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Cold water therapy has evolved beyond an ice bath into advanced home systems[1], and one such system is the Nordic Wave Viking, which is a notable representative of the cold plunging industry. With vertical cold plunge tubs gaining popularity due to their space-saving nature, the Viking has carved out a niche in this category. But is this new high-tech kind of cold-water therapy worth the cost?
This is the Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge review, in which we will analyze all the features of this vertical cold plunge tub, including its distinctive design philosophy and the actual performance and experiences expressed by its users. If you are an athlete aiming for the benefits of recovery or a longevity fan looking into cold water therapy, then this review should assist you in deciding whether the Viking can have a spot in your routine.
The Nordic Wave Viking is a well-designed vertical cold plunge that maximizes space efficiency while delivering effective cooling down to 35°F / 1.7°C. It features smart connectivity, excellent build quality, and a compact footprint, making it ideal for home use. However, some users report Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge complaints and chiller reliability concerns that potential buyers should take into consideration. View Nordic Wave Viking
Refresh your wellness routine this Nordic Wave Memorial Day Sale with $1,500 discount on cold plunges. Experience the benefits of cold therapy from the comfort of home and take advantage of this exclusive limited-time savings event.
To get started, it is essential to determine the primary specifications and features of the Viking cold plunge experience - I'll elaborate on the details as we go further into the review:
| Price | $6,999 (Standard) $7,499 (Elite) $8,999 (XL) |
| Dimensions | 30" L x 36" W x 44" H / 76.2 x 91.4 x 111.76 cm |
| Weight | 60 lbs / 27.2 kg (empty), ~820 lbs / 372 kg (filled) |
| Capacity | 95 gallons / 360 liters |
| Material | HDPE plastic with 2" foam insulation |
| Warranty | 5 years (tub), 2 years (chiller) |
| Color | Charcoal Gray, Slate Blue, Arctic White, Red |
| Chiller? | Standard (0.8 HP), Elite (1 HP) |
| Temperature Range | 35-104°F / 1.7-40°C |
| Durability | Durable materials, built for year-round use |
| Comfort | Vertical design (not too comfortable for tall individuals) |
| Extra Features | App with scheduling, multi-stage ozone filtration, lid, and all-weather steps |
| Best For | Space-conscious users seeking premium cold therapy |
One constant that stands out in the Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge reviews is the one thing that sets them apart from the others: the plunge features a vertical design. It does not spread out on your floor like in traditional horizontal tubs, but is straight, and the Viking provides immersion up to your neck, while still having a smaller footprint compared to most available cold plunges.
A significant criticism of cold plunge tubs is space constraint. The Viking's design philosophy addresses this particular aspect.
Nordic Wave's approach to the design of their products is reflected in the careful engineering of the Viking, which encompasses the tub, its entire chiller infrastructure, as well as the Nordic Flow app that was launched in January 2025.
The Viking is an excellent example of an efficient, cool, and well-built product. Still, there are some Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge complaints floating online, mostly related to the durability of the chiller, which shouldn't be ignored when deciding if this product is the right fit for you.
Don't worry, though - we'll talk about both the pros AND the cons, in the chapters ahead.
These are the main characteristics that make the Nordic Wave Viking gen 2 an attractive product to the people who embrace the idea of cold therapy:
The vertical design of the Viking is not merely a gimmick to save space. This upright positioning also enables natural, comfortable breathing during immersions, which some users prefer over the lying-back position of horizontal tubs. The Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge dimensions (30" L x 36" W x 44" H / 76.2 x 91.4 x 111.76 cm) come with a small footprint, and the plunge should easily fit into any home, apartment, garage, or backyard.
The integrated chiller system delivers impressive cooling capabilities, dropping the water temperature by 5-6 degrees per hour until it reaches the minimum of 35°F / 1.7°C. This performance means you can cool from room temperature (around 70°F / 21°C) to optimal cold therapy temperatures (39-50°F / 4-10°C) in approximately 4-6 hours, making it practical for daily use.
The Nordic Flow application was released with the aim of making remote temperature control easier. Cold therapy enthusiasts can set their schedules for plunging sessions, create logs of their longevity journey, and receive guided breathwork and meditation materials. On a sidenote, it's a nice showcase of how technology has become an integral part of wellness practice, illustrating the increasing feature variety of at-home tools.
