In 2023, although 17 years have passed since Romania joined the European Union, Avram Iancu as a Romanian citizen still does not have the right to venture into the Schengen Area, the European free movement area.

For this reason, he decided to swim the Rhine River, a river that runs through the heart of Europe to convey the message: “Romania is Europe.”

With this goal in mind, he stage swam 1,032 kilometers from kilometer 0 of the river, in Konstanz, to the river’s mouth in the North Sea in 48 days. Iancu recalled many interesting moments happened along this swim, “On the third day, the official observer hits a pole in the middle of the river with his kayak and barely managed to save his life. The kayak wrapped around the pole and all the electronic devices were lost under the waters of the Rhine.

Another interesting moment was when someone on the shore called the emergency number while reporting ‘a man is drowning in the middle of the Rhine’. An entire deployment of rescue forces was immediately put into motion: cars, dozens of police officers, firefighters, cars, rescue boats and helicopters. They were all looking for the drowning man. Obviously, it was a false alarm because the one who was drowning was me who was swimming legally there en route to the North Sea. 

Another important moment was when we all took the wrong swimming route and found ourselves very close to a river vessel. The river police fined me € 500. It is like in car traffic. You make a mistake, you pay.

A crucial moment was in the Netherlands when one night our boat’s engine was stolen. Without an engine, we were not allowed to continue, but in just half a day the Romanian diaspora bought a new engine and so we were able to continue swimming.

At the end of the 48 days, we arrived at the North Sea where I was met by representatives of the Romanian Embassy in the Netherlands.

A year later, in 2024, Romania was accepted into the Schengen Area by water and by air, and from January 1st 2025, Romanian citizens are also allowed by land. So, I am glad that my swimming also brought a humble contribution to this common desire of the Romanians.“

48 Stages – Day 1

“I experienced great emotions at the zero kilometer of the Rhine due to the presence of more than 50 fantastic Romanians who took their time and who traveled considerable distances just to be with me and because of our common desire: the entrance to the Schengen Space. I swam for over 5 hours.”

48 Stages – Day 2

“Today was much better than Day 1. I managed to do 12 km in lake mode. During the last 4 km, I faced wind and oncoming waves. The surprise of the day came from the doctor from Konstanz, Victor Dumitru, who took a day off to follow me with his beautiful boat, out of curiosity and pleasure.”

48 Stages – Day 3

“I managed to make the last part of Lake Bodensse. After 12 km of swimming, not even halfway through the day, I faced an obstacle that could have been fatal…both links suddenly lost signal. The rain began and the kayakers scrambled to put on their rain gear. The observer wanted to fit on his kayak cover. In just a few moments of inattention, the impact with the only traffic signal pole in that place was imminent. The overthrow was inevitable. The observer managed to grab the bag with the important luggage and swim towards the shore. He’s been a swimming instructor for 14 years. Watch the video here.”

48 Stages – Day 4

“Yesterday I swam almost 30 kilometers while passing 3 dams and the famous Rheinfall in Neuhausen am Rheinfall. This place is a wonder of the planet. Obviously, I had to get out of the water and pass it land. It’s the first night in the wild. I also discovered that for some of us sleeping in a tent was a first. This joint effort leads to personal development of all the team members.”

48 Stages – Day 5

“It was an totally beautiful day yesterday after the two swimming stages. The big surprise came from Bogdan and Denisa who live in the area. They invited us to the table and we were served with a dry bean soup and Romanian onion. It is hard to describe in words how wonderful Denise’s soup tasted and what a communion atmosphere there was between all those involved in this meeting between Romanians, but on foreign lands. Bogdan accompanied me in the water on a kayak for almost 5 km.”

48 Stages – Day 6

“It was a great day yesterday. After passing through a dangerous stretch due to the low depth of the scattered river, I took a break for the day in the wilderness. We’ve already covered 12 km. During yesterday, there was a great confluence of the Rhine and the Aare river, causing the river to instantly double its water volume. I swam a total of 28 km, the longest distance traveled in one day since I started this swim on the Rhine.

