Swimmers defy snow, ice at Rize’s 9th Winter Swimming Festival
A man plays tulum (a traditional bagpipe) as people swim in freezingly cold water during the 9th Winter Swimming Festival held under snowfall in Deremezra Village, located within Kackar Mountains National Park in Rize, Türkiye, Jan. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)
Adventurous swimmers gathered in Türkiye’s Kackar Mountains National Park for the “9th Winter Swimming Festival,” defying subzero temperatures to take a dip in an ice-cold lake as snow fell around them.
Led by renowned mountaineer Hasan Onder, a group of nature enthusiasts set off from the Ardesen district center and reached Deremezra village after a challenging two-hour journey. Despite the freezing weather, 40 daring participants plunged into the frigid waters, turning the extreme conditions into a celebration of resilience and nature.
Dancing in ice-cold waters
Some swimmers took the experience a step further, dancing the traditional horon in the lake to the sound of the Tulum, a local bagpipe. Once out of the water, participants warmed up with steaming cups of tea, savoring the unique experience.
Festival organizer Hasan Onder emphasized the event has become a cherished tradition. “We have turned this into an annual gathering for nature lovers and mountaineers. This year, we swam under heavy snowfall, making it even more exhilarating. The festival has become a symbol of endurance, and we plan to continue it in different locations in the future,” he said.
Winter Swimming Festival: Overcoming fears, embracing challenge
First-time participant Olgun Atagun admitted initial hesitation about diving into the freezing lake. “At first, I had my doubts, but the falling snow created such a magical atmosphere that I couldn’t resist. Experiencing this in such an environment is truly amazing,” he said.
Veteran diver Mustafa Beyaz, a regular at the event, described the sensation as unmatched. “Swimming in icy water is already an adventure, but doing it while snowflakes fall around you makes it a whole new experience,” he noted.
The festival wasn’t just about swimming. Many attendees gathered around the fires, enjoying the camaraderie and dancing on the snow-covered ground, adding to the festival’s vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
With its mix of extreme sports, cultural celebration, and natural beauty, the Winter Swimming Festival in Rize continues to attract thrill-seekers eager to test their limits in Türkiye’s breathtaking Kackar Mountains.
