Abbaden (Taking the last swim of the year)

At some time in late summer to almost the beginning of fall many people on the coast of Germany get together to take the last swim of the year in the sea. Its a tradition to close the ongoing swimming season of that year. You can do it by yourself or with friends, but there are some big events aswell. The same thing is done in the beginning of may called Anbaden, to open the season with the first swim of the year. Definitely not for the faint hearted if the water has under 10 degree celsius.

More traditions from Germany →