It sounds crazy, but the icy splash is awesome!

Surprisingly, cold therapy has been used in medicine for centuries to treat patients. Even the ancient Egyptians were aware of the beneficial effects of various enemas, immersion baths and ice baths. But what is the point of “freezing”? Because extreme cold triggers defensive reactions in your body, it reduces pain and excessive muscle tone. Cold therapy has a positive effect on certain skin conditions, but its main effect is that the body mobilises its reserves, immunity increases, pain disappears and the skin’s metabolism is activated. Ice-water soaks reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, improve sleep quality, make you feel more energetic and can also help people suffering from depression.

The record for bathing in cold water is held by a Dutch man, Wim Hof, who stood in a tank filled with ice for no less than 112 minutes. The extreme athlete known as the Iceman holds several world records for extreme cold tolerance: he has climbed Kilimanjaro in shorts and shoes, and run a barefoot marathon across the Arctic Circle. His method consists of three main parts: breathing techniques, cold therapy and engagement. As dedicated believers claim: extreme cold is the secret to long life. Because it triggers the body’s self-healing processes, cold therapy predicts a long life without disease.

All it takes is to summon up all our courage and self-control to dive into the painfully icy water on the harshest winter days. Even if cold therapy doesn’t appeal to you as much, the year-end or New Year’s Eve ice splashes are worth a try! Speaking from experience, it’s much nicer to plunge into the bitter cold knowing that there’s hot tea, scones, champagne and celebration outside. Find out where to attend similar events!

Once upon a time, on the first day of the New Year, the mayor of Kovácsszénája and his friends organised a spontaneous “cleansing” ice bath in the lake of Pécs. The habit has stuck, and more and more people have joined the group each year. The icy water and good vibes have since attracted hundreds of people to Orfű on the first day of the New Year, where warm tea, scones and recognition are given to all who dare to take a dip in the lake. Needless to say: the atmosphere is captivating, which soon makes up for the almost painful water experience.

Every year in Ábrahámhegy, brave volunteers are invited to take part in a New Year’s Eve splash. The bathing is usually organised with the support of the municipality, local entrepreneurs, wine producers and private individuals. There’s never a shortage of soul-warmers, which is necessary, as the water on this section of the Balaton shore deepens very slowly, so an icy splash here would be more like a slow, icy torture march. Whatever you call it, the atmosphere in Ábrahámhegy is great!   

In Keszthely, at the Szigetfürdő of the Municipal Beach area, ice experiences await the bravest on the last day of every year. Really, only the bravest, because there are always more spectators than swimmers at the event – but the atmosphere is captivating. Hot drinks and music will be served on the shores of Lake Balaton, as well.

After a medical examination, the New Year’s splash starts with a cannon shot in Szigliget, where divers from all over the country – even from abroad – come to dive. The dive in Lake Balaton is best for those with a competitive spirit, as the goal is to be the first to reach the Christmas tree placed in the water the previous year after the start signal. It’s not an easy task, as halfway there, our feet are already aching from the few degrees of Balaton – but the mulled wine waiting on the shore makes up for the ordeal.