Hundreds of Lower Saxony celebrate New Year with brave ice bathing in Cuxhaven!

Hundreds of Lower Saxony celebrate New Year with brave ice bathing in Cuxhaven!

On January 1, 2026, many people in Lower Saxony were happy about New Year's Day and sought adventure in the cold water of the North Sea. Around 800 courageous swimmers gathered in Cuxhaven to ceremoniously celebrate the traditional bathing, despite windy conditions and cold temperatures. Music accompanied the participants as they plunged from the beach into the icy water in small groups. Security services, including the fire department and the German Life Saving Society (DLRG), were on site to ensure the safety of swimmers, while spectators clapped and cheered on the beach. After the courageous jump into the cold North Sea, the participants were able to warm up in the adjacent swimming pool.

Although the planned swim in Norddeich was canceled due to fears of force 9 wind gusts, the event will be rescheduled at a later date. Similar events also took place on Norderney and Wangerooge, with 371 people on Wangerooge ending the old year with a cool swim.

Ice bathing: a healthy pleasure?

Ice bathing is becoming increasingly popular in the winter months between December and February. In the North Sea in Cuxhaven, the water temperatures are usually between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, and many enthusiasts report the positive effects of this cold pleasure. In addition to strengthening the immune system and training blood vessels, ice bathing is said to help promote blood circulation and reduce susceptibility to colds. During a cold shock, adrenaline and endorphins are released, which increase feelings of well-being and can even contribute to weight loss by activating brown fat. Many reports indicate that ice bathers are less likely to become ill - but science is still looking for reliable evidence.

Preparing for ice bathing is crucial. The recommendation is to take regular contrast showers a few weeks before the event. For safety and a shared experience, it is advisable to bring a companion with you. Breathe slowly and evenly during the ice bath, and wade through the water for no longer than 1 to 3 minutes. It is also important to take a warm shower after the bath to raise your body temperature again. A rental apartment with a sauna can also offer a nice opportunity to relax after ice bathing.

Safely into cold water

For those who want to try ice bathing, there are some basic tips: take a cold shower and gradually lower the water temperature, and be careful not to enter the water alone. Care should also be taken to protect the head and hair to avoid unwanted cold damage. It is particularly important to carry out a health check before ice bathing - people with heart or vascular problems should avoid this adventure.

Diving into the cold North Sea is not only a refreshing experience, but also brings with it a dose of joie de vivre. Not only is the New Year welcomed with a brave act, but health benefits are also sought. Anyone who dares to endure the cold shock can start a new year full of energy and a good mood.

Those interested can find out more about the benefits of ice bathing, for example by reading the reports on Time, Berger Tourism or NDR read up.