Advent Torch Swim - Medem in Flames
On November 29, 2025, over 100 divers from all over Germany will once again meet in the "green town by the sea" for the Otterndorf Advent Torch Swim and Otterndorf will once again become the stage for an unusual spectacle. The event, which is unique in a wide area and organized by the TSV swimming department and the town of Otterndorf, begins on the Saturday before the 1st Advent at 6 p.m. at the Sole-Therme.
The torchlight march with water sports enthusiasts dressed in neoprene wetsuits and equipped with diving goggles, snorkels and fins sets off from there, accompanied by the marching band, the Otterndorf fire department and volunteers. It makes its way via Großen Specken, Kirchplatz, Reichen- and Marktstraße, Große Dammstraße, past the Süderwall retirement home üvia Eschweide to Baar-Rabe-Brücke. At around 6.30 pm, the spectators literally hold their breath as the torch swimmers celebrate their entry into the ice-cold Medem and a spectacular show begins in the light of the torches under and over the brown waves. Accompanied by a DLRG boat with St. Nicholas on board, the mystical-looking procession makes its way to the Goethe Bridge, leaving the cold waters behind the indoor swimming pool shortly afterwards to be supplied with warm drinks. The return march of the non-divers takes place via Esch-, Johann-Heinrich-Voß-Straße and the Großen Specken to the Sole-Therme. Guests of the event can already enjoy hearty bratwurst and spicy mulled wine on the Großen Specken from 5.00 pm.
5.00 pm „Am Großen Specken“
Bratwurst and mulled wine shorten the wait for the Advent torchlight procession.
The trombone choir plays Christmas melodies „Am Großen Specken“.
18.00 hrs „Sole-Therme“
The diving torchlight procession, the Otterndorf marching band, the police
and the voluntary youth fire department march through the old town.
Route: Sole-Therme, Am Großen Specken, Kirchplatz, Reichenstraße, Marktstraße, Große Dammstraße, past the Haus am Süderwall üüber die Eschweide to the Baar-Raabe-Brücke.
18.30 „Baar-Raabe-Brücke“
The divers descend into the ice-cold Medem with torches.
The DLRG boat brings Santa Claus dry-footed to the „Großen Specken“ and accompanies the torch swimmers to the exit.
19.00 “Am Großen Specken“
Torches light up the Medem. Torchlight swimmers from all over Germany pass by with colorful floating islands and burning torches. Great spectacle: „Medem in flames“
19.30 hrs „Sole-Therme“
At the exit, the participants warm up with a warm drink. At the end of the walk, "Am Großen Specken“ Bratwurst and Glühwein will be offered.
For more information, please visit www.tsv-otterndorf.de, send an e-mail to schwimmen@tsvotterndorf.de or call the Tourist Information Office on 04751-919131
Organizer: Town of Otterndorf
Organizer: TSV Otterndorf (swimming department)