As far as the design of the plunge is concerned, Nordic Wave ensures durability by utilizing HDPE plastic construction and 2-inch foam insulation walls. The insulation not only works effectively to maintain temperature, but also blocks outside condensation, which is commonly found in poorly insulated cold tubs.
The multi-stage filtration and ozone sanitation also provide pure and safe water - a juxtaposition to some other cold plunges that require chemicals to be used in the filtration process. This minimizes the maintenance of the tub.
A cherry on top, and something highlighted in numerous Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge reviews, is the customer support of the company. It appears to shine particularly when issues arise. There are reports of fast replacements for the chiller and friendly technical support from users (although support can be slow at times, it seems).
The Viking has a wide range of strengths, but some Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge complaints are worth keeping in mind:
The most common issue pointed out in customer Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge reviews is the failures of the chillers. Several customers have experienced problems with their chillers that have developed within months of purchase, requiring them to replace their units (sometimes - more than once!).
Although Nordic Wave typically addresses replacements (due to warranties) promptly, the trend raises questions regarding long-term reliability.
The Viking's customization options are rather limited, compared to those of its competitors. As of writing this Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge review, the product is only available in four different color options - black, white, red, and blue.
The Viking Gen 2 ranges from $6,999 to $8,999. Here's a price breakdown:
The Viking XL is a larger version of Nordic Wave's iconic cold plunge, fitting up to 2 individuals at a time.
While Viking XL comes with some advanced features (such as the 1 HP chiller and the Triple-Defense Water Purification™ system), if you'd like to receive white-glove delivery of your product, you would still need to pay extra - specifically, a flat fee of $199 on top of your purchase.
While the features of the cold plunge justify the cost for serious plunging enthusiasts, the Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge price may be prohibitive for casual users or those new to cold water therapy who haven't yet committed to regular practice.
The Viking is a significant investment, costing between $6,999 and $8,999. Although the functionality makes the price worthwhile to cold therapy enthusiasts, casual users or those new to cold water therapy who have not yet established a routine may find a single purchase unit too expensive.
The cooling performance of the Viking is similar to that of many other high-tier cold plunges. The standard 0.8HP chiller is more than enough to cool down quickly, and maintain the target temperatures anywhere between 35-104°F / 1.7-40°C.
There's also an optional 1HP chiller that customers can upgrade to, for even more efficient cooling (the Elite version of the chiller features 55% more efficient cooling and heating, according to Nordic Wave's official website).
The vertical orientation of the tub will provide adequate comfort to anyone up to 6'4" / 193 cm tall. Furthermore, a "hidden" benefit of this design is that you're essentially sitting in the plunge upright - this affects your breathing and posture, making the entire experience that much more effective.
The 95-gallon / 360-liter capacity is also just enough water to soak the entire body without feeling too cramped. Note that if you're a taller individual, though, the experience might be a bit awkward - you'll have your shoulders or even chest area sticking out of the tub, unless you perform some unique body-bending gymnastics.
The temperature control system maintains the water temperature within a range of 1-2°F of the target setting. The Nordic Flow app will enable users to adjust the temperature and create a schedule, allowing them to pre-cool their plunge according to their personal preferences.
Nordic Wave has simplified the installation process - you shouldn't face any significant hurdles setting up the cold plunge at home, by yourself. All the components needed to operate the system are supplied:
The company offers a virtual setup call with a technician, available free of charge, which can be scheduled via a Calendly link sent after purchase. This support ensures that the installation is complete, and any queries arising from this initial setup process will be promptly addressed and answered. Certainly a big benefit, as far as this Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge review is concerned!
The tub can be installed without any special tools. The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes on average. What you'd do is connect the tub to the chiller using the given hoses and "filling the system" using the carbon filter. Lastly, all that's left to do is prim the chiller, and you're good to go!
Regular maintenance of the Viking is crucial, if you want your cold plunge to serve you for a long time to come. The maintenance processes aren't anything special, nor are they standout when compared to other cold plunge products on the market. Still, having an idea of what to expect can be useful before committing to a purchase.
Weekly Tasks:
Monthly Tasks:
As-Needed Tasks:
The extent of maintenance needed for a cold plunge like this is normal. Make sure not to miss out on regular check-ups to ensure the longevity (pun intended) of the product!
Fun fact: the Viking does not require any winterization processes - the built-in chilling + heating functions, combined with the advanced filtration and a cover lid, allow the plunge to be used all year round, without needing to perform any major additional maintenance.