To my great pleasant surprise, I haven’t seen even ONE floating bottle in the first 100 km. Nothing!“

48 Stages – Day 7

“Yesterday on the seventh day, I started easily without pulling my engine to the max, up to the 143th kilometer of the river, near Basel. Today I also did 27 km, getting to know 3 other dams that are not easy to pass at all and which require time.”

48 Stages – Day 8

“I have arrived at Basel, stopping exactly at the 170th threshold of the river. On the route I had the great joy of being waited at a dam by Paul Mircea. He was present at the start and 6 years ago when I started swimming the whole Danube. From the 170th km, the river cannot be swam in any form without a special permission granted by the River Administration because it enters the Navigable Channel of the river.”

48 Stages – Day 9

“Yesterday it was agreed with the authorities to swim on the old course of the Rhine and not on the Navigable Channel “Grand Canal d’Alsace” for safety reasons. The two courses of water are flowing parallel. That was a wise decision. Beyond the obstacles and dangers of a wild water course, everything was normal. The 27 kilometers traveled were crossed exactly on the border between Germany and France. So I went to France.”

48 Stages – Day 10

“This day has been one of the worst days and we are all dealing with all kinds of problems. The rain fell in all ways, from time to time, throughout the day. Kayakers were put to a tough test. For myself… the rain may not be wetter than the Rhine, but it can be a major problem when I finish my swimming session and need to go out. With all the problems I managed to make the distance norm. I swam another 27 km and reached the dam near the town of Breisach am Rhein.”

48 Stages – Day 11

“It was a beautiful day. I managed to swim 24 kilometers. We stopped exactly at kilometer 248.3 of the river. Yes, here the kilometer marking is impeccable, there are barriers for every hundred meters. We pitched up the tents and had a good rest. The rain forgave us during the night which is very good. We still have the dry camping gear.”

48 Stages – Day 12

“Knocking on the gates of Strasbourg, I made a special effort at the end of which I swam 34 kilometers, between stations 248.3 and 282.3. This is the longest distance covered in a day since I started this swim where I completed 9 hours of swimming. We arrived at the Pierre Pflimlin bridge at the entrance to Strasbourg.”

48 Stages – Day 13

“After 13 days of swimming in which I put in a hellish effort of 6-9 hours per day swimming, I reached the 300 threshold after passing the iconic city of Strasbourg. And since I have come to the law of the European Parliament, I convey the message in the most widely circulated language of the world to make sure it is understood: “Swim for Schengen, Swim for Romania“.

I’m tired and barely got here. I will continue my effort up to the c swimming all the “heart of Europe”. I will make it through. I will swim another 700 km, however long it takes me, because I know the strength the Romanian DNA has that gives me strength. Yesterday I swam from Borna 282.3 to 311.8, that is 29.5 km.”

48 Stages – Day 14

“It was a day in which I traveled another 31.4 km, between the logs 311.8 and 343.6. Apart from the fact that a German journalist has been filming us for about 200 kilometers, it was a day without any special events. Slept in the tent. It rained all night, there was thunder and lightning like I haven’t heard or seen for a long time. It was an interesting experience for all. It was an excellent test for camping too. It’s been two weeks since I left on this special swim and adventure.”

48 Stages – Day 15

“They say after the rain and storm, there will be a better day. Nothing is more true. Day 15 came with a new distance record. I managed 39.5 kilometers between the stations 343.6 and 383.1, in a Rhine without any obstacles or dams to pass. Only river transportation ships require special attention. We had a very beautiful reception in Karlsruhe. At the end of the day we were waited on the French shore by the group Roxana Maria Olteanu.”

48 Stages – Day 16

“It was the day with the most intense river traffic so far, but also the day with most kilometers swam. More than 20 cargo ships and container ships crossed [my path]. In the end, I accumulated 41.5 km and stopped at the kilometer 424.6. So I arrived in Manheim.

