Discover Hungary’s 2026 New Year’s Plunge events from Ráckeve to Tiszafüred—festive ice baths, riverside dips, and winter-swimmer thrills all January. Check dates before diving in.
when: 2026.01.01., Thursday, Ráckeve
❄️
Kick off 2026 with Hungary’s bracing New Year’s plunges running from January 1 through the end of the month, as hardy swimmers dive into icy waters at riverside towns and lakeside spots. Organizers note that dates and programs may change, so check before you dip.
January 1: First Day Freezes
The splash starts on January 1 in Ráckeve (2300 Ráckeve), Esztergom (2500 Esztergom), Szolnok (5000 Szolnok), and Orfű (7677 Orfű). Expect festive crowds, cold-water challenges, and that triumphant post-plunge glow.
January 2: Keep the Chill Going
The action continues with an ice plunge in Dunakeszi (2120 Dunakeszi), plus New Year’s dips in Alsógöd (2131 Göd) and Mindszent (6630 Mindszent). It’s peak winter-swimmer energy, with locals and visiting dippers joining in.
January 3: Deeper Into Winter
Szolnok returns with another ice plunge (5000 Szolnok), while Hejőkeresztúr (3597 Hejőkeresztúr) hosts an ice bath session for the brave and the curious alike.
January 31: Grand Finale
Wrap up the month in Tiszafüred (5350 Tiszafüred) with the 6th New Year’s Plunge – Ice Bathing, a crowd-pleasing capstone to Hungary’s cold-water tradition. Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
2025, adrienne
Pros
+
Family-friendly vibe with festive crowds and lots of spectators, so non-swimmers (including kids) can cheer and enjoy the scene
+
Multiple dates and towns across January give you flexibility if you’re traveling around Hungary
+
The “polar plunge” concept is familiar to Americans, so the activity feels recognizable with a local twist
+
Locations like Esztergom and lakeside/riverside spots add scenic backdrops that look great in photos
+
No Hungarian required to participate or watch—gestures, signage, and simple English usually suffice
+
Easy day trips by car from Budapest to places like Ráckeve, Dunakeszi, and Esztergom; parking is generally straightforward
+
Public transport works for near-Budapest towns (HEV/suburban rail or buses), and organized meets are easy to spot by the crowd
- Smaller towns (e.g., Hejőkeresztúr, Mindszent) are less known to foreign visitors, so planning and transit may take extra effort
Cons
–
January weather is harsh; little shelter on-site and kids or non-participants can get cold fast
–
Not as internationally famous as Scandinavian winter-swim festivals or U.S. polar plunges, so info in English and exact schedules can be patchy and subject to change
–
Compared with coastal or sauna-supported plunge scenes (Nordics), facilities and warm-up options can be basic, so bring your own thermos, robes, and recovery plan
