The Ice Bet has been a firm fixture in the calendar of events in the Hanseatic city on the Weser since 1829. The custom goes back to the Bremen merchants who bet in 1828 whether the Weser would be frozen over or not at the beginning of January 1829. This has now developed into an almost 200-year-old ritual of the ice bet. Next Saturday, the ice betting festival will traditionally take place with the participation of BLG LOGISTICS.
The Bremen ice betting test takes place every year on January 6, Epiphany, and answers whether "de Werser geiht or steiht". In other words, whether the Weser is flowing and ice-free or frozen over. This year, the result was clear: the Weser is flowing. Incidentally, the last time the Weser was completely frozen over was in the winter of 1946/47. The river has so far defied the current icy temperatures.
The social highlight of the Bremen Ice Bet is the Ice Bet Festival, which takes place on the third Saturday in January in the festive atmosphere of the Hansa Hall at the Congress Centrum Bremen. "Bremen lives and cultivates its traditions. It is an honour for us as a traditional Bremen company to have participated in this historic event for many years," emphasized BLG CEO Frank Dreeke in the run-up to the event. In addition to the Ice Bet comrades, prominent representatives from business, politics and culture are among the 800 or so invited guests.
What sounds like fun has a serious background. When the Weser used to be frozen over, shipping and trade came to a standstill. This also plays a decisive role for BLG. Icy spells affect various economic sectors, including logistics and, for example, access to today's Neustadt harbour.
Traditionally, donations are collected at the event for the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). The DGzRS is based in Bremen and is responsible for the maritime search and rescue service in the German areas of the North and Baltic Seas. The entire independent and autonomous work of the sea rescuers is financed exclusively by voluntary contributions and donations. Last year, over €550,000 was raised.