It been raining all night long It’s raining even now It’s been really nasty weather for over a week. Today, when August began, a full summer day, it’s only 17°C. I am also struggling with this problem, swimming without a wetsuit.”

48 Stages – Day 17

“The first day of August was rainy and sunny. Like in life – the important thing is that we move on. I’ve traveled 42.7 kilometers, between stations 424.6 and 467.3. We were visited on the water also by the police. Today it is cold and the forecast is not favorable at all, but we continue.“

48 Stages – Day 18

“After 18 days of swimming I arrived at Borna 500. I reached the halfway point of my swim.

I equally look forward and backward. I’m looking forward with anxiety overwhelmed by the unknown that lies before us and the tiredness that has already accumulated. Looking back, I am pleased to remember the faces of all the Romanians (and not only) who helped me in one way or another. I recall their confidence and enthusiasm. This continues to mobilize, empower and compel me.

I left Borna 467.3. The swimming license is conditioned on two daily calls. In the morning, when I start swimming and in the evening when I finish.

It’s been raining all day long. It was brutal and depressing, including for kayakers who had to brave the rain and strong wind gusts. The river police called us twice. The first time he escorted us for about 3 kilometers. The second time, towards the evening, they came close, they winked an eye and left us in peace.

After 18 kilometers, I took a break for the day. Out at the shore, tired, in the almost torrential rain. We wanted to take shelter under some trees. It was giving up…as it rained all day, the water was dripping from the trees with even bigger and annoying sprinkles. I managed to get dressed, but there was nowhere to sit and eat. The discomfort and cold was outstanding. Terrible to get out of the water and be captive in such a wet place. Nothing we had was worth it. The only thing I’ve ever needed and really worth was a… rooftop. 100 meters uphill, I saw a fisherman’s tent. I went there with a bold head and met 3 young fishermen. We explained the situation to them and asked them to let us eat in their tent. I made sure we got our food… all we wanted was for it to stop raining for half an hour. They got us in. This was an experience that’s hard to describe in words. The socializing with them was great.

At kilometer 496 I had a swimming restriction on the right side of the River, up to km 497. With a surprise beyond any imagination. He had hot soup, bread, bowls, cutlery and hot peppers in the trunk of the car.

Woke up at six this morning. First thing I did was look outside to see what the weather was like. The wind is blowing with strength, the trees are leaning in all directions under the power of the gusts and the sky is dark. Not at all encouraging setting to throw myself back into the river. More noticeable that I woke up with an excruciating pain, a kind of tingling in the left side of my back, in the lumbar area, towards my hip.

Whatever and whatever my current mood is, I’m going to jump in. That’s the environment where I’ll definitely regenerate myself physically and mentally. I know that each arm will lead me to reach my goal.“

48 Stages – Day 19

“The weather was just as bad, with rain and wind in the front. The waves were huge, a terrible challenge even for kayakers. I managed to do 25.7 km leaving from borna 500. We arrived in Bingen, where we were expected by a kind group of Romanians. Today it was rainy, dark, no sign of sun. Today we will arrive and finish today’s activity at borna 564.”

48 Stages – Day 20

“It starts with very serious discussions with the River Police because there is a particularly difficult and dangerous section of the river. They reminded me that at km 544, I have to get out of the water. The River Administration does not grant it to anyone; the agreement to swim there, for reasons strictly related to the safety of the swimmer and the kayakers. Swimming on the channel is especially dangerous because the place is narrow, and the currents are especially strong. When two ships meet, there is a danger of being shot underneath. Swimming past the beacons that delineate the channel is just as dangerous because of cataracts, rocks, etc.

So I swam 18 km in this Rhine gorge in a dreamscape with castles on the mountain ranges and stopped between the port 553 and 544 where it was possible to dock in good and safe conditions. I slept very well in the tent, in a campsite with all facilities located right on the river bank.

Thanks to my wonderful team: kayaker Ion Capatina, observer Radu Ileana, and ground support Sandrino Matase (Nino).”

