Nederlands
English
Deutsch
Français
Español
Português
German Tourists Rescued From Ice Floe in Sweden: Daring Floating Sauna Attempt Explained
In a bizarre incident that highlights the intersection of adventurous tourism and winter safety concerns, five German tourists were rescued from a disintegrating ice floe in Sweden's Stockholm archipelago on February 23, 2026. The group had attempted to create a motor-powered floating sauna by sawing loose a section of ice and equipping it with a sauna tent, motorized equipment, and a boat motor, only to have their DIY vessel break apart when waves from a passing passenger ferry caused the ice sheet to drift away and disintegrate near Värmdö island.
What Happened: The Floating Sauna Incident
The incident occurred in the Stockholm archipelago, specifically near Värmdö island, which is the largest island in the archipelago covering 181.40 km². According to eyewitness accounts and Swedish authorities, the five German tourists had created what they called a 'mobile sauna' by sawing loose a substantial ice floe and mounting various equipment on it. Their setup included:
- A portable sauna tent for the traditional Swedish sauna experience
- A motorized saw used to cut the ice floe free
- A boat motor attached to the ice for propulsion
- A stand-up paddle board for additional mobility
- A Go-Pro camera to document their adventure
Johan Axberg, a witness on the passing ferry, told Swedish broadcaster SVT: 'I wondered if they knew what they were doing. That was not the case.' The ferry crew initially passed by cautiously but had to return with rescue equipment when the ice began breaking apart.
Why Ice Floes Are Dangerous
Ice floes present significant safety risks, especially in the changing climate conditions affecting Swedish lakes and coastal areas. A recent comprehensive study analyzing 21 Swedish lakes over five decades reveals rapid changes in lake ice structure due to global warming, posing increased risks to public ice safety. The research found that the stable clear ice layer, crucial for ice stability, is showing particularly rapid decline in southern Sweden.
According to ice safety experts, there are three main types of ice-related dangers:
- Ice expansion: When water freezes, it expands by 9-10%, creating pressure on structures
- Ice jacking: Vertical pressure created when ice forms around structures and water levels fluctuate
- Ice floes: Large groups of floating ice chunks driven by wind or currents
The Swedish winter safety guidelines emphasize that ice conditions can vary dramatically even within small areas, making activities like the German tourists attempted particularly hazardous.
Swedish Sauna Culture and Winter Traditions
Sweden has a deep-rooted sauna tradition dating back to Viking times, known as 'Bastu' from the word 'Badstuga' meaning sweat lodge. The traditional Swedish sauna experience typically involves a specific ritual: entering a 70°C sauna for up to 15 minutes, followed by an ice bath in a frozen lake during winter, then a hot shower, repeating the cycle for deep relaxation. However, this is usually done from established, safe locations rather than mobile ice platforms.
Winter swimming is a popular Swedish tradition in Stockholm, where locals take refreshing dips in frozen lakes or the Baltic Sea during winter months. The key to enjoying this experience safely is combining the cold water with something warm - typically a sauna, hot shower, or warm drink before and after the swim. Many designated winter swimming spots have facilities like changing rooms, ladders, and saunas specifically designed for safety.
Rescue Operation and Aftermath
The rescue operation unfolded when the passenger ferry 'Waxholmsbolaget' passed by the unusual sight. Ferry captain Axberg described the scene: 'The ferry drove carefully through the ice, but due to the waves the ice surface broke and drifted away.' The ferry continued to shore but quickly returned with rescue equipment.
Four tourists were rescued immediately by the ferry crew, while one stayed behind to pack up their equipment before being rescued. All five were returned unharmed to Stavsnäs harbor village. Swedish authorities noted this was an unusual incident, as most ice-related rescues typically involve ice skaters rather than floating sauna attempts. The Stockholm archipelago tourism board has since emphasized safety guidelines for winter visitors.
Safety Implications and Climate Context
The incident occurs against a backdrop of changing ice conditions in Sweden. The study published in PubMed analyzing Swedish lakes found that as warming continues, there is a high risk of increased unsafe ice conditions. The number of days when temperatures exceeded freezing during ice cover was identified as a key driver of ice structure changes.
Experts recommend several safety measures for winter activities on ice:
| Activity | Recommended Safety Measures | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Ice skating | Check local ice reports, never go alone | Moderate |
| Winter swimming | Use designated areas with safety equipment | Low (with precautions) |
| Ice fishing | Minimum 10cm clear ice, spread weight | Moderate |
| Floating structures | Not recommended under any circumstances | Extremely High |
The study recommends re-establishing ice structure monitoring programs, informing society about increased risks, and including ice structure considerations in safety guidelines to protect public safety during winter activities on frozen lakes. The climate change impact on winter sports is becoming an increasingly important consideration for tourism authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ice floe?
An ice floe is a large group of floating ice chunks driven by wind or currents. They can range from small pieces to massive sheets and present significant hazards to navigation and safety.
How safe is winter swimming in Sweden?
Winter swimming is generally safe when done at designated spots with proper facilities, never alone, and with appropriate preparation including warm clothing and hot drinks available afterward.
What should you do if you fall through ice?
Stay calm, try to get your arms onto solid ice, kick your feet to push yourself horizontally onto the ice, and roll away from the hole once out. Call for help immediately.
Are ice conditions changing in Sweden?
Yes, studies show rapid changes in lake ice structure due to global warming, with the stable clear ice layer showing particularly rapid decline in southern Sweden.
What makes this incident unusual?
While Swedish authorities regularly rescue ice skaters in trouble, this is the first recorded incident involving tourists attempting to create a motorized floating sauna on an ice floe.
Sources
This article was compiled from multiple sources including: The Guardian report on the incident, Swedish lake ice safety study, Stockholm winter swimming guidelines, and official statements from Swedish authorities and eyewitness accounts.
