Ice on Neva and tributaries banned all winter

With the onset of frost, St. Petersburg residents are going out on the ice of city water bodies, but rescuers are reminding of the existing ban on all rivers and canals, except for the Gulf of Finland.

Apr 23, 2026

Emergency authorities highlight dangers such as polynyas and technical structures under the ice.
Source:
Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations for St. Petersburg

Access to the ice of the Neva, its tributaries, and all city rivers with canals in St. Petersburg is prohibited for the entire winter period. This was reported by the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) for the city. The reason is the uneven ice cover, which may have polynyas, areas with thin ice, outlets of wastewater, and technical structures.

Residents are advised to avoid areas near bridges and with fast currents.

The ban is in effect regardless of frosty weather and ice thickness. Rescuers strongly recommend not risking life, not approaching the ice edge on fairways where icebreakers operate, and especially not attempting to cross them.

Particular danger is posed by places with fast currents, drains, near bridges, water sources, and in proximity to vegetation. One should not approach areas with frozen snags, algae, cracks, and air bubbles.

As for the Gulf of Finland and water bodies on the territory of St. Petersburg, the ban on ice access was in effect from December 4, 2025 to January 25, 2026. It will be reintroduced from March 16 to April 13.

Despite the warnings, with the arrival of cold weather, some city residents are ignoring the ban. For example, under the Anichkov Bridge, a delivery person on an electric bicycle was seen riding on thin ice.