48 Stages – Day 21

“It has been 3 weeks since I shake hands for our country. It was a beautiful day – I felt better. The sun shone for an hour at the start of the race, enough to set the mood high. But it didn’t last long as the rain came again

We were able to admire, from the water, the most beautiful castle we’ve seen so far on our way. Towards the end of the day I arrived and transited the city of Koblenz, by far the most beautiful city on the Rhine I have seen so far.“

48 Stages – Day 22

“This day marks some highlights of the race, but also special fights. The first important moment is the passing of the Borna with the number 600, accompanied, obviously, by rain that was supposed to fall all day. In this unfriendly setting, we notice on the shore a completely different color stain. It was the tricolor flag consisting of three shades: red, yellow and blue.

The veteran of our team, Nelu Captain. At the age of 74 he shows physical, but also mental strength, to endure the rain and to keep paddling against the wind ahead. He is a veteran of the waters.

Even the observer Radu Ileană finds it easy. I specifically asked him to remove the phone from the safe place, in the wind and rain and waves to immortalize an image with our veteran, Nelu. She did it. Without dropping the phone in the water.

I personally felt good in the water and very powerful. I managed to cross 34.4 km between the logs 595.2 and 629.6. Finished all in the rain.”

48 Stages – Day 23

“It was a very special welcome in Bonn. I reached the 656.5 border, exactly in the right of the General Consulate of Bonn.

On the bank of the river I was welcomed by a cordial group of Romanians, led by Mrs. Consul Mihaela Feher, who congratulated me for the effort just when I got out of the water. And the parish priest Catălin Preda wanted to greet me.

48 Stages – Day 24

“I will overcome the difficulty of my swimming effort. I’m going to describe a little bit of an actual state, as serious as it is funny. 5 or 6 kilometers before Cologne, I notice on the right side of the river, that is on the far bank of the Rhine, police cars, people with lifeguards in their hands. Swimming and did a few hundred meters. I notice all that log moving down the river, following us. On repeat… they were far away, on the other side.

From the front I notice a very large crowd of the River Police is coming. I was flanked by my two companions, between the two kayaks, to the left of the beacon/green lights, that is in an absolutely regulatory position in relation to the rules of navigation. At the same time when the police station arrives near us, a “land” policeman also appears on the left bank. At the same time, both the shore policeman were waving signs to go outside towards him and the cabin crew were waving signs for me to go towards her. Decided to go to the beach. The road was even shorter and it was even easier to clarify things with our feet on the ground.

There was a fake call to 112. So what just happened? Someone from the shore called 112 that someone was drowning in the Rhine. That explains all those deployments of force. Yes, there were large deployments of force. Meanwhile, 3 more firefighters’ deputies arrived in the area and a helicopter flew over the area. The police crews also checked the swimming permit. Absolutely, everything was fine so I moved on. After another 5 km of swimming, I arrived at Borna 685.5, accumulating another 29 kilometers swam between Bornele 656.5 and 685.5.5.“

48 Stages – Day 25

“It was the day I passed the Cologne Dome, an architectural beauty with a lot of detail. I passed the border with 700. This was a powerful moment of encouragement. I have swum more than two thirds of the route. In the second part of the day, God has blessed us with a shining sun. Nea Nelu also said: “I didn’t think I would see the sun again”. At the end of the day I accumulated 30.4 kilometers swam between the boats 685.5 and 716.9 reaching Baumberg where I stayed at Alexandra Andrei’s family.”

48 Stages – Day 26

“It was a beautiful day, with a clear sky, a strong sun and over 30 km swam. More precisely, I traveled the distance between the stations 716.9 and 747.2, reaching Düssendorf. Although it was a perfect day, this ended badly. At Borna 747, the local police waited for me and took me for change.

