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Jena Cancels New Year’s Swim at Schleichersee After Ice Makes Event Unsafe

Organizers cite guest safety following a five-centimeter ice cover from recent frosts.

Overview

  • Jenaer Bäder announced on December 29 that the January 1, 2026 tradition will not go ahead.
  • The lake is fully frozen with an approximately five-centimeter ice layer, blocking safe entry, exit, and rescue access.
  • Operations manager Ulrich Klose said the safety of guests has top priority, according to the public notice.
  • The sixth edition will be rescheduled once the ice has melted, with planning for a replacement date already underway.
  • The event is a popular local tradition in Jena, drawing several hundred participants in 2025.