Hot and cold: How to hit the spa like a Viking

It began with a gentle steam to boost my circulation. I was then instructed to rub lavender- infused snow over my body, which turned to slush as it dripped down my neck and torso. Before I knew it, two mischievous spa therapists were whipping me with birch branches, twigs spinning off in all directions while my grimace relaxed into surprised enjoyment.

Of course, this is exactly what I’d signed up for when I was invited to sample Viking’s Nordic bathing treatment on board Viking Polaris. This age-old restorative therapy goes back to the Viking era, where battle-hardened warriors alternated between icy water and saunas as part of a spiritual and physical cleansing.

The cruise line’s version of the ritual, which complements an expansive menu of massage and beauty treatments, takes place after spa hours and lasts around an hour.

The ritual was preceded by a short meditation before I scrubbed my body with a wooden brush to get my blood pumping. Four rounds of hot and cold treatment ensued as

I switched between steam room and snow grotto – the latter an ice-cold room piled high with manmade snow. I could have also chosen to brave ‘the bucket’ as part of the cold therapy, and if I had felt particularly courageous I could have plunged unceremoniously into freezing water.

Instead, I warmed my cockles in the steam room and lined up to be whacked by a soaked birch branch.

According to Nordic folklore, the whipping action is detoxifying, although I found it to be more for show than anything else. The ritual ended on a much more pleasant note, as the therapists offered me a complimentary head or foot massage. I chose the latter, which I thoroughly recommend.

Get on board
Viking’s 13-night Canadian Discovery cruise aboard Viking Polaris, from New York to Toronto via Halifax, Prince Edward Island, Sept-Iles and Quebec City, departs on August 15, 2024. From £9,595.