A report and complaint from a ship captain, from up above, just after Bonn, has caught up with me. The skipper complained and reported that we cut him off on the channel and had to do a light detour. Police in Düssendorf was ordered to take 500 euro or goods in this value in case I don’t have the money. This is the amount to be paid for such a misconduct. I paid the amount on the spot. Taking me for money and even smaller ones they found that in the swimming permit it says that at least one of the companions must have a radio license for ship-to-ship transmission. I got a fine of 56 euros for this too. I paied for those ones too: a total of 556 euros, almost my salary, an expense not expected.

Big problem is that they suspended my right in the water without being accompanied by someone who had that radio licence. At this moment, I am risking the clock of death to find through the ports a fellow willing to follow me by boat, partially or completely the distance that is left from Germany, 100 km, 3 days away, or by kayak. Determined to complete this swim in the North Sea. I’ve been doubting whether to describe this episode or not. I decided to describe it It’s part of history and I’d be glad you’d understand that my effort is not just that of water.“

48 Stages – Day 27

“This day began with waiting, searching, grounding. I was hoping to find someone that has that license and can kayak me the two people that’s been following me from the beginning, or a small boat. The solution of the day came from two special Romanians. They resonate a lot with my effort and the message of my effort.

It is about Stela Ignatz and Silvia Brsanovic who have turned to the only urgent and viable solution of the moment. They contacted a kind of Red Cross service in Düssendorf that has both boat and qualified staff and high-performance communication equipment. And for a ladies donation of only 85 euros for every hour, a big boat (far too big) with a big German team (far too big, 4 people) appeared.

The kayakers followed me too with Nelu ensuring my hydration and Radu Ileană, the observer of the race, continued to observe as before, noting absolutely everything.

I put my head in the water and kept swimming. The saying time is money always came to my mind. The harder I pulled I felt a slight pleasant muscle pain. I wanted to be fruitful to the maximum, every cent paid. I managed 20 kilometers (without 200 meters) in the 2 hours and 30 minutes of effective swimming. I have arrived at Borna 767 Still 98 kilometers ahead from Germany.”

48 Stages – Day 28

“Yesterday was a rest day, rearranging day. I got back all my money I gave me for the fine.

Romanian carriers know best what the Schengen border means at the borders of our country. They are the ones who lose infinitely more money compared to my fine. From the beginning I said that I wish Romanian carriers would stop losing important amounts of money.

With the special involvement of Stela Ignatz, today I will swim for another 3 hours with those from Rosie Cross, and from tomorrow I have rented a German boat with a German pilot. So, today we’re going with all the force forward. I feel stronger and more determined than ever. I will face any problem and overcome any barrier to reach the end, at the North Sea.”

48 Stages – Day 29

“I swam with those from the Rosie Cross service, 20 km between boats 767 and 787. Thank you Gigi Catrina for sponsoring this swim session. Today we enter a normal swimming regime, all day long, with ideally sized boat and crew, at reasonable costs. Today is the birthday of our senior Nelu Capă ziuaănă, who turns the beautiful age of 74 years, doing what he loves. on the water.”

48 Stages – Day 30

“Right from the beginning, the shawl of the River Police appeared. There were two policewomen to be exact. They were holding the shawl in place, against the current and waited for about 100 meters.

Sascha tells me that a German TV channel, which broadcasts all over North Rhhenia, wants to do an interview, underwater footage etc. In the meantime… we’re waiting on the shore. The police remain in position.

We arrive at Borna with the number 800. Yes, we also went through this important storm. This is where the film crew went down… after he did, indeed, filming from all angles and in all ways; from above, from the water level, underwater, interview and during Swimming, they had a sound man. The material was aired last night and it was very well received by the public.”

48 Stages – Day 31

“It’s starting out pretty left handed due to the logistics of gathering everyone involved. Nino, the ground support had to go uphill, over 40 km, to the pilot’s house and pick him up. From there, he had to go home to the nation licensed with broadcasts. From there, he brought them downhill to the marina where the pilot left the boat overnight. Me and the rest of the crew were left waiting on the shore.

Although on the previous day we had a very good station, offered by the Romanian ship captain, Liviu Mihăilescu, it suddenly broke in the middle of the day. The nation does not want to leave without a station. And he’s doing it right.

