Serbia’s ‘Iceman’ Vladimir Stevanovic embraces frozen hikes and icy swims for inner peace

Walking for hours through thick snow on a windswept Serbian peak, wearing only boots, shorts and a backpack, might sound like the start of a harrowing survival story -- but for Vladimir Stevanovic, that was just a relaxing stroll.

Over the past 15 years, Stevanovic has been hiking icy slopes, meditating in deep snow and plunging into frozen lakes as part of a routine he believes offers health benefits and mental clarity.

"You surrender yourself to this cold because you know the cold won't hurt you," the 41-year-old told AFP at one of his local swimming spots, a frozen lake at the foot of Besna Kobila in Serbia's far south.

So far, he said his most extreme effort was braving -10C for seven hours, stripped to the waist in hiking boots and running shorts.

He says he can withstand floating in icy water for up to 15 minutes.

- 'Inner peace' -

His frigid exploits have earned him social media fame, with thousands following "Serbia's Iceman" on Instagram.

But he says he doesn't do it for records or followers.

"My goal, when I enter the water, is to gain a state of meditation, of inner peace."

In recent years, "cold exposure therapy" such as ice baths and swimming in frozen lakes has gained global popularity. Perhaps the most committed advocate is Dutchman Wim Hof, who has made a career of espousing its purported health benefits.

Vladimir Stevanovic hikes wearing only boots, shorts and a backpack on thick snow at the Besna Kobila mountain in Serbia. AFP

While some evidence supports parts of the claims, there is no clear scientific consensus. Doctors also warn against more extreme practices due to the potential of triggering pre-existing health conditions.

For Stevanovic, although his initial inspiration was the spiritual practices of Tibetan monks, the general appeal of icy plunges is a little less mystical -- overwhelming shock of "extreme cold".

"It helps us not think of anything else."

"So this is very good for handling stress."

- 'A little bit strange' -

But for those curious to try it, the scantily clad hiker -- who is also an archaeologist and dedicated martial artist -- warned against diving straight in.

"When you put cold water on you, it is very unpleasant for the first one or two seconds, and then you get very relaxed. And as you get relaxed, it doesn't bother you anymore."

With a lifelong thirst for adventure, his family and friends were less than surprised by his ice-cold exercise, he said.

But it still gives strangers goosebumps.

"This was some natural process for me; for everybody else, it was a little bit strange."

Agence France-Presse