Lifestyle? Strengthening immunity and health? The latest hit? We are still talking about winter hardening and swimming in nature. One thing is certain: there you will feel the truly frosty energy of an action-packed winter in our region Beyond the mountains, beyond the valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region. Ice bears say that hardening and winter swimming are a victory over pampering and laziness. Immerse yourself in icy bliss in Horehronie, Central Slovakia, Podpoľanie, Banská Štiavnica, Gron or Gemer.
HOREHRONIE
In Horehronie, the Huganske ľadové medvede will gladly take you under their wing.
CENTRAL SLOVAKIA
In Central Slovakia, you can responsibly and in accordance with the rules of hardening immerse yourself in icy water in the company of Slovenských ľadových medveďov Banská Bystrica – Zvolen, most often at Motyčky near Donovaly.
You can also meet cold-water enthusiasts and winter swimmers in nature at unofficial spots: the lake (a snowmaking reservoir) near the Šachtičky ski resort, Turecká Salašky, or by the Čierna Ovca Restaurant (parking lot near Harmanec Cave).
PODPOĽANIE
In Podpoľanie, you can bathe with other hardening enthusiasts in water with a temperature of 2 – 4 °C at the Hriňová Swimming Pool – every Wednesday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a voluntary contribution.
BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA
In Banská Štiavnica, you can join the Jašterice zo Štiavnice or the Žiarske ľadové medvede. Regularly (twice a week), you will find them testing the temperature in the reservoirs Klinger, Veľká Vodárenská, Dolnohodrušský tajch, Veľké Studenské jazero (called Kolpachy by locals) and Počúvadlo. They also welcome newcomers.
GRON
In Nová Baňa, supporters of winter hardening meet within the OZ Novobanské ľadové medvede. Every Sunday, you can find them at 2:00 p.m. at the Tajch in Nová Baňa led by Juraj Kološta. Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m., you can immerse yourself in icy bliss with the brave members of Pohronské ľadové medvede at the Bejvoč pond near the village of Lovčica Trubín.
GEMER
In Gemer, there are several places that winter swimmers like to visit in winter: near Gombasek Cave (unofficially), by the Bobačka waterfall (Hutnícky waterfall – a 3 m high waterfall behind the bus stop in Muránska Huta), the Miková reservoir near the Flipper guesthouse in Revúcka Lehota, and the pond in the park of the Betliar manor house. In this region, winter swimming and hardening in nature are practiced by the Sobotské Ľadové Medvede, Tisovské cencúle and Revúcke vločky. If you feel like immersing yourself with them in the cold waters of Gemer, check the times and places of the nearest meeting.
No matter how brave you are when immersing yourself in icy water, be responsible. Find out enough information in advance and do not forget preparatory training before you really head out for swimming in nature in winter. Any experienced ice bear will confirm that.
For some: Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, for cold-water enthusiasts: Wauuuuuuuuu – which group do you belong to? One thing is certain: swimming in icy water is also one of the forms of an action-packed winter in the Banská Bystrica Region.