I jump into the water and do another 19 km to Borna 839 while the German national television SAT 1 sends the young journalist Leonie Schott to make a report that was broadcast last night on the station all over Germany and in the Netherlands.

Now we are in a hurry, at 10:30 I start for the last day of Germany, the last 20 km of the German Rhine with my wonderful team of kayaker Ion Capatina, observer Radu Ileana, and ground support Sandrino Matase (Nino).”

48 Stages – Day 32

“It’s the day I’ve crossed the last kilometers of Germany and the day I arrived at the border between Germany and the Netherlands, at the border 858.

We were escorted, on this last stage in Germany, by a special, experienced crew, with a very large boat. And they didn’t even take our money, just the fuel. They heard on TV about my effort and these Germans resonated with the action.”

48 Stages – Day 33

“We arrived in Holland. I am now swimming in the jurisdiction of this country and the Dutch authorities who administer this last part of the river that also crosses the Netherlands. I have permission to swim. Thank you to the Romanian Missions in the Netherlands for diplomatic mediation and obtaining this swimming authorization.

The Dutch won’t allow us to use the kayaks at all. This information was passed on late after the start of the swim. We must be accompanied by a motorboat and must have at least one person on board who speaks Dutch. With the help of the ship captain Liviu Mihăilescu I purchased this boat. We have a new member in the team: Constantin Duca, a Romanian-speaking Dutchman. There’s great chemistry between him and my whole team.

We started on the Lower-Rhine near Arnhem from kmr 878.595 to kmr 929.000. I caught another 2 hours of swimming in which I covered 6 km. Made it to the 884 border. The water in the canal I was directed to is standing still. It doesn’t flow at all due to a system of locks. And so it will be for the next 60 kilometers.”

48 Stages – Day 34

“In the morning, our magic boat engine needed a little intervention to start up. We couldn’t start the boat. So I took the engine to a specialist service about 20 km away and the gentleman there fixed right away. When he heard what we were doing, he didn’t even take our money.

We lost some time with this op. Finally, I got into the water and chopped fine 12 km between boats 884 and 896.

I fell asleep in the tent and I got my boat and slept in it too. It was so nice to watch the stars until I fell asleep.”

48 Stages – Day 35

“Since we have arrived in the Netherlands, the time has come to convey our message in Dutch, the language spoken by the people of this country, the Netherlands: Swimming for Romania, swimming for Schengen. All people living between the North Sea and the Black Sea must hear and understand: Romania is in Europe, Romania is Europe [for’ thousands of years. And from here on, as long as the history of this world lasts.

Yesterday I also did 12 km from the “Dutch lake” where I was directed, between boats 896 and 908. By the way, I passed the 900 mark. It is still hard.“

48 Stages – Day 36

“There was with a lot of sunshine, good weather, no wind and 15.3 km traveled, between borders 908 and 923.3. I also passed the second Dutch slip we encountered on the way.

It was beautiful and uplifting to note that the Pert family (Madălina and Lucian) made some effort to get to us during the lunch break of the day. Madălina, with Luca, a 10-month-old child in the baby carrier, with Oscar, their beautiful dog held on a leash, together with her husband who was holding food. People wanted to make the effort to eat something cooked, good and hot. That was really delicious.

In the evening, when we got out of the water, Nino gave us some news that came to perfectly complement a successful day. We had already booked two luxurious hotel rooms (not that we would like so), at a super hotel (we are also super happy at any hotel).

Romanian captain Dan Axinte is one of the oldest Romanian navigators of this river. He knows what it means to navigate his entire course and can imagine with fair appreciation what it means to swim it. In this way, he also sent me a message that accompanies the noble gesture; “Swimming must be swimming and sleep must be sleep.”

48 Stages – Day 37

“Several major events took place. Let’s just take them one by one. I cut myself in the sole of my foot.

