New Year's Day Bathing 2026: Where Schleswig-Holsteiners can dive in the cold!

New Year's Day Bathing 2026: Where Schleswig-Holsteiners can dive in the cold!

On January 1st, 2026, many Schleswig-Holsteiners could look forward to the traditional New Year's bathing. However, the event did not take place as planned in all locations. Strong storm warnings meant that New Year's swimming in Wyk auf Föhr and on Sylt (wennigstedt) had to be canceled. Meanwhile, on Heligoland, the bathing took place as planned. In Büsum (Dithmarschen district) it is possible to catch up on New Year's swimming on January 3rd. If you would like to be there, you should register on site. In Heiligenhafen (Ostholstein district) the event was postponed to January 4th. Fortunately, there were some successful bathing events on the Baltic Sea, including in Großenbrode, Grömitz, Dahme and Olpenitz. For anyone who wants to take part in such events, one of the tried and tested tips is to do a health check before ice bathing, especially for first-time participants.

The tradition of ice bathing has a long history in northern Germany. Historical figures such as Charlemagne and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe appreciated the benefits of this cold refreshment. Bathing is not only considered a beautiful custom, but is also associated with numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that regular ice bathing increases white blood cell counts and strengthens the immune system. In addition, it can release happiness hormones, which means that many people flock to the cold North Sea - despite the cool temperatures, which are often below 15 degrees.

Health and safety when ice bathing

Before particularly inexperienced people plunge into the cold water, the DLRG recommends a few important tips: Make sure that your circulation is stable, gradually get used to the cold by taking colder showers and take advantage of the shared safety by bathing in groups. In general, you should not stay in the water for longer than a few minutes and you should also immerse yourself gently in the water. The head should remain dry and wearing a hat is recommended. After bathing, warming up quickly with warm clothing and enjoying hot soup or tea is crucial for your well-being.

Health experts, such as researchers at the University of South Australia, show in their meta-study that ice bathing can reduce stress levels. However, the positive effects on quality of life are usually only temporary and disappear after about three months. For people with previous illnesses or cardiovascular disorders, caution is advised and consultation with a doctor is advisable. If you still want to take part in one of the numerous New Year's swimming events, you will find numerous opportunities to do so in the coming days:

• TSV Otterndorf: Eisbaden am Silvestertag ab 14 Uhr im „See achtern Diek“ bei Cuxhaven.
• Butjadingen: Eisbaden am 1. Januar ab 13 Uhr in der Nordsee-Lagune.
• Borkum: Treffen um 12 Uhr am Vereinshaus Middelhüsche, Anmeldung erforderlich.
• Juist: Anbaden um 12 Uhr, Anmeldung erforderlich.
• Norderney: Anbaden am 1. Januar um 12 Uhr am Weststrand.
• Norddeich: Eisbaden um 11:30 Uhr, Anmeldungen ab 10 Uhr im Zelt neben der Meeresterrasse.

In a varied way, ice bathing was convincing not only because of its tradition, but also because of the health aspects that … and … have been described in detail. Anyone who is ready to face the cold could not only start the new year strengthened, but also with a smile.