6th Winter swim across Lake Balaton

  • swimming
  • Club Tihany Resort

Event details

Location
Club Tihany Resort
Date
Organizer
Nemzetközi Hidegvíz Törzs Egyesület

Icy water, hot experiences! Winter swimming in Lake Balaton: sports, community, and unforgettable moments in Tihany.

Overview

❄️ The Winter Balaton Swim Across will return in 2026, taking the challenge to a whole new level! The event, held at the Tihany Ferry station, is not only for lovers of cold-water swimming, but also for those looking for an experience of a lifetime.

🌊 New this year: ULTRA distance – Tihany–Szántód–Tihany round trip! In addition, there are several shorter distances for participants to choose from, so everyone can find their own challenge.

Program and participation information

πŸ“ Location: Club Tihany Resort

πŸ“… Planned main date: 8:00 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026

πŸ“… Alternative dates: February 21–22, February 27–28, March 1, March 7–8, March 13–15, March 20–22, March 27–29

🎯 Distances:

🟣 ULTRA – 2500 m – Tihany–Szántód–Tihany

πŸ”΅ Full – 1250 m – Szántód–Tihany

🟒 Half – 625 m – starting from a designated point

🟑 Third – 417 m – starting from a designated point

🟠 Mini – 200 m / 100 m / 50 m – with on-site registration, without qualification

βœ… Swimming lane with buoy row

βœ… Sauna row and hot water tubs

βœ… Hot food, drinks, gift package, sweater

πŸ“Œ Participation: subject to qualification

Qualification method

βœ”οΈ At least one qualifying swim for the chosen distance is required

βœ”οΈ Gradual system: Third distance → Half distance → Full distance (prerequisites must be met)

βœ”οΈ Dates and locations:

  • Dec. 14 – Ice Swimming Championships, Budapest
  • Dec. 21 – Kecskemét
  • Jan. 10 – Balatonakarattya
  • Feb. 7 – Lupa Lake

βœ”οΈ Distances for qualification:

  • Full distance: 1000 m
  • Half distance: 500 m
  • Third distance: 250 m

⚠️ In case of unsuccessful completion, it is possible to start at a shorter distance, if you have the qualification for it.

Important details

🩺 Medical certificate (ECG mandatory)

🌊 Required equipment: buoy, swimsuit/pants

🚫 Neoprene accessories prohibited

πŸ“ƒ Fill out a liability statement

🀝 Your own helper is recommended for rewarming

Source of description: Facebook event.