Dozens of ice bathers climb into Berlin’s Orankesee
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Dozens of members of the Berlin Seals Club went into the ice-cold Orankesee on Christmas Day. the water temperature was just above freezing at 1.5 degrees.
dpa/zinken
Berliners Brave the Cold for Traditional Christmas Swim
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Despite temperatures plummeting to minus eight degrees Celsius, Berliners gathered at lake Oranke on December 25th for a traditional Christmas bathing event. Participants, many dressed in festive Santa Claus hats and costumes, plunged into the icy water as part of a long-standing Berlin christmas festival.
While the spectacle drew a crowd, bathers only stayed in the water for a few minutes at most.
The Berlin Seals, a group who have been meeting at the Lake Oranke lido every Sunday in winter since 1980, were among those taking the plunge. They plan to continue the tradition with another ice bathing session on New Year’s Day.
Brandenburgers Embrace Christmas Day Ice Bath Tradition
Keen winter swimmers in Brandenburg, Germany, continued a festive tradition on December 24th, braving the cold waters of Lake Senftenberg. Members of the “Pirrlliepausen” (Northern German for icicles) winter bathing club plunged into the 5-degree Celsius (41-degree Fahrenheit) water despite air temperatures of -1 degree Celsius (30-degree Fahrenheit).
The Appeal of Ice Swimming
Club president Frank Vogel explained the enduring appeal of the annual Christmas swim, stating it’s “the tingling feeling afterwards and the happy hormones that you’ve overcome yourself and been able to swim in the cold water” that brings members back year after year. https://www.rbb24.de/
Ice swimming, also known as winter swimming, has gained popularity in recent years, with proponents citing potential health benefits, including improved circulation, reduced stress, and a boost to the immune system. Though, it’s vital to note that these benefits are still being researched, and ice swimming carries inherent risks.
Safety Considerations for Winter Swimming
While the practice can be invigorating, experts emphasize the importance of safety precautions when engaging in winter swimming:
* Acclimatization: Gradually exposing oneself to cold water over time is crucial.
* Buddy System: never swim alone.
* Warm Clothing: have warm, dry clothing readily available for after the swim.
* Medical Check-up: individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult a doctor before attempting ice swimming.
* Awareness of Hypothermia: Recognise the signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, loss of coordination) and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
The tradition in Senftenberg highlights a growing trend of embracing winter activities and challenging oneself in the face of cold temperatures. The broadcast of this event was featured on rbb 88.8 on December 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.