We've been talking about the different features of the Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge. However, how do they fall in line with the perceived benefits of cold plunging, in general?
Well, cold water immersion therapy has significant research to support its use. Let's take a look at some of that research, and see how the product in question fits the bill.
One research paper established that cold water immersion has been proven effective in alleviating muscle soreness and promoting rapid recovery after strenuous activity[2]. The most favorable temperature range, 50-59°F (10-15°C), falls into the operating temperature range of the Viking.
A study published in PLOS One demonstrated that regular exposure to cold temperatures increases white blood cell count and enhances the immune system[3]. When participants in the study practiced cold water immersion, they experienced a 29% reduction in sick days compared to the control group.
Another study suggests that cold water immersion releases norepinephrine and dopamine[4], neurotransmitters associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
The findings in such studies confirm two things: one, that cold therapy is an essential part of any longevity-minded individual's journey. And two - that the benefits claimed by the Viking cold plunge have some serious scientific backing behind them!
To get some perspective on the Vikings' position in the overall cold plunge market, let's examine how the product compares to some of the popular alternatives.
The Plunge All-In is often seen as one of the best cold plunge products that money can buy. It's more expensive than the Viking, and is fundamentally different in its design, featuring a classic horizontal layout.
This does obviously mean that the All-In will take up more space, however. On top of that, it only comes with a standard 1-year warranty, as opposed to the Nordic Wave Viking's 5 years.
| Nordic Wave Viking | Plunge All-In | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,999-$8,999 | $9,990 |
| Dimensions | 30" L x 36" W x 44" H / 76.2 x 91.4 x 111.76 cm | 77" L x 31.5" W x 29" H / 195 x 80 x 73.5 cm |
| Capacity | 95 gallons / 360 liters | 105 gallons / 397 liters |
| Min. Temperature | 35°F / 1.7°C | 37°F / 2.7°C |
| Heater? | Yes, built-in | Yes, optional |
| Filtration | Ozone sanitation + filtration | 20-micron filter + ozone sanitation |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Portability | Decently portable | Fixed installation |
Both the Viking and the Inergize cold plunge feature cooling + heating capabilities. They are priced similarly, too. However, while the Viking is a vertical plunge, the Inergize is horizontal and holds a little bit more water.
Both plunges are portable and come equipped with similar cooling capabilities. At the end of the day, it essentially boils down to a choice in design philosophy - which suits your wants and needs better.
| Nordic Wave Viking | Inergize Cold + Hot | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,999-$8,999 | $6,999 |
| Dimensions | 30" L x 36" W x 44" H / 76.2 x 91.4 x 111.76 cm | 45” L x 21.5” W x 30” H / 114 cm × 54.6 cm × 76.2 cm |
| Capacity | 95 gallons / 360 liters | 100 gallons / 378 liters |
| Min. Temperature | 35°F / 1.7°C | 37°F / 2.7°C |
| Heater? | Yes, built-in | Yes, built-in |
| Filtration | Ozone sanitation + filtration | 4-stage filtration |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Portability | Decently portable | Portable |
The Ice Barrel 500 is a rather unique cold plunge alternative, since it does not feature a chiller by default. Instead, one needs to be purchased separately - the alternative is to pour water into the plunge manually.
It's an affordable alternative for anyone seeking the benefits of cold water therapy on a stricter budget. That being said, as far as modern features and convenience are concerned, the Viking is a better pick here.
| Nordic Wave Viking | Ice Barrel 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,999-$8,999 | $2,499 |
| Dimensions | 30" L x 36" W x 44" H / 76.2 x 91.4 x 111.76 cm | 57.6” L x 30.7” W x 42.1” H / 146.3 cm x 78 cm x 107 cm |
| Capacity | 95 gallons / 360 liters | 94 gallons / 355.8 liters |
| Min. Temperature | 35°F / 1.7°C | - (manual ice addition, optional chiller) |
| Heater? | Yes, built-in | No |
| Filtration | Ozone sanitation + filtration | 50-micron filters (chiller) |
| App Control | Yes | No |
| Portability | Decently portable | Portable |
Throughout this article, we've been talking about the "gen 2" version of the Viking cold plunge. It incorporates several improvements over the original:
Nordic Wave Viking Gen 2 represents the company's commitment to addressing early user concerns while still maintaining the innovative vertical design approach that sets the system apart from its competition.
