What are the Zollhaus Open and who is Addicted to Nature?

My brother Gerrit and his two sons Aaron and Noah founded the company Addicted to Nature , which subtitle is associated with freedom, adventure and nature. A shop that products that are plastic-free, local, eco-friendly and made from biodegradable materials.
But that's only part of Addicted To Nature! They promote nature enthusiasts who like to be outside and love the challenges in nature. That's why they organize such events with enthusiasm and a lot of passion. "Nature events" like the Zollhaus Open, the ice swimming event in Germany, near Dresden. Your events are unique, in the middle of nature.

Preparations for ice swimming and lots of helpers!

An event ignites with an idea and can only be implemented with many helpers on site!
And both were given! Christof Wandratsch had the idea for ice swimming .
He is one of the best long-distance, open water and ice swimmers in the world and still holds many world records in various disciplines. As an experienced organizer of extreme swimming events, he makes his knowledge available and, of course, also swims the 1000 meters in 3.5 degree cold water. And how should it be different? Of course he takes first place! Aaron and Gerrit also swim and occupy the first places.

My son Lorin is at the start again this time and wins 3rd place, his first medal. Since I used to be a competitive swimmer, I would have liked to swim too. This atmosphere at the competition really makes you want to do it! But due to health reasons, I couldn't take part. Unfortunately? Or thank god? hahhaa... Many helpers remain unmentioned, but I would still like to name a few.
First there is the most important man on board: the French doctor, Dr. Alexander Fuzeau, who was flown in specially from France via Prague. Because swimmers who want to go into the water at 1000 meters have to have a medical check done beforehand. Otherwise they are not allowed to participate in the competition. Then there is Matthias Hofmann, the coordination professional, and Martin Tschepe, who writes for the SWIM.DE newspaper and is a professional athlete and passionate swimmer himself. His article on ice swimming can be found here.

A day before we start, the forest is green and the ground is muddy.
Tatataaa, early morning surprise!
It has snowed. Our wishes were heard and Perus gifted us with cold, ice and snow. So all the helpers and friends stood together, wrapped deep in the ice snow, to record the times of the brave swimmers. They were: Karin Freutsmiedl, Christof's partner, Lorenzo Parrinello and his son Vincenzo from Sicily, Carolina Sánchez and Paola Peña from Madrid, Matthias Rotheriel and my son Lorin Nüßle and Annabel Mörch from Stuttgart. Noah, Aaron and I were busy in the registration office. And without Isabel Einsiedl on the invisible front, many things would probably not have gone so smoothly.

I love this sporty spirit! In 2019, the night before the competition it snowed so much that half a meter of snow remained. We had to dig a ditch down to the lake. ALL the athletes got shovels and helped out! Just sporting spirit!

The ice cream and I, one love?

I actually swam the family relay in 2020, after a long time persuading my nephews and my son.
That was my “first time” on the ice! And from then on, in Sicily, my second home, I practiced going into the ice bin and chest regularly. I was fascinated by how many happy hormones are released and how everything is ultimately a mental decision as to whether you want to do something or not. Sitting in the ice is very meditative. Especially when you're not moving. And yes, of course, the adventure gene of the family and my old sportsmanship are in my bones.

What the hotel here in the Ore Mountains has to offer!

My brother Gerrit became 4 times world ice swimming champion at another big ice swimming event in Bled.
Isabel Einsiedl , his life partner, made Wim Hof ​​Schein an instructor last year The guests in the customs house can look forward to it! Wim Hof 's unique method , which combines ice water, nature and breathing exercises.

Gerrit is a doer, someone who has endless ideas and strives to implement them.
That's why a lot is possible in his hotel, the Landhotel Altes Zollhaus ! Gerrit does not like to be classified and so his concept is not adapted to the usual norms! Extreme athletes can get their money's worth here in the customs house, as can yogis, alkaline fasters, nature lovers and other interesting concepts of happiness, joie de vivre, spiritual growth and contentment. Together with Isabel, who, in addition to having a managerial function in the hotel, is also an artist and spa expert, both are an unbeatable team when it comes to diversity of ideas!