Petersburgers walk on frozen Fontanka despite ban
In St. Petersburg, walking on frozen rivers is gaining popularity. Despite warnings from rescuers, residents are going out onto the ice of the Fontanka and Neva in large numbers.
Apr 24, 2026 0
In St. Petersburg, more and more people are choosing ice-covered rivers and canals for walks. On the evening of 3 February, a large group of residents gathered on the frozen Fontanka to watch the sunset, ignoring warnings from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) about the associated risks.
Residents gather on the frozen Fontanka River in St. Petersburg to watch the sunset, ignoring ice safety warnings.
Last week, when frost hit the city, only a few solitary passers-by appeared on the icy surface of the water bodies. But by the weekend, residents had taken to this unusual form of recreation and began going out onto the ice in entire families, including on the Neva.
Some city residents decided to test their abilities and swam in the icy water.
On 3 February, representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations again reminded of the ban on going onto the ice of the Neva, its tributaries, and other rivers and canals of the city. Rescuers pointed out that the ice cover forms unevenly, so there may be holes and areas of insufficient thickness.
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