Emden Harbour Mile – Sparkasse Dragon Boat Race
Largest dragon boat race event in the entire northwest of Germany with over 1,000 paddlers
About Emden Harbour Mile
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Spectacular Dragon Boat Race in the City Centre
Dragon boat races, originating from Chinese folk customs, came to Europe in the 1990s and have since been held as a team water sport with 20 paddlers per boat. In Emden, the dragon boat race has developed over the years into one of the largest events in northwestern Germany. Over 1,000 participants take part annually – company teams, clubs, sports groups, and hobby teams from all over the north form a colourful mix of competitors.
Harbour Mile Format
The Sparkasse Dragon Boat Race is organised as a sprint race over a 250m course with three lanes. The start and finish are at the Hafentor Emden, directly on the promenade. Spectators can follow the race up close. The competitions run on a tight schedule throughout the day, with a new boat starting every 20 seconds to 2 minutes.
Atmosphere and Accompanying Programme
A Volksfest (traditional folk festival) atmosphere is created around the inner harbour with numerous food stalls (sausages, burgers, vegetarian options, ice cream), drink stands, a stage with live music or a DJ program, and a children's area. Many teams use the event as a company outing; spectators benefit from the central location on the harbour and the clear view of the racecourse.
Organiser Emden Rowing Club
The Emden Rowing Club (ERV) is the organiser of the event. The club manages registration, race control, the technical equipment with dragon boats, and the safety concept. Registrations for teams are possible via the club's website emderruderverein.de. The main race is sponsored by the local Sparkasse (savings bank).
Emden Harbour Mile — edition 2026
The race on June 27, 2026, continues the success of previous years. The 250m course is designed as a spectacular sprint distance with three lanes, easily visible for spectators. Team registrations are accepted until shortly before the event day; a small contingent of places is usually still available a few weeks prior.
During the race day, competition heats alternate with breaks and supporting programs. The atmosphere around the inner harbour is both familial and sporty; many teams wear matching uniforms, creating a colourful visual spectacle.
Programme Emden Harbour Mile 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organiser in advance. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- 10:00 AM – Opening of the Harbour Mile, welcome of the teams
- 10:30 AM–5:30 PM – Heats, semi-finals, and finals on the 250m sprint course (3 lanes)
- 5:30 PM–6:00 PM – Award ceremony and closing ceremony
- Continuous: Food stalls, drinks, stage program, children's area
The detailed schedule with start lists and time slots will be posted in the start area on the event day and published on the Emden Rowing Club website.
Highlights Emden Harbour Mile 2026
- Largest dragