The History

In ancient times, Vikings and earlier Norse predecessors are said to have embraced extreme temperature challenges before battle and during long sea voyages. While direct evidence from Iceland is inconclusive, ancient sagas emphasize the importance of bodily purification rituals prior to arduous undertakings. These rituals often involved sweat lodges or saunas, honoring the elemental forces of fire, earth, water, and air.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

In Iceland, Saturdays are known as Laugardagur, derived from the Norse word for bath or pool day. On this day swimming pools, often equipped with saunas and cold plunges, become social hubs where locals gather. During the dark and isolating winters these social connections became crucial to mental well-being.

Ocean swimming was another popular social activity. Predominantly embraced by women, this practice helped overcome fears of the ocean brought about by fishermen and the dangers they faced.

Experience it Yourself

Inspired by these traditions, Deplar Farm has integrated a Viking Sauna Ritual into our wellness offerings in Iceland. Set amidst the striking landscape of the Troll Peninsula, our outdoor sauna is built into a hill near the lodge, just steps from our cold plunge pool. 

Wellness Guides lead participants through cycles of intense sauna heat (up to 100°C) followed by rounds of cold plunges into 3°C water. During the heat phase, guests engage in breathwork to focus their minds and release limiting beliefs, complemented by stretching, movement, sound, and sweating for detoxification.

The alternating heat and cold cycles are designed to facilitate profound letting go through specialized breathwork techniques, sometimes accompanied by vocal release. The overarching goal is to empower guests to regulate their bodies, particularly through interactions with the nervous system, while recognizing the inherent strength within themselves. 

Deplar Farm’s goal is to help you discover and explore progressive wellness therapies while honoring Iceland’s rich cultural tradition of wellness.