Scandinavian Challenge

Day 1 — Friday 9 October Morning arrival

Participants are welcome to drop luggage at CPH Hotel during the morning before the group programme begins.

11:00 — Welcome Meeting

Location: Kompa'9, Kompagnistræde 9, 1208 København, Denmark

We will meet here for coffee and / or brunch depending on personal preferences, to outline the weekend challenge and get to know each other before the first cold-water session.

Transfer: bus to CopenHot.

13:00 — Cold Dip #1: CopenHot sauna and plunge pools

The weekend begins with a true Nordic contrast: heat, cold, courage and recovery. CopenHot offers New Nordic wellness in an urban harbour setting, combining saunas, hot tubs and cold pools for a memorable first challenge experience.

• Private heated changing room access for each booking.

• Access to cold tubs for the first official cold-water dip.

• Sauna recovery, with cold drinks available from the bar.

• Free towels provided for each participant at the end of the session.

Transfer: bus back towards central Copenhagen.

Afternoon — ‘Hygge’ walk through The King’s Garden

After the first dip, we will slow the pace with an autumnal walk through The King’s Garden — Copenhagen’s historic 17th-century parkland, with tree-lined paths, pavilions and a calm introduction to Danish hygge.

In your free time, here is an option for an extra cold dip for those brave enough:

Kastrup Søbad / Kastrup Sea Bath: a striking circular sea-bathing structure reached by boardwalk, set beside sandy beach, lagoon areas, cafés and water-sports facilities. This is an optional extra for participants who want one more dip.

18:00 onwards — Culture Night Copenhagen

Event: Kulturnatten / Culture Night, Friday 9 October 2026.

Copenhagen comes alive after dark for its biggest annual one-day cultural event. More than 200 museums, theatres, libraries, churches, ministries and cultural institutions are expected to open their doors, with events running across the city from 18:00 until midnight. Participants can choose their own evening route, discover hidden spaces and enjoy a different side of Copenhagen.

Accommodation

CPH Hotel, Tietgensgade 65, 1704 København, Denmark

This will be the group base for both nights of the challenge weekend.

Hotel facilities include:

• Bicycle rental (Additional charge)
• Temporary art galleries (Additional charge)
• Badminton equipment
• Bowling
• Darts
• Table tennis
• Flat-screen TV
• Fitness centre
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Indoor swimming pool (Heated pool, Plunge pool, Pool/beach towels, Fitness/spa locker rooms, Hot tub/Jacuzzi (Additional charge)
• Board games/puzzles

Day 2 — Saturday 10 October: Sweden!

Breakfast and departure

Breakfast will be provided at the hotel before we travel across the Øresund to Malmö for the second cold-water challenge.

08:20 — Meet ready for a short walk to Copenhagen Central Station.

Train from Copenhagen to Malmö.

Transfer: bus to Sibbarps Kallbadhus.

10:00 — Cold Dip #2: Sibbarps Kallbadhus, Malmö

Location: Sibbarps Kallbadhus, Strandgatan 85, Limhamn, Malmö, Sweden

This is a traditional Swedish kallbadhus: a simple, invigorating seaside sauna and cold-water bathing experience on the Limhamn coast, with direct access to the sea, views over the Øresund and a calm local atmosphere.

What to expect:

• Direct access to the cool sea for an invigorating plunge.

• Wood-fired sauna heat before and after the dip.

• Separate sauna and changing facilities in line with local custom.

• Wide views across the Øresund, including the bridge towards Copenhagen.

• Café facilities for post-dip refreshments.

Transfer: bus back towards Malmö centre.

Lunch and reset time

Enjoy free time for lunch in Malmö before the afternoon breathing session.

14:00 — Private Wim Hof Method breathing session

A certified Wim Hof Method instructor will lead a private one-hour session introducing the three pillars of Breath, Cold and Commitment. The class includes a short safety briefing, guided rounds of WHM breathing and a closing meditation, helping participants connect the physical challenge with calm focus and resilience.

Optional Malmö exploration

Use your day pass to explore Malmö at your own pace before the group return to Copenhagen.

• In Malmo city center, Lilla Torg is a cobblestone square with cafes, half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts. Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by King Christian III of Denmark, houses nature, history and art exhibits.
• Explore the beautiful Castle Mill windmill and to admire Malmo Castle.  Walking around the castle grounds, park, and trails (Slottsparken/Kungsparken area) is completely free — you can stroll the paths, admire the historic windmill (Castle Mill), and enjoy the scenery without any entry fee. These parks and outdoor areas around Malmö Castle are public and open year-round.
• Gamla Staden (Old Town): Wander cobblestone streets, see the historic Stortorget (main square) with the City Hall, and enjoy the atmosphere at Lilla Torg.
• Malmöhus Castle: Explore Sweden's oldest Renaissance castle, now housing several museums.
• Sankt Petri Kyrka: Visit the beautiful medieval brick church in the Old Town.
• Malmö City Library: A unique architectural blend featuring modern and historic buildings, including the stunning "Calendar of Light" installation.
• Moderna Museet Malmö: For modern and contemporary art lovers. 
• The World Famous Malmo 'Disgusting Food Museum'      

17:00 — Meet at Malmö Centralstation ready for the 17:15 return train to Copenhagen.