Nordic Wave's customer service receives mixed reviews in user forums.
Some customers talk about quick responses to warranty claims, helpful technical support during setup, and proactive communication about known issues. These are essentially the claims that make up the majority online opinion regarding Nordic Wave's support team.
However, there are also some reports about inconsistent response times during peak periods, and general difficulty reaching support.
It does seem to boil down to WHEN it is that you're trying to reach support. The actual experience, however, as well as issue resolution, appears to be in line with what you'd expect from a top-tier brand in the niche.
With the majority of the Nordic Wave Viking Gen 2 review done and dusted, let's take a step back and reflect - who is this particular product going to be best for?
Well, put shortly, the Viking is going to suit you if you:
Consider alternatives if you:
Vertical and horizontal designs are two significant options to consider when making a cold plunge acquisition-related decision. Since the Viking is a vertically oriented product, let's quickly run through the main benefits that you can expect with a cold plunge like this.
The vertical design is a game-changer for people who have a limited amount of space. Tubs with horizontal designs typically require a large floor area, and therefore, they would not fit in virtually any apartment or small residential house.
The Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge dimensions make it out to be a compact option, allowing it to fit in small areas of confined spaces like the corner of a bathroom or a minimum patio size and still work in a full-body immersion. This would also be suitable in residential and business premises where space is difficult to come by.
A vertical cold plunge is in an upright position, thus encouraging free breathing. In contrast to horizontal tubs, in which one may start experiencing chest compression by lying down, standing on the ground, or sitting upright help the enthusiast maintain open airways, allowing them to perform deep breathing exercises common in cold water therapy.
Additionally, maintaining a vertical position promotes correct posture and core strength, which can then lead to even more longevity-related benefits.
Another significant benefit is safety. The vertical shape makes entry and exit relatively fast and easy (especially with the small stairs that are included in your purchase), reducing the chances of slips and falls.
This is particularly useful for single customers, as they may not have anyone available to assist them if they accidentally trip and fall while climbing into or out of the plunge.
In addition to its functionality, the vertical design of the Viking provides a modern and elegant look to any room.
It features black, red, white, and blue color schemes, any of which are bound to complement most home decor, whether the style is minimalist or rustic, making it more than just a health tool - it can be an eye-pleasing accessory for your home!
Refresh your wellness routine this Nordic Wave Memorial Day Sale with $1,500 discount on cold plunges. Experience the benefits of cold therapy from the comfort of home and take advantage of this exclusive limited-time savings event.
As far as this Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge review is concerned, the product in question is certainly among the better cold plunge tubs on the market.
Vertical design layout, efficient cooling, and app connectivity are just a few features worth keeping in mind, when trying to decide if the Viking is a good choice for you.
While the tub is somewhat expensive, and there are reports regarding chiller issues, for most customers, these don't really seem to be issues that would detract from their satisfaction with the product. If you're still not sure about the Viking, though, check out some alternatives - perhaps the Plunge All-In would suit your preferences better?
Verified 
Verified The Nordic Wave Viking cools water at a rate of 5-6°F per hour; thus, the cooling of room temperature water (70°F) to an ideal cold therapy range (around 39°F) can take approximately 4-6 hours. The Elite chiller model cools a little bit quicker than the standard one (1 HP VS the standard 0.8 HP).
The Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge dimensions are 30" in length, 36" in width, and 44" in height. Note that this is without the chiller - its dimensions are 21" L x 12" W x 17" H (Pro) or 22" L x 14" W x 19" H (Elite).
Yes, the Viking fits any user up to 6'4" / 193 cm tall. The 95-gallon water capacity is enough to immerse the entire body. If you're taller than 6'4", though, be prepared for your shoulders to stick out from the plunge.
To maintain the optimal performance and water quality, Nordic Wave suggests changing the filter monthly. The replacement filters cost approximately $25 and can be found on the company's official website.
The Viking offers a 5-year warranty on the tub and a 2-year warranty on the chiller system. Nordic Wave also offers friendly customer care for warranty and technical support. However, before deciding to make the purchase, make sure to check out all of the warranty details on the company's official website.
Yes, the Viking is both indoor and outdoor. The HDPE construction and insulation quality allow for the plunge to be used in all weather conditions. That being said, high temperatures can lead to chiller performance deterioration and inefficiency.
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