I wish you could imagine how easy it is to get in and out of the water. About how many times do I have to get in and out of the water, swim a river? It’s true that there are places I choose where to get out of the water, but there are also places where I get out of my circumstances forcefully. The markings of the channels is done only kilometer by kilometer, not as it was one hundred percent up to km 958. This makes me want to go out, right at the mile marker. This is what makes the exit, and then the entrance, run on slippery rocks, dig rocks, cutting rocks, sand, gravel, concrete ramps, but very slippery – I fell a few times. On day 37, I cut myself in the head. It was not serious, but it was not enjoyable either- and it hurts.

At km 929 we finished swimming the Nederrijn Canal, and entered the Lek Canal where there is a large intersection of channels. These canals intersect with the great Amsterdam Canal. At this intersection, the swimming authorization clearly states that I must exit the water 200 meters before entering the intersection and re-enter the water 200 meters after exiting the intersection. The motive of the authorities is as clear as it gets: swimmer safety and traffic safety. River ships of high tonnage pass there, the place is delicate and crowded. The police are there, the port checkpoint is still there in a high tower. I was under the binoculars literally and figuratively. So I conformed and got on the boat properly crossing that area.

48 Stages – Day 38

“Beyond the great effort I put in, this day comes with describing some people who have been like a balm to me. Both on the physical injuries and the spiritual struggles that I and the team go through.

A Romanian from Alba Iulia who settled in the Netherlands came together with his 5-year-old daughter Maria. Florin Hebean kept making the junction with us and brought us all kinds of delicious food. He also complained that he stayed at the Schengen border for two hours. We eat and listen and realize it resonates with this problem that needs to be resolved once and for all.

Constantine Duke is a Romanian who speaks perfect Dutch and who, since entering the Netherlands, has fulfilled the role required by the Dutch. He fit the team perfectly.

Dutch boat captain Ed van Groot helps us with hotel reservations and more.

My chest, dorsals, triceps, neck, back, lower back, and lost 7 kg. Fatigue and losing weight are added to the longing for home, wife, three girls, colleagues and friends, and Romania. I have been away from home for over 40 days.”

48 Stages – Day 39

“Following the events of the last 24 hours, I managed to turn left from Lek onto Merwedekanaal at terminal 950. I managed to cover 8 km of the new canal and reach the terminal in the canal that is narrow where there is no water flow. I knew it couldn’t be worse than Lek. Practically, since I entered the Netherlands I have been swimming in the lake 100%. This channel does not direct me to the sea…it just makes the transition from Lek to Wall (that is, brings me back to the old and real Rhine) and makes the total route longer by about 15 km.“

48 Stages – Day 40

“Today started with shock and disappointment. ur boat engine was stolen from the parking place where we were generously accommodated by the Duca family (Constantin and Carmen).

We have called the Police to report theft and possibly receive instructions with the procedure to be followed in such a case.

But Flavius Frunză is the administrator of the transportation company DAC Logistik GmbH. He called me directly and told me that he would bear the cost of another engine. I searched for and found a used 5 hp engine for 700 euros, and a new 5 hp engine for 1250 euros. I called Flavius to decide which one to take. He didn’t even want to hear about the used engine, choosing a new one.

Mary N Stoica is a Romanian-speaking Dutch who accompanied us. I managed to do a short 3.3 km swim.”

48 Stages – Day 41

“I’ve returned to the old Rhine, in its normal albine, after wandering through the still waters of the Dutch canals. I swam 24 km, the total length of the canal, and I got out to Borna 955.

The first thing I did when I got back on the banks of the Rhine was to pluck a weed flower from a pier and throw it in the water. I was curious if the flower moves carried by water. I didn’t think there was such a thing anymore. The flower started to move, slightly, downhill. Water flows very slowly, but it flows.

Florin Sabo was a Romanian who was present on the boat as a Dutch speaker. He is a dignified man, serious, assumed, married and with 5 children.”

48 Stages – Day 42

“In the morning, we were asked by the local water police to compulsorily cross the river to reach its left side, continuing swimming on this side, to the left of the green beacons, according to the provisions of the swimming authority, outside the channel.

