A series on ice swimming and winter bathing in Munich for taz.

Whether it’s the adrenaline rush, health benefits, mental clarity, or the simple thrill of stepping outside your comfort zone, ice bathing offers something different to everyone. In Munich, a thriving community of over 500 winter swimmers comes together to embrace the cold—whether in the frigid Isar River, the surrounding lakes, or the Eisbach, a man-made stream whose name literally means “ice brook,” a nod to its year-round chill. Others take a more private plunge, turning their balconies into mini wellness retreats with cold tubs and barrels.