving spot. When cutting an entry hole, use an ice saw or chainsaw. Sounds easy, doesn’t it!
You’ll need a surface crew to monitor your progress. A line tender feeds your safety line into the water as you descend and be prepared to reel the line back in if there’s an emergency. A secondary diver must be on-hand to jump into the water to assist if necessary.
Why is Finland good for ice diving?
With more than 60,000 islands off the shores of Finland ripe for exploration, there are plenty of places to try ice diving in Finland. The salinity of the Baltic water is low and there are no strong currents.
Scuba diving is very popular due to the thousands of shipwrecks just waiting to be discovered. Be aware that, wrecks older than 100 years are covered by a protected status and so cannot be touched. Ensure that you inform the Finnish Coast Guard before making a wreck dive.
There are more than 180 ice diving clubs in operation, largely because it has been a pastime in Finland for more than 20 years. Contact one of these clubs before your trip and they should be able to offer advice, lessons, hire equipment, and a necessary guide. Sites such as SeaSafety will help your planning, (but you’ll need to install Google Translate first!).
Ice diving in Finland usually takes place between late January – late March. It’s recommended that divers who are new to the sport go early in the season where the ice is the thinnest and therefore easier to break in an emergency.
Where can I go ice diving in Finland?
Lake Päijänne in Lehmonkärki is the second largest lake in Finland. It’s 120km in length, has 1886 islands, lakeside villas, and drinkable water. If you’re looking to ice dive here, the Lehmonkärki villas are the best to stay in. With a much-needed sauna conveniently positioned next to the lake, you’ll be able to warm up in no time.
The Rokua Geopark near Oulu and Kajaani is another good place to consider. It is a geopark UNESCO protected area which has one or more geological features of special interest to conservation and sustainability. It has glacial ridges, small ponds, and kettle holes to explore besides the main body of water.
Oulu Dive Centre is the only dive centre in Northern Finland which also happens to be Scuba Schools International (SSI) registered. If you are certified as an open water diver, are aged over 18 and are in good health, you can arrange to take the Ice Diving Certification through them. Learn more about ice diving, including how to safely use all the equipment needed and enacting emergency procedures.
Photo by: nudiblue/Fotolia
What equipment do I need?
A surface crew! You should never go ice diving alone.
On the surface, dress in layers as the temperatures will be cold (hopefully, this isn’t a surprise!) For diving, you’ll need a dry suit complete with hood, gloves, and socks/boots. Your hood, socks/boots, and gloves should be 5mm versions and the gloves should be three-fingers or semi-dry.
Use double tanks and make sure that all regulators are well-serviced and certified for use in cold water conditions. This ensures they won’t freeze in the icy conditions and air will flow freely.
Have your hire car heated up nearby, a heated shelter or hot sauna ready to run into as soon as you exit the water.
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In the 60/70&80’s, I owned Allied Commercial Divers. I got a rry suit that was manufactured in Finland –but , there is no name of the company that made the orange suit as it probably doesn’t still exist,—but I need the name if you can think of it,