Every year, the traditional New Year’s Polar Bear Plunge in the North Sea attracts a lot of attention, especially in the parts of Germany that are not located by the sea. Why would anyone want to jump into ice-cold waters in winter? But the northerners are tough. We know who will be jumping into the North Sea for the 2026 New Year’s swim, when, how, and where. And where you can still register, if you dare.
Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026 in Butjadingen
Full speed ahead to the North Sea lagoon in Burhave! In 2026, plenty of daredevils will once again gather in Butjadingen near Bremerhaven to brave the cold waters of the Jade Bay. From 1 p.m. onwards, more and more swimmers and spectators will arrive until the big moment at 3 p.m. when they jump into the North Sea. The DLRG (German Life Saving Association), a local butcher’s shop, and the local scouts will make sure that no one goes hungry after the swim. And for the very young spectators, there will also be a portion of bread on a stick from the warming fire.
👉 More information is available on the website of the town of Butjadingen.
Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026 on Borkum
On the North Sea island of Borkum, this traditional event is organized by the local DLRG. Accordingly, all those who want to venture into the icy sea gather at the “Middelhüsche” clubhouse from 12 noon. Registration for the New Year’s swim is open until 1:45 p.m., although according to the DLRG, the motto is “better early than late.” There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome.
After a briefing, the group will waddle straight to the beach and into the sea. It is recommended that participants bring bathrobes or other warm clothing for the walk to and from the beach so that no one gets too cold. And if necessary, mulled wine and children’s punch will also be sold at the clubhouse.
👉 More information is available on the website of the North Sea spa resort of Borkum.
Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026 on Juist
On Juist, the longest of the East Frisian islands, the New Year’s Day swim 2026 will take place for the seventh time. From 10:30 a.m., the “TöwerVital” seawater adventure pool will be open for changing and warming up – and until 2 p.m., the pool and sauna can even be used free of charge.
At 11:50 a.m., everyone will walk together to the beach, where the intrepid participants will plunge into the waves at 12 noon sharp after a welcome by the mayor. From 12:15 p.m., well-deserved mulled wine or punch will be served at the adventure pool. The registration deadline for the New Year’s swim on Juist is 4 p.m. on December 30, 2025. Prizes will be raffled off among all participants, and participation in the swim is free of charge.
👉 More information is available on the website of the island community of Juist.
Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026 on Norderney
On the North Sea island of Norderney, the first swim of the year will also take place at 12 noon on the west beach. Anyone who wants to take part should gather there at 11:30 a.m. Registration is not necessary and the whole spectacle is free of charge.
The local DLRG (German Life Saving Association) ensures the safety of the swimmers in an exemplary manner. Incidentally, they are also very happy to show up in fancy costumes. And best of all, anyone who has been in the water gets free admission to the fire level in the “bade:haus” for two hours until 1 p.m. But beware, at 1 p.m. there is the traditional “rollmops infusion” in the sauna, i.e., an infusion with rollmops (pickled herring) water. This is where you can see who is really from northern Germany.
👉 More information is available on the Norderney website.
Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026 in Norddeich
Back on the mainland, at the New Year’s Day swim 2026 in Norddeich. Here, too, costumes make hearts beat faster. All daring swimmers and, of course, spectators are welcome. The swim usually starts at 11:30 a.m.
However, registration is required, either in advance online or at short notice directly on site: Registration is possible from 10 a.m. in the tent right next to the sea terrace. In addition to first-class blood circulation thanks to the cold water, every New Year’s swimmer also receives a button as a souvenir of the first swim of the year.
👉 More information is available on the Norddeich website.
Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026 in Cuxhaven
The New Year’s Day swim in Cuxhaven is a real happening. On the beach in front of the “ahoi!” Thalasso therapy center, the swim starts at 10:30 a.m., and the supporting program with music, hot bratwurst, and refreshing drinks begins at 9 a.m.
To prevent swimmers from getting cold before they jump into the sea, the thermal baths and sauna at the Thalasso Center are open free of charge from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. And there’s a certificate on top of that. But beware: places are limited, and registration is open until December 28, 2025, at the latest.
👉 More information is available on the website of the city of Cuxhaven.