I passed some kind of steam parking where the waves were very large, the wind was blowing strongly from the front, and a short rain began. There were about 7-8 Romanians (ship captains or ship workers) screaming and encouraging me. They also made a large sign that wrote AVRAM IANCU in capital letters. Any type of tiredness is gone instantly.

We entered an area where the current is one of our biggest enemies. Specifically, the water level in the North Sea, rises and decreases by more than 5 meters every 6 hours. When water is above everything, practically a natural dam is formed in the path of the Rhine, like a kind of huge slip that prevents water from flowing into the sea. Now I only have to swim when it is high tide. Swimming outside these hours is pure suicide. The closer I get to the sea the greater the effect. I will get into swimming forward, but actually, move backwards.

This swim isn’t just about strong muscles and mentally tough. It’s about a logistics that goes beyond any imagination, about the involvement of hundreds of Romanians, about mathematical calculations, about science. Dan Axinte and Liviu Mihăilescu, my ship captains friends, tell us the flow and tide of the sea in this part of the world.

We tried to sleep at a hotel, but the hotels in the area had no more vacancies. During these 42 days, I slept in hotels, at people’s houses, in tents, on the boat, and the backseat of my car.”

48 Stages – Day 43

“It was a day that started awkwardly with lightning, thunder, torrential rain, and ice. We had to postpone the start because a water launch was impossible in these conditions. We took shelter under a tarp and waited it to end. After the storm, it was clear that I would have to fight the very large and irregular waves that formed [see video here].”

48 Stages – Day 44

“I managed to do another 12 kilometers in very good weather at the beginning of the day and not so good in the evening. I left from km 981 and ended up in Holland Diep.”

48 Stages – Day 45

“It was a day without too much history and not too many kilometers, around 7-8 km where we arrived at the Haringvlietbrug bridge with a strong wind from the front and swimming against some upsetting waves from the front. I managed to cross the Holland Diep region with great effort. Every kilometer feels like an eternity, physically and mentally.

Unfortunately its raining, depressing. When I say that every kilometer now feels like an eternity, it is a cruel truth. But we’re moving forward, the battle is still on.”

48 Stages – Day 46

“Waves bury me in swimming conditions that were particularly difficult. I’m swimming in a lake with zero current, but with a very strong headwind and waves that were literally burying me. I was in a washing machine. Under such conditions, anywhere in the world, the organizers of the crossing, and especially the captain would NOT allow a swimmer to perform the swim [see here].“

48 Stages – Day 47

“It was a good day in which I managed to swim about 11 km. The day before, in the middle of the biggest waves, I prayed to the Heavenly Father to stop the hell from raging. He heard me and touched me. Thank you Lord!

Elena De Chiara brought some goodies that went to our hearts with the finish line is in my sight. The feeling and momentum this gives me is very strong. I will fight the last kilometers of the route.”

48 Stages – Day 48 – The Finish

“Thank you to everyone who contributed in one way or another to the received. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I started with God and ended with God.”

German Documentary Film

Rhine Challenge

Avram wrote a 200-page book called the Rhine Challenge where he described his 48-day journey.

Observer Logs, tracker links, photos with GPS data, and testimonials of the observers, kayakers, and ground support crew are available.

At the beginning of the stage swim, Avram had two tracking devices. The first device was a professional one, the SPOT 3 generation. In addition to the SPOT 3, Avram also had a second device that worked in parallel for back-up. On the third day, the first device became non-functional due to the observer’s accident. The Swiss police had to recover the kayak.

History of Rhine River Stage Swims

• 1969: an assisted stage swim was first attempted by Austrian adventurer Klaus Pechstein 
• 2014: Professor Andreas Fath completed a 1,231 km assisted stage swim along the Rhine in 28 days, called the Swim for science (Rheines Wasser)
• 2023: Avram Iancu completed the unassisted 1,032 km Swim for Schengen, Swim for Romania in 48 days

© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“

A World Open Water Swimming Federation project.