New Year’s Dive: 1 January

An annual tradition in The Hague is the New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) taken by some 10,000 people into the icy cold waters of the North Sea by the Pier at Scheveningen Beach. The event features a sea of people wearing orange woollen hats as well as locals dressed in nothing but their “birthday suits”!

Considered mad by some and extremely brave by others, the swimmers have to possess a sense of daring and this annual event is free for anyone courageous or crazy enough to take the plunge. Those who do decide to skinny dip in the frosty ocean waters can look forward to some 'spirited drinks' at the end of their little swim. A fun-filled day for spectators and participants alike, the New Year’s Dive is a great way to begin the New Year.

The dive takes place at midday (12.00 hrs) and afterwards, split pea soup and hot chocolate are served.

The dive began in 1965 at the initiative of Jan van Scheijndel, who was an English Channel swimmer. In that year seven people took part in the plunge. Over the course of time the New Year’s Dive has grown into a massive event and is sponsored by the Unox sausage factory.

In 2007 the event had to be cancelled for the first time in 39 years due to bad weather conditions.

For more information visit: www.unoxnieuwjaarsduik.nl.