Radiant blue sky, pleasant temperatures and the hard winter is already almost forgotten. Spring is here. Shortly after the calendrical beginning of the mild time of the year, nature and man get ready for sunnier times. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

André Wiersig is not your average swimmer who just goes to his local swimming pool. This is a man who likes to push the boundaries of what is humanly possible, swimming out in the open seas without any protection from the cold.

In this part, we find out how it all began and why extreme swimming is not the way to go if you are mainly interested in exercising to look good.

How does André Wiersig prepare for the cold? How did he get into the game in the first place? Watch this clip to find out.

André Wiersig has had some brushes with death in his time. He tells us about his experiences and the peaceful relationship he has with the other species that swim with him in the ocean.

Strength training is also part of André Wiersig's preparation for his aquatic challenges. That can sometimes be quite painful... This extreme swimmer tells us how he manages to keep the pain at bay.

André Wiersig is aware that most people think he is crazy, but for him, crossing the straits and swimming in the ocean is much more than just an athletic challenge.

André Wiersig has become an ambassador for the seas and shares his experiences in talks—he sees this as his purpose on earth. Now he has swum across all seven straits, the last one being the Strait of Gibraltar. What will be his next challenge?

The band Sportfreunde Stiller has had a summer of sold-out shows on the tail of their latest hit single “Applaus, Applaus” (“Applause, Applause”) In this Interview, three bandmembers talk about coming to terms with middle-age while retaining their youthful outlook and inspiration from their fans. Kopfhörer aufsetzen, Musik aufdrehen! (video copyright dpa)

There's very little that star designer Harald Glööckler hasn't designed. After fashion, pralines, rugs, houses, and dog accessories, now there is a Harley Davidson motorcycle covered in bling. (video copyright dpa)

Promotional video for the Strothoff International School Rhein-Main in Dreieich, outlining the school’s international approach and high educational standards.

Are you interested in studying in Germany? This video will give you some great insights into KIT, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, in the southwest of the country.

Stand-up paddling (SUP) has become very popular and seems quite easy, but there are actually a lot of mistakes that beginners tend to make—and some of them can be quite dangerous. In this video, you can learn all about the rookie mistakes you should avoid when heading out on the water.

When it comes to home decor, wallpaper designer Barbara Becker likes things diverse and colorful. Still, everything should be in its proper place! Since she doesn't need a "change of wallpaper" (German idiom for "change of scenery") at the moment, she is not going to be returning to live in Europe anytime soon. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

A rope course in the Franconian forest has recently become wheelchair accessible. With the right trainers and equipment, they offer a specialized program that is both challenging and rewarding. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]