It’s Sunday in January and the water temperature is four degrees. On the shore, a row of bathers – some in wetsuits, most not – are taking their first tentative steps into the water. This wintery swimming scene will either bring you chilly thrills or fill you with ice-cold dread, depending on your perspective. If you’re in the former camp (or just want to watch swimmers braving frigid waters) we’ve found Berlin’s go-to spot: Strandbad Tegelsee. Their Sunday ice bathing sessions let you join an intrepid group of like-minded bathers to warm up, practice breathing and take to the water in unison. It’s a pleasantly communal and, crucially, safe way to take a winter dip, and there’s a campfire and hot food and drinks on hand to warm up after. So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge and feel those endorphins release!
Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Strandbad Tegelsee & Olya Kobruseva
Strandbad Tegelsee, Schwarzer Weg 21, 13505 Berlin–Tegel; map
Ice bathing sessions take place every Sunday in January and February at 13h. Participation is free of charge. The lake is reachable by car or from Alt–Tegel (U6) with the 222 bus followed by a 1km walk.
@strandbadtegelseeee
