Name: Bathtub Race Bettenkamper Meer Moers 2026
Start: 2026-08-22T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-08-22T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Bettenkamper Meer (Naturbadeplatz)

Bathtub Race Moers

About Bathtub Race Moers

The 17th Bathtub Race at Bettenkamper Meer in Moers will transform the popular natural swimming pool in the north of the city into a stage of creative madness on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Starting at 2 PM, colorfully costumed two-person teams will race in self-built and modified bathtubs over a swimming course of about 100 meters. The fastest paddlers and the most original costumes will be judged. Since 2008, the DLRG Moers local chapter and the Friends of Bettenkamper Meer have organized this family-friendly spectacle, which attracts thousands of visitors. Free admission, team registration via DLRG. Event runs until 11:55 PM.

Dates 22 Aug — 22 Aug 2026

Venue Moers (05170)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Bathtub Race Moers — edition 2026

17th Bathtub Race at Bettenkamper Meer in Moers on August 22, 2026. Starting at 2 PM, costumed two-person teams will race in modified bathtubs over a 100-meter swimming course. The fastest time and most original costume will be judged. Accompanying program with food, drinks, live music. DLRG ensures water safety. Free admission. Event runs until 11:55 PM.

Since 2008, DLRG Moers and Friends of Bettenkamper Meer have organized the humorous race, which has become a fixed summer date on the Lower Rhine. 2026 marks the 17th edition – an occasion that attracts families, students, and sports enthusiasts alike.

Highlights Bathtub Race Moers 2026

Creative bathtub constructions
Costume competition with themed tubs
Family-friendly atmosphere
DLRG water safety
Aftershow party until midnight
Free admission

Programme Bathtub Race Moers 2026

Schedule Aug 22, 2026

2:00 PM Opening, team presentation, jury introduction
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM Preliminary heats
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Semifinals + Finals
6:30 PM Award ceremony
7:00 PM – 11:55 PM Aftershow party with live music, cocktails, free swimming

Team Registration

By email to [email protected]. Limited number of participants – register early.

Prices Bathtub Race Moers 2026

Free admission. Food and drinks available on site, cash recommended.

Practical information

Practical information — Bathtub Race Moers

Getting There

By car: A40 / A57 to Moers, then Krefelder Straße north to Bettenkamper Meer. Parking along Krefelder Straße and in special parking lots. Caution: high visitor numbers, arrive early. By bus: Line 911 or 912 from Moers Königlicher Hof.

Admission

Free. Team registration via DLRG Moers by email to [email protected] (limited number of participants).

Times 2026

August 22, 2026, from 2 PM opening, first heats from 2:30 PM, program until 11:55 PM.

Tip

For the best view as a spectator, find a spot by the water near the start-finish line. Bring your swimwear – if you can't wait, jump into the Bettenkamper Meer yourself after the race. More info: bettenkamper-meer.de.

Bathtub Race – A Moers Classic Since 2008

The Bathtub Race at Bettenkamper Meer is one of the most unusual summer events on the Lower Rhine. Since 2008, colorfully costumed two-person teams have competed annually in modified bathtubs – over a swimming course of about 100 meters in the natural swimming pool in the north of Moers. 2026 marks the 17th edition, continuing the concept: humorous, family-friendly, with a clear wink.

Date and Location 2026

The 17th edition takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026:

Start: 2:00 PM with opening and team introductions
First heats: from approx. 2:30 PM
Runs until: 11:55 PM (official end)
Location: Bettenkamper Meer, Krefelder Str. 190, 47447 Moers

What Makes a "Racing Bathtub"

The bathtubs are not standard models – they are modified and equipped by the teams themselves:

Buoyancy aids on the sides (barrels, foam, plastic bottles)
Paddles, scoops, or simple wooden planks for propulsion
Themed costumes: Vikings, pirates, astronauts, Star Wars, fairy tale characters, local references
Often elaborate paint jobs and structures

Judging and Prizes

Two categories are awarded:

Best Time: fastest paddlers over the race course
Best Costume / Most Original Bathtub: audience and jury award

The prizes are rather symbolic – trophies, merchandise, honor. The competitive aspect is secondary; the focus is on fun.

DLRG and Bettenkamper Meer

The organizers are the DLRG Ortsgruppe Moers (German Life Saving Association) together with the Freundeskreis Bettenkamper Meer (Friends of Bettenkamper Meer). The DLRG ensures water safety – an aspect taken seriously despite all the humor (lifeguards, support boats). The Friends association is responsible for maintaining the natural swimming pool as a recreational area.

The Bettenkamper Meer – Moers’ Natural Pool Hidden Gem

The Bettenkamper Meer is a lake in the north of Moers, formed by gravel extraction, which has been used as a natural swimming pool for decades. With sunbathing lawns, a sandy beach, boat rentals, a snack bar, and a very local clientele, it's a Lower Rhine classic – far from a typical swimming pool atmosphere. The bathtub race fits perfectly: a bit quirky, a bit DIY, very close to the people.