17:45 — Arrive back in Copenhagen. Evening free to explore the city and choose dinner.

Day 3 — Sunday 11 October Breakfast, checkout and departure

Breakfast will be provided at the hotel before checkout.

09:00 — Meet to check out and store luggage if needed, then walk to the train station.

Transfer: short train journey to Klampenborg.

10:00 — Autumn walk in Jægersborg Dyrehave

Distance: approximately 6.4 km / 1.5 hours

We will warm up for the final dip with a scenic walk through Jægersborg Dyrehave, a UNESCO-listed royal hunting landscape north of Copenhagen. Expect ancient trees, open plains, autumn colours and the chance to see free-roaming deer across the park.

Route highlights may include:

• Bakken
• The Wolf Valleys
• The Hermitage Castle
• Bronze Age burial mounds
• Ancient beech and oak woodland

This peaceful final morning is designed to bring the group together before the last challenge: a crisp autumn walk, shared focus and one final step into the cold.

12:00 — Cold Dip #3: The Øresund finale

For the final official dip, participants will brave the Øresund Strait — the sea channel between Denmark and Sweden, connecting the North Sea via the Kattegat with the Baltic Sea. This is the closing moment of the charity challenge: cold water, shared achievement and a final burst of determination.

Recovery: traditional SaunaGus included.

After the dip, the group will be rewarded with a 90-minute sauna session before travelling back towards Copenhagen city centre for departures or extra free time.

Restaurant and coffee-shop options are available around the station and beach area, which will be the base for Sunday’s activities. Participants can choose to stay for lunch after the final dip or return directly to Klampenborg Station to collect luggage from the hotel before departure.

Cold Water Safety and Participant Guidance

Cold-water immersion is an exciting and memorable part of this charity challenge, but it must be approached with care, respect and personal responsibility. Participants should read this guidance before the weekend and follow all instructions from the event organiser and venue staff during each dip.

Before you take part

• Only take part if you feel well on the day. Do not enter the water if you feel unwell, light-headed, feverish or unusually fatigued.
• If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, a respiratory condition, a history of fainting, are pregnant, or have any health concerns, seek medical advice before taking part.
• Do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs before any cold-water activity.
• Eat beforehand, stay hydrated and avoid rushing straight into the water after heavy exertion.
• Tell the organiser about any relevant medical information, medication, allergies or emergency contact details before the first dip.

Cold shock: what to expect

Cold water can trigger cold shock, especially in water around 15°C or below. This may cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and a short period of panic. The key response is to enter slowly, keep your airway clear, pause, breathe steadily and allow your body to adjust before moving further.

During each dip

• Enter the water slowly and under control — no diving, jumping or sudden plunging unless specifically supervised and agreed by the venue.

• Stay within the agreed dip area and remain close to the group, the exit point and any safety support.

• Use the buddy system: check in with your buddy before entering, while in the water and immediately after getting out.

• Keep dips short. This is a challenge of controlled exposure, not endurance.

• Focus on slow breathing. If you feel panicked, dizzy, numb, breathless or unable to coordinate movement, get out immediately and alert someone.

• Do not encourage anyone to stay in longer than they are comfortable with. Every participant’s cold tolerance is different.

If you get into difficulty

If you unexpectedly struggle in the water, resist the urge to thrash or rush. Float on your back if needed, tilt your head back, control your breathing, call for help and move towards the exit only when you can do so safely. If you see someone else in difficulty, raise the alarm immediately and follow venue or emergency instructions.

Warming up afterwards

• Get dry and dressed quickly, including warm layers, hat, socks and gloves if needed.

• Warm gradually with layers, sheltered space, warm drinks and light food.

• Be aware of afterdrop: you may continue to feel colder after leaving the water as your body temperature readjusts.

• Do not use alcohol to warm up.

• Tell the organiser if you feel confused, excessively cold, drowsy, unsteady, short of breath or unable to warm up.

Suggested participant kit

• A tow float and Woolen hat will be required for each dipper not wearing a wetsuit.

• Swimwear and towel or changing robe.

• Warm base layers, fleece or insulated jacket, hat, gloves and warm socks.

• Water shoes or sandals suitable for wet surfaces.

• Waterproof bag for wet kit.

• Reusable water bottle, snacks and any personal medication.

• Please ensure that you have the appropriate travel insurance for the trip duration.