Bremen Blockland Marathon
Canoe marathon through the Bremen marshland
About Blockland Marathon
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41 Kilometers Through Green Bremen
When dozens of boats set off from TURA on the Lesum on a Saturday in September, the Bremen Blockland Marathon begins — a canoe touring event through one of the Hanseatic city's most charming natural landscapes. The Gold Strecke leads for about 41 kilometers around the Bremen Blockland, a vast marshland and partly nature reserve, past reed banks, meadows, pastures, allotment gardens, and forests on the city's outskirts. Those who prefer a shorter route can choose the Silber Strecke, covering approximately 25 kilometers.
Tides, Locks, and Camaraderie
The route follows the Lesum, Wümme, Kleine Wümme, and Kuhgraben rivers. The tidal range on the Lesum determines the start time and direction of travel — a pure nature experience. Several locks must be navigated along the way: one requires carrying the boat around, one is passed by self-service, and one is operated by lock keepers who adjust to the different speeds of the boats. Touring boats and racing boats are scored separately; all participants receive a certificate and a souvenir, with the class winners also receiving trophies.
A Classic of Northern German Canoe Sport
Organized by the Bremen State Canoe Association, the Blockland Marathon is a staple on the Northern German canoe sport calendar. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are permitted; the minimum age is 14 years, and canoe sport suitability and buoyancy aids are required. The Blockland — a popular local recreation area for Bremen residents — reveals its quietest and most beautiful side from the water.
Blockland Marathon — edition 2026
On September 5, 2026, the 31st edition of the Bremen Blockland Marathon will start from the TURA grounds on the Lesum. The Gold Strecke leads for about 41 kilometers around the Blockland, and the Silber Strecke for about 25 kilometers. Touring boats and racing boats start at staggered times; the exact start time depends on the tides. Registration via the Bremen State Canoe Association, registration deadline August 21, 2026, starting fee between 5 and 10 Euros depending on membership status.
Programme Blockland Marathon 2026
The 31st edition of the Bremen Blockland Marathon takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with start and finish at the TURA grounds on the Lesum. The exact start time depends on the tides and will be set by the Bremen State Canoe Association shortly beforehand; in previous years, the competition started in the morning (touring boats approx. 08:15, racing boats approx. 08:45).
Two Routes to Choose From
- Gold Strecke (40.9 km) — Round course from TURA: upstream on the Lesum, Wümme, Kleine Wümme, Kuhgraben — a complete circuit around the Blockland marsh. Three portages / locks must be managed (one to carry around, one self-service, one operated by lock keepers).
- Silber Strecke (17.1 km) — shorter variant with two portages, ends at VKB/Störtebeker.
Permitted Boat Classes
- Kayak (touring kayak and racing kayak)
- Canoe
- Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)
Separate scoring for touring boats and racing boats.
Registration and Fees
- Registration deadline: August 21, 2026 (Online via kanu-bremen.de or by mail to Wolfgang Vöge, Tel. 0421/83 41 52)
- Starting fee: DKV members €5–€7 (depending on age group), non-members €7–€10
- Late registration: plus €2–€3
Awards
- Trophies for the winners of each class
- Certificates and souvenirs for all participants
- Optional trip log confirmation for DKV members
The route leads through the Blockland nature reserve with reed banks, marsh meadows, and pastureland — a scenically unique tour on the green outskirts of Bremen.
Highlights Blockland Marathon 2026
- 31st edition of the Blockland Marathon by the Bremen State Canoe Association
- 40.9 km Gold Strecke circumnavigating the Blockland marsh (Lesum, Wümme, Kleine Wümme, Kuhgraben)
- 17.1 km Silber Strecke as a shorter variant
- Three or two portages / locks depending on the route
- Registration deadline August 21, 2026, starting fee €5–€10
Prices Blockland Marathon 2026
Starting fees: DKV members €5–€7 (depending on age group), non-members €7–€10. Late registration plus €2–€3. Online registration via kanu-bremen.de until August 21, 2026. There is no admission fee for spectators — the event can be freely observed from the banks (TURA grounds, locks, Lesum banks).
Practical information — Blockland Marathon
Getting There
Start and finish are at the TURA Canoe Sport club grounds on the Lesum in northern Bremen. Arrive by car or via the Regio-S-Bahn towards Bremen-Burg/Lesum.
Registration
Register via the website of the Bremen State Canoe Association or by email; registration deadline is usually around two weeks before the event. Starting fee depends on membership status.
Good to Know
Minimum age 14 years, canoe sport suitability required, buoyancy aid mandatory, life jacket recommended. Exact start time depends on the Lesum tides.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Blockland Marathon al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Blockland Marathon
TURA Kanusport Bremen (Start/Ziel)
TURA Kanusport an der Lesum, 28357 Bremen