Whether the Weser "geiht or steiht" has occupied the people of Bremen for almost 200 years now. Until now, the Bremen Ice Bet of 1829 was an exclusively male tradition. With OAS executive Kerstin Schwimmbeck and two other novices, three women are now joining the circle of Bremen ice betters for the first time.
"We are very pleased to be included. The decision to include women is going in the right direction," says Kerstin Schwimmbeck, who is also the spokesperson for the novice class of 2023.
As a sign of Bremen's Hanseatic culture, the 1829 Ice Bet is a social event known far beyond the borders of the Free Hanseatic City. Every year, bets are made on whether or not the Weser will be frozen over on January 6. In addition to the ice betting trial, the ice betting festival on the third Saturday in January with around 800 invited guests is the highlight of the Bremen Ice Bet.
