Frigid Floods: Three Kings Swimming in the Main - Brave swimmers dive into icy Main River for Three Kings’ Day tradition
Nearly 90 swimmers plunged into the icy Main River near Randersacker on January 6, 2026, as part of the annual Three Kings’ Day Swim. The main event, organised by the Lower Franconia district branch of the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), saw participants brave freezing temperatures for a challenging open-water swim.
The swim took place in harsh winter conditions, with air temperatures around -4.5°C (24°F) and water just under 1°C (34°F). Participants, aged between 12 and 62, could choose between a 2.5 or 5 kilometre route toward Würzburg. Most of the longer-distance swimmers were men.
Safety was a top priority, with multiple DLRG water rescue units and volunteers monitoring both land and water. Unlike similar events near me in Ebermannstadt, where swimmers traditionally bring a floating bar with drinks like champagne and mulled wine, alcohol was strictly banned during the Randersacker swim. Meanwhile, in Ebermannstadt, Upper Franconia, another group of swimmers gathered to leap into the Wiesent River. Equipped with torches and flippers, they followed their own long-standing tradition for the holiday.
The Randersacker event drew nearly 90 participants despite the extreme cold. Organisers ensured strict safety measures, including a ban on alcohol and full rescue support. The swim remains a popular but demanding tradition for those willing to face the winter waters.
