Hohnstorfer Eiswette 2026

A Northern German Tradition

The Hohnstorfer Eiswette is a charming winter tradition on the Elbe River. Every year on January 4th, the community of the Hohnstorf ferry house makes a bet: Does the Elbe freeze over — or does it keep flowing? The Low German dialect has a concise formula for this: „De Elv steit” (stands / is frozen) or „De Elv geiht” (goes / flows).

2026: „De Elv geiht!”

In 2026, bets were placed again — and the verdict was clear: „De Elv geiht!”. The Elbe is flowing, no ice blocks the current. 173 participants had submitted their bets; some had bet on the ice forming and will have to wait — others were correct with their prediction.

How Does the Bet Work?

In the run-up, interested parties place their bet — either on “De Elv steit” or “De Elv geiht”. On January 4th, it is decided on-site which answer applies. The winners receive vouchers for local businesses; a portion of the bet stake is traditionally donated to the youth work of the community.

Meeting Point Fährhaus

The venue is the Fährhaus Hohnstorf — the historic crossing from Lower Saxony to Schleswig-Holstein over the Elbe. Here, betters, onlookers, and guests gather to witness the outcome of the bet. Mulled wine, hot drinks, and a Northern German atmosphere frame the event.

Tradition with Charm

The ice bets on the Elbe — known primarily from Bremen — have found a smaller, more personal offshoot in Hohnstorf. They combine old boatmen's culture (which was vital for keeping the Elbe ice-free), betting passion, and community spirit. A tradition that proves anew each year that customs don't have to be rigid.