What’s land recycling? Read about this German example
The city of Flensburg got a grant from the regional government of Schleswig-Holstein so that it would avoid building on new land
The activity is now considered part of the national folk sports heritage
While most of us are having a hard time adjusting to the idea that summer is gone, others can’t wait for winter to get here already. Case in point, the Latvian Winter Swimming Association is inviting all municipal clubs that are its members to officially open the season for that activity today, 3 October at noon.
Apparently, this is already the 46th such official season, but who is counting, winter happens every year and this kind of sport has likely been happening for much longer than that. Many may wonder if this really is a sport but now it is official. Last year, the Latvian Winter Swimming Federation was admitted to the Latvian Folk Sports Association affirming its status as part of the national cultural pantheon.
The winter swimming season will be opened in winter swimming clubs in Riga, Ventspils, Jelgava, Liepaja, Ozolnieki, Kuldiga, Ragana, Jurmala and Saldus. People who partake in this activity are commonly known as ronis in the country, which means ‘seals’.
Although competitions and other traditional winter swimming events were cancelled last season, subject to national assembly restrictions, many ‘seals’ did not stop to harden and practice their favourite sport in the winter. The new winter swimming season is much expected without losing the optimism and vitality that a healthy lifestyle helps to maintain.
Health is the main purported reason for dipping in ice-cold waters. The main benefit that is often cited if you talk to the ‘seals’ is that it boosts the immune system. And what could be more current these days than talk of boosting one’s immune system?
According to the swimmers, getting into the cold water isn’t as bad as it looks on a frosty winter day because the water itself is always warmer than the air.
Plus, it is a social activity that allows you to bond with others in appreciation of winter. Sunday baths, which is the day for such gatherings, are an opportunity to meet other winter swimmers while sipping tea (sometimes also in the sauna), as well as to exchange experiences and future plans.
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
His name is Adrian-Dragoș Benea from Romania
Find out her vision for the next five years and what’s in store for the European Union
Gotland wants to be at the forefront of this emerging mobility technology
It’s all about preventing the habit of slowing down just for the radar
Landkreis Heilbronn will also enlist the help of sensors to identify incorrectly filled organic trash bins
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
The Old Continent gets ready for the largest festival of sports
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital