When Britain was brought to a stand-still by the cold snap last month, going for a swim in the lake was the last thing on most people's minds.
But today in Berlin, the freezing conditions were perfect for the 27th ice carnival, which saw around 100 members of ice swimming clubs from across Germany take the plunge in the Orankesee lake.
Daredevil swimmers came dressed in all kinds of colourful outfits, hats, aprons and wigs to the annual event organised by the Berlin Seals.
Dancing on ice: Winter swimmers at the 27th ice carnival, organised by the Berlin Seals, at the Orankesee lake in Berlin
Party atmosphere: Ice bathers join hands from clubs across Germany for the annual fancy dress winter swim
The majority of revellers came in dress more appropriate for the beach than for ice-cold temperatures.
Each year the German capital hosts the event on the second Saturday in January.
Cold as ice: Revellers came dressed in colourful outfits and wigs to brave the freezing temperatures
Splash: These scantily-clad swimmers were only too eager to take a dip in the freezing temperatures
Having a whale of a time: A woman jumps from a floe at Lake Orankesee
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