New Year’s Eve
at aja Grömitz

Perhaps it is the rugged coastal landscape, the play of colours on the waves or the sweeping view of the open sea that makes Grömitz – or the Baltic Sea in general – the perfect place for a New Year’s Eve holiday. It’s certainly the constantly fresh air that blows your hair out of your face and clears your head. After all, what better way to start the New Year than with a mix of light-heartedness, relaxation and a breath of fresh air?

Of the millions of holidaymakers drawn to the coast each year, a large proportion come solely in search of sunshine and plenty of fun in the water. We certainly don’t want to exclude ourselves from that. But even if it’s too cold for a dip in the sea in winter (unless you’re one of those who take the plunge, but more on that later), the diverse Baltic Sea landscape has something to suit every taste. Away from the tourist hustle and bustle that usually prevails here in summer, we enjoy Nordic tranquillity and seclusion during New Year’s Eve week.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The year is drawing to a close and, just like every year, the question arises: ‘So what are we going to do on New Year’s Eve?’. Instead of the usual routine of lazing about on the sofa at home with family and friends, this time we’ve decided to head for the seaside, right on our doorstep. As parents, we get the most out of long walks up here, as do our adventurous little explorers, who dig frantically in the sand for the prettiest shells the Baltic Sea has to offer. What more do you need than mud trousers, a rain jacket and wellies to experience special family moments like these?

So we’re making the most of the last few days of the year just for ourselves as a little family: to unwind, reflect on the past year and recharge our batteries for the adventures ahead. Rarely has a plan worked out better. On one sunny day, for example, we simply sat on the sun terrace of the pier and listened to the seagulls chattering, whilst Rosie climbed up the climbing frame and slid down the slide for the umpteenth time. Oh, it was absolutely lovely.

Now that’s what we call a refreshing start to the new year. Whether on the North Sea or Baltic Sea coast, in many places it’s a tradition to kick off the swimming season on New Year’s Day with a dip in the cold water. Whilst the majority watch on in their winter coats, the brave first-swimmers don’t let anything stop them from enjoying the frosty fun. Whether in swimming trunks, quirky costumes or the nude look – on the first day of the year, almost anything goes. As a reward, hot drinks, music and a warm shower at the Grömitzer Welle await on the promenade.

Among them is Thommy, who, without a moment’s hesitation, actually plunges into the truly icy Baltic Sea – at just 5 degrees – alongside a hundred other madcap participants. Brrr! It’s enough to make you feel the chill just watching. The water lovers in Grömitz are cheered on by thousands of jubilant onlookers thronging the beach and the pier. What a spectacle! At least the weather gods are on our side, rewarding our freezing dad with warming sunshine and a spring-like outside temperature of 12 degrees.