The cold brings us closer.
To nature, to the experience and to each other.
HVT began with a shared passion, and over the years, more and more people have found their place in it. What started as a few friends taking a dip together has grown into a shared experience that connects many of us. Today, we meet for dips at several locations, connect with partner communities across Hungary and come together for a wide range of activities throughout the year.
Some start with a cold shower, others with a dip, and some eventually move on to ice swimming. We arrive by different paths, but share many experiences along the way.
Where did we begin?
In 2016, Balázs Pesti, Feri Szűcs and a small group of friends started meeting for weekly dips. Curiosity brought them to the water, and their experiences soon drew others in. More people joined each year, but from 2021 onwards, life around HVT really began to gather pace.
In February 2021, Réka Oszvald and Balázs Pesti began working together. The idea of running camps took shape, and the first camps in Slovenia and Balatonfüred followed that same year. Since then, an annual camp in Hungary and another abroad, along with numerous workshops and group activities, have given us more opportunities to come together.
The International Coldwater Tribe Association (NHVTE) was established in 2022. HVT has continued to grow ever since, welcoming new people, new locations and new shared experiences each year.
Here, you can be yourself.
We’re all different. We bring different experiences, move at different paces and have different goals. There’s no pressure to fit in and nothing to prove. At HVT, everyone can find their place and feel free to be themselves.
Our dips, camps and events are about more than spending time together. We look out for each other, laugh, lend a hand and build real connections along the way. Perhaps that’s what makes it work: an open, welcoming community where what matters is enjoying each other’s company.
What we stand for
The cold is part of nature, and our bodies can adapt to it.
A natural approach
Health
Community
Expertise
Knowledge and professional foundations
Cold exposure involves physiological processes that are worth understanding. Our approach is informed by the work of Professor Susanna Søberg, her research into contrast therapy and metabolism, and the Søberg Protocol she developed. Gradual progression, mindful practice and making cold exposure part of everyday life are principles we build on too.
Since 2025, we have also run contrast therapy workshops and corporate team-building programmes. Alongside the practical experience, participants learn about the physiology of cold exposure.
Professional knowledge also underpins safety. A lifeguard is on duty at our organised events to help keep participants safe.
Our story
Today, we organise events and activities that bring Hungary’s cold-water community together and showcase Hungarian ice swimming achievements internationally.
These initiatives grew out of our community’s enthusiasm and needs, developing naturally, step by step.
2016The Tribe begins
Balázs Pesti, Feri Szűcs and a small group of friends meet for weekly dips. Curiosity drives them, and their experiences attract more and more people.2019The first Winter Lake Balaton Crossing
András Zimányi becomes the first person to swim across Lake Balaton in winter between Tihany and Szántód, completing the crossing solo.2020The first organised Winter Lake Balaton Crossing
Organised by András Zimányi, the first organised Winter Lake Balaton Crossing takes place with 15 participants.2021New momentum
Réka Oszvald and Balázs Pesti begin working together in February. Activities around HVT gather pace, with more people joining the Hidegvíz Törzs – Coldwater Tribe group each year. The first HVT camps take place in Slovenia and Balatonfüred.2022The International Coldwater Tribe Association is established
NHVTE is founded. András Zimányi still organises the 2nd Winter Lake Balaton Crossing.2023A new chapter for the Winter Lake Balaton Crossing
NHVTE takes over the organisation of the Winter Lake Balaton Crossing and continues to develop the event, holding it every year since.2024The 1st Hungarian National Ice Swimming Championships
NHVTE organises the 1st Hungarian National Ice Swimming Championships.2025MAJETUSZ is established
NHVTE joins five other sports clubs to establish the Hungarian Ice and Winter Swimming Federation (MAJETUSZ) as a founding member.2026The 2nd Hungarian National Ice Swimming Championships
NHVTE organises the 2nd Hungarian National Ice Swimming Championships under the auspices of MAJETUSZ.2027The story continues
The 7th Winter Lake Balaton Crossing and the 3rd Hungarian National Ice Swimming Championships are coming.
From cold-water dips to ice swimming
HVT’s story has gradually developed from shared cold-water experiences into organised sport. The Winter Lake Balaton Crossing began with András Zimányi in 2019, and NHVTE has organised it since 2023. Now an iconic winter event, it attracts more swimmers each year.
We took the next step in ice swimming in 2024 by organising the 1st Hungarian National Ice Swimming Championships. Since then, we have been developing ice swimming in Hungary in line with IISA’s international standards, with results recognised internationally.
In 2025, NHVTE joined five other sports clubs to establish the Hungarian Ice and Winter Swimming Federation (MAJETUSZ). The goal is clear: to take part in international competition and help winter and ice swimming become Olympic sports in the long term.
Together, beyond the water too.
We want the Tribe’s community spirit to extend beyond our shared cold-water experiences.
We organise group blood donations, take part in forest clean-ups and environmental initiatives, and support causes where we can make a real difference together.
For us, community means more than getting into the water together.
It also means knowing we can count on each other and do something good together.