Baltic Lights – Sled Dog Race Usedom

Spectacle on the Beach of the Imperial Spas

Baltic Lights is Europe's best-known charity sled dog race on the Baltic Sea beach. The venue is the wide sandy beach between Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck on the island of Usedom in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The start and finish area are located directly in front of the historic pier in Heringsdorf, the course leads to the pier in Ahlbeck and back.

500 Huskies and Stars at the Start

Around 500 Huskies with their mushers compete against each other in various classes – professional sled dog athletes from several European countries form the sporting backbone. In addition, numerous celebrities from television, film, and the entertainment industry compete in the Celebrity Relay for victory. The mix of top sport and show character attracts tens of thousands of spectators to the beach promenade every year.

Charity for Welthungerhilfe

Baltic Lights is more than a sporting event – the race sees itself as a benefit event. Over ten years of event history, more than EUR 500,000 in donations have already been collected for the global work of Welthungerhilfe. Support is provided through a charity raffle and fundraising activities during the weekend. The event premiered in 2016.

Program Beyond the Race

The supporting program makes Baltic Lights a three-day experience:

• Baltic Lights Games: Skill competitions and show acts with the dogs
• Celebrity Relay Race on Sunday
• Fire-Biike Show: Bonfire and pyrotechnics on the beach promenade
• Musical Highlights on the event stage
• Grand Prize of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: festive award ceremony

Free Admission on the Entire Beach

The entire course area on the beach of the imperial spas is freely accessible. Spectators line the beach promenade for several kilometers – a total of more than 60,000 guests are expected over the weekend. The municipality of Ostseebad Heringsdorf in the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald will be completely booked out. Note: Animal welfare organizations such as PETA criticize the event – organizers and Welthungerhilfe point to strict regulations and veterinary support.