Patrick Gunther
A True Hot & Cold Recovery System (Tested at 36°F to 107°F)
I recently tested the Nordic Wave Viking XL Cold Plunge, and if I had to sum it up quickly, it’s a large, premium at-home cold plunge built for taller and bigger users that also includes a hot water function—so it ends up working as both a cold therapy system and a hot recovery tub.
The biggest practical difference compared to most setups is the combination of space and power. The 1 HP chiller is strong enough to bring water down at roughly ~10°F per hour, and you can control everything through a WiFi-connected app on your phone, which makes it easy to adjust temperature without physically interacting with the unit. I got this unit down to a very chilly 36-degrees! On the other side, it can also heat up to about 107°F, which opens up real hot + cold rotation if you’re using it regularly.
The setup itself was also simpler than expected. Almost everything is hand-tightened, and I only needed a basic screwdriver that wasn’t included. The only real mistake I made was putting the stair steps together wrong the first time because I had them positionally reversed, so the screw holes didn’t line up properly—but once I corrected that, everything went smoothly. One important detail is that the chiller sits on wheels and must be slid through the back opening of the stair steps during assembly—you can’t place the steps on top of it or it won’t align correctly.
Overall, it feels less like a complicated installation and more like something you assemble once and then just use.
Quick Verdict (If You Just Want the Bottom Line)
- One of the few cold plunges that actually fits taller and larger users comfortably
- Real hot + cold system, not just marketing language
- 1 HP chiller tested at ~10°F per hour cooling performance
- Easy setup (even easier than earlier Viking models)
- Compact footprint (~6 feet lengthwise in real-world placement)
- Premium price, but feels like a long-term system you actually use
If you’re serious about cold plunging, this really isn’t a “wellness gadget” type of purchase. It’s more of a long-term investment in your health, recovery, and mental resilience, because the biggest benefit isn’t any single session—it’s the consistency it helps you actually maintain.
My Viking XL Cold Plunge Video Review
The video shows everything from unboxing to first plunge (both hot and cold).
This written review reflects longer-term use—what stands out after the novelty wears off and it becomes part of your routine.
First Impression: Space, Comfort, and Usability are the Real Upgrade
The Viking XL is rated up to 7’4”, but the real difference isn’t the rating—it’s usability.
I’m 6’4”, 285 lbs, and most cold plunges technically fit me, but that’s not the same as being comfortable.
With the Viking XL, I wasn’t constantly adjusting or thinking about the walls. I could just sit and settle in.
One thing that stood out immediately is the two interior edge ledges inside the tub. They help you step down into the plunge more naturally, and once you’re inside, they can also be used as comfortable seating points.
That makes entry and positioning feel more controlled than most vertical plunges.
Even more surprising, this doesn’t really feel like a large-footprint system in practice. It’s actually fairly compact—about 6 feet in length—which makes it easier to place than people expect.
And because of the interior space, two smaller people can actually use it together comfortably, which is rare in this category.
If you want context, this builds on the standard model:
👉 Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Review
The Chiller: 1 HP Performance (~10°F/Hour Real-World Cooling)
This is where the Viking XL separates itself from most home cold plunge systems.
It uses a 1 HP chiller, and in my testing, it consistently dropped water temperature at about ~10°F per hour.
That’s fast enough that it changes behavior.
You don’t need to plan an entire day around it. You can decide later in the day and still realistically get a usable plunge session ready.
Once it reaches temperature, it holds it steadily without constant monitoring.
One detail that’s easy to overlook but makes a real difference in day-to-day use is how quiet the chiller fan is. Even when it’s actively cooling, it’s not intrusive. And because the unit is so well insulated, once it reaches your set temperature, it doesn’t need to run constantly. In practice (depending on the climate you live in, of course), the only time you really notice the fan kick back on is after a session, when your body heat raises the water temperature by a degree or two—then it briefly cycles to bring it back down.
That’s the difference between something you own and something you actually use.
Hot Water Mode: The Feature Most People Underestimate
Everyone focuses on the cold plunge side, but the hot water function is just as meaningful in real use.
I tested it up to about 107°F, and it felt genuinely excellent—not gimmicky, not barely warm, but actually something you’d want to use.
It turns the system into something more flexible:
Cold in the morning, hot later at night. Just keep in mind it isn’t instant—switching between hot and cold takes roughly ~7 hours depending on starting temperature, so it’s not really something you can use for back-to-back contrast sessions. It’s more about choosing a mode for the day and sticking with it.
Still, once you adjust expectations, it becomes surprisingly practical.
Entry & Exit: Better Than Expected
I expected the larger design to make entry and exit awkward.
It didn’t.
The step system works well, and the internal ledges actually help guide you in and out smoothly.
The Real Experience: Why it Works Long-Term
Once you stop thinking about setup and positioning, the experience becomes simple.
It isn’t squeeze-your-way-in, figure-out-the-fit, and adjust-and-readjust-until-your-comfortable.
You just sit down, breathe, and deal with the cold.
There’s less mental friction than smaller tubs, which makes consistency easier over time.
Build Quality: Solid, Permanent-Feeling Setup
HDPE construction, strong insulation, and stable temperature control make this feel like a permanent installation rather than a temporary setup.
Less fluctuation, less babysitting, more consistency.
Downsides (Real Tradeoffs)
- Premium price point
- Vertical-only design (which I prefer over horizontal tubs)
- Requires dedicated space (though smaller than it appears)
Who This is Best For
This makes sense if:
- You’re taller or larger and feel cramped in other tubs
- You want a hot + cold recovery system in one
- You want minimal daily friction
- You’re done dealing with ice setups
- You want something that can even accommodate two smaller users
Final Thoughts
The Viking XL by Nordic Wave doesn’t reinvent cold plunging.
It removes friction:
- More usable space with real interior seating ledges
- Faster 1 HP cooling (~10°F/hour)
- WiFi app control for easy temperature management
- Hot + cold system in one unit
- Easier setup than previous versions
- Surprisingly compact footprint for its capability
And that combination is what actually drives consistency.
Bottom Line
The Viking XL by Nordic Wave is a premium hot + cold recovery system with strong cooling performance, smart interior design, and enough usability improvements that it naturally encourages consistency.
I hope this review has helped you if you are shopping for a cold plunge; I’ve tried to be very transparent and authentic in reviewing The Viking XL. If it’s something that you’d like to invest in, consider using this Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge affiliate link, which will give you $150 off your purchase, and is a win-win for both of us.
For additional in-depth reviews, visit my ice bath tub reviews page for at-home cold plunges and venue experiences.
