On Boxing Day, 26 December, Prague continues a tradition that dates back decades: the Alfred Nikodém Memorial Winter Swim. Inspired by a brave goldsmith who swam across the Vltava River in icy waters, the event has become an integral part of the Christmas season, attracting participants from all over the world.
For the 78th time, the Vltava River in Prague will serve as the stage for this icy tradition. Hundreds of brave swimmers from across the globe will plunge into the ice-cold waters of the Vltava River.
The swim takes place over distances of 100, 300, and 750 metres between Střelecký ostrov (Shooters’ Island) and Slovanský ostrov (Slavic Island), with the start at 11:00 am at the northern tip of Slavic Island.
- 750-metre course: Alfred Nikodém Memorial – traditionally the most exciting course
- 300-metre course: Oldřich Liška Memorial
- 100-metre course: Štěpán Polák Memorial
The growing popularity of winter swimming is reflected in the increasing number of participants each year. Several hundred brave ice bathers now plunge into the Vltava’s freezing waters at Christmas. Participants come not only from all corners of the Czech Republic but also from Australia, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Germany, Russia, the USA, England, and Slovakia, all diving into the ice-cold Vltava.
The Alfred Nikodém Memorial is a significant social event, with swimmers from various clubs, generations, and levels of experience joining in. Be there to cheer on the swimmers or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere and sporting achievements.
Alfred Nikodém (1864-1949), a goldsmith from Prague’s Old Town, was a sportsman through and through. A keen walker, runner, and rider, he became particularly famous as a swimmer. Almost sixty years old, he organized the first public winter swim in the Vltava River at Christmas in 1923.
Location: Slovanský ostrov (Slavic Island)
Time: 26 December 2024, 11:00
