New Year's swimming

A refreshing start to the new year with tradition

The New Year's swim has a long tradition in Velden: It gets refreshing at 12 noon.(Bild: ©assam)

The New Year's swim in Lake Wörthersee and Lake Keutschach has become a cherished tradition for many in Carinthia. The "Krone" has the details of when the brave can throw themselves into the icy waters.

A little courage and a lot of joie de vivre are necessary if you want to start a sporty year in a good mood and swim in Lake Wörthersee at 5 degrees. Many Carinthians do this regularly. The New Year's swim, organized by the "Sport am Wörthersee" association in Velden for the 16th time, attracts large crowds.

Swimming with a divine blessing
Tomorrow at 11.50 am, priest Martin Satlow will give the New Year's blessing and at 12 noon the New Year's swimmers will jump into the refreshing water at the Villa Bulfon lido. Last year, 90 swimmers covered the 50-meter course - without being timed, but to awaken their vitality and bring good luck in the New Year. The water rescue service ensures safety. Spectators are very welcome! Afterwards, the swimmers celebrate with a champagne reception and a warming New Year's soup at the Seerestaurant Rosé.

At "Gertis Strandbad" on Lake Keutschach, the New Year's swim starts tomorrow, January 1st, at 1 pm.