Important: Ice bathing should never be done alone. An accompanying person ensures that help is available immediately in the event of hypothermia.
These are the best places for ice bathing
Into the lake at zero degrees: these are the most beautiful spots for ice swimming in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - from frosty lakes to alpine glacier pools.
Ice bathing has long been more than just a trend - it's a winter ritual for anyone who loves the cold and wants to challenge their mind and body. From the Baltic Sea to Zurich and Vienna, there are some impressive spots where jumping into the icy water is a special experience.
The most beautiful places for ice bathing in Germany
Heiligendamm, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
The "white city by the sea" is the oldest German seaside resort - and an atmospheric place for a dip in the wintry Baltic Sea. Between classicist buildings and fresh sea air, ice bathing here is not just recreational fun, but has even been used therapeutically since 2011, including for the treatment of depressive symptoms.
Lake Starnberg, Bavaria
Just a short drive south of Munich is one of Bavaria's most popular winter swimming spots. Lake Starnberg rarely freezes over completely - ideal for venturing into the water without sharp-edged ice. The wind-protected jetties at Possenhofen are particularly popular, where the view of the snow-covered Alps almost makes you forget the frosty start.
Orankesee, Berlin
Ice bathing in the middle of the capital? A growing community of cold weather fans meets every Sunday at Berlin's Orankesee lake. The highlight of the season is the "Winter Swim in Berlin" in January, when participants from all over Germany - and beyond -swim their laps together.
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Starnberger See bei München
Ice swimming in Austria: the most exciting spots
Old Danube, Vienna
Ice bathing on the Old Danube is now almost part of everyday winter life. Every Sunday at 2 pm, numerous Viennese meet at Kagraner Uferplatz in the 22nd district to get into the cold water together - and enjoy the special mixture of peace, cold and community.
Hintertux Glacier
The ice swimming in the glacial lake is a little more extreme; on the Hintertux Glacier, swimming fans dive into the water in the middle of the natural ice palace - surrounded by impressive ice formations. The entrance is 3,220 meters above sea level and can only be reached with a guide. Participation is open to people aged 14 and over with a medical certificate and good fitness. Registration is mandatory.
Lake Traunsee
Lake Traunsee in Upper Austria is a real insider tip for anyone who wants to combine a winter adventure with an impressive natural backdrop. You can get from the parking lot directly to the jetty or the shore via the Bräuwiese - perfect for an uncomplicated introduction to ice-cold fun. As the lake rarely freezes over in winter, the water remains constantly "pleasantly cold" and is considered surprisingly easy to master by experienced ice bathers.
Tip: In Austria, you are generally allowed to swim in all freely accessible waters - unless it is expressly prohibited and the usual safety rules are observed.
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Hintertuxer Gletscher
Ice bathing in Switzerland: places with a natural backdrop
Arosa: Cold with a panoramic view
In the Graubünden mountain resort of Arosa, winter becomes an open-air spa. At Untersee, the brave can climb into the ice-cold water all winter long - with a view of a picture-book Alpine backdrop. If you already have experience in ice swimming, you can spontaneously enter the water at any time. Arosa offers regular workshops for all those who want to try out the cold adventure for the first time. After the frosty kick, a warming sauna awaits right on the lakeshore.
Lake Cauma: ice bath in a postcard motif
The turquoise-colored Lake Cauma in Flims is a paradise in summer - and a spectacular place to cool off in winter. Surrounded by dense forest and framed by snow-covered slopes, the surroundings almost seem to make you forget how cold the water actually is. The lake measures around three degrees in winter, but the scenery makes up for any shivering.
Lake Hallwil: winter swimming in Aargau
Lake Hallwil in the canton of Aargau is also considered an ideal place for a safe winter swim. The calm atmosphere, the clear water and the view of the surrounding hilly landscape ensure that the famous "15 minutes in ice water" pass more quickly than you think.
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Arosa im Winter
Ice bathing is healthy, but should be enjoyed with caution
There are a few rules to follow when ice bathing. Everyone should find out whether their physical condition allows it.
Who should not go ice swimming? People with cardiovascular problems should avoid winter swimming or ice swimming. As the cold shock activates our circulation, cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrest can be triggered in the event of problems. People with diabetes or high blood pressure are also advised against ice bathing.
