9th Uckermark Dragon Boat Cup Schwedt/Oder

Dragon Boat Sport in the Uckermark

Dragon boat races have become firmly established in Brandenburg in recent decades — especially in water-rich regions like the Uckermark, Schorfheide, and the Mecklenburg Lake District. Up to 20 paddlers sit one behind the other in a dragon boat, with a drummer at the front and a helmsman at the back. The boat — decorated with a dragon's head and tail — dates back to a Chinese tradition over 2000 years old, but has long since spread worldwide as a popular sport. In Schwedt, the Cup takes place on the harbor waterway — the race course is usually 200 meters, with classes for sports, fun, and mixed teams.

Schwedt/Oder — City on the Water

Schwedt/Oder is the easternmost major city in Brandenburg, located directly on the German-Polish border. The city is characterized by industry (PCK refinery, paper mills), but also by a rich water sports tradition: Oder River, Hohensaaten-Friedrichsthaler waterway, clubs like Wassersport PCK Schwedt e.V. The Dragon Boat Cup utilizes this infrastructure and makes the city's waterside location tangible. Schwedt counts this Cup among its official annual highlights — alongside the Schwedt Oktoberfest and the HanseStadtFest.

9th Uckermark Cup — Tradition and Competition

The Uckermark Dragon Boat Cup is organized by the Drachenbootverein Prenzlau e.V., whose team "Uckerdrachen" is a driving force in regional dragon boat sports. The Cup alternates between Prenzlau and Schwedt — in 2026, Schwedt is the host. Several dozen teams from clubs, companies, hobby groups, and schools are expected to compete in various classes.

Family Event on the Shore

A festival atmosphere is created on the shore: a spectator area with a clear view of the racecourse, stands from clubs and the city of Schwedt, food and drinks, children's activities. Admission is free. A perfect day trip for families from Berlin, Brandenburg, and the Polish border region — combined with an exploration of Schwedt and its city harbor.