Berlin cracks down as crowds risk lives on dangerously thin ice

Helicopters, loudspeakers, and near-tragedies: Berlin’s desperate bid to stop reckless crowds from testing fate on frozen lakes. One wrong step could be fatal.

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2026 January 11 . 5:01 PM

1 min read

In this picture I can see group of people doing skating on the ice, there are toy penguins, there... — In this picture I can see group of people doing skating on the ice, there are toy penguins, there are lights, poles, trees, there are group of people standing, this is looking like a shop, there is a vehicle, there are buildings, and in the background there is sky and there are watermarks on the image.

Ice Hazard: Police Warn Against Walking on Frozen Waters - Berlin cracks down as crowds risk lives on dangerously thin ice

Berlin authorities have stepped up warnings about the dangers of frozen lakes and rivers. Over the weekend, large crowds ignored safety advice by gathering on unstable ice. Emergency services responded to multiple incidents as temperatures remained low.

On Saturday, an estimated 200 to 300 people ventured onto the frozen surface of Rummelsburg Bay. Police later used a helicopter to disperse the group, citing extreme risks from thin ice. A similar operation took place at Lake Zeuthen, where officers urged people to leave the area.

At Lohmühlenbrücke, around 50 to 70 individuals were ordered off the ice via loudspeaker after cracks appeared. Meanwhile, in Neukölln, a person fell through the ice but managed to climb out without serious injury.

Separately, a man in his 50s fell from a ship into freezing waters in Spandau on Monday morning. Emergency responders pulled him from the water and revived him at the scene.

Police have repeatedly warned against walking or skating on frozen bodies of water across the city.

The incidents highlight the ongoing risks of unstable ice in Berlin’s waterways. Authorities continue to monitor high-risk areas and urge the public to stay off frozen surfaces. Further patrols and aerial surveillance may be deployed if temperatures remain low.