Büsum New Year's Dive

The Leap into Cold Water

The Büsum New Year's Dive is a highlight in the event calendar of the North Sea resort — one of those seemingly crazy but well-organized traditions that give the North German folk soul a special touch. With water temperatures just above 0 °C, averaging 3 to 5 degrees, hundreds of brave people jump into the North Sea every year in early January — some barefoot and in swimwear, others in neoprene or dressed as polar bears, Vikings, and walruses.

A Ritual with Atmosphere

The event is not just a stunt: all around, there are celebrating spectators on the beach, mulled wine and punch, a little music, and above all, a special atmosphere of shared accomplishment. Those who swim along usually don't come alone — families, groups of friends, clubs, and regular guests plan the dive the year before.

Registration and Safety

The event is organized by the Tourismus Marketing Service Büsum in cooperation with the Meerzeit Büsum wave pool. The registration begins at 11:30 AM at Meerzeit, the actual jump follows after a short warm-up program around 12 PM. DLRG lifeguards are on site, the water is marked only up to hip depth — those who want to stay in the water longer should do so of their own accord and at their own risk.

After the Jump

Those who emerge from the North Sea cold and soaked can then shower at the Meerzeit Büsum wave pool & spa and warm up in the extensive sauna landscape — the entrance ticket is discounted with the New Year's Dive or included with the guest card. Hot drinks, soups, and snacks are available at the wave pool café.

Büsum — North Sea Family Resort with Character

Büsum is a North Sea resort with just under 5,000 inhabitants in the Dithmarschen district in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Harbor, crab fleet, family beach with a green main dike, Steigerhaus, mudflat experience: Büsum is classically North Frisian — and has been a popular family destination on the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast for years. The New Year's Dive is one of the first major events of the year and shapes the winter face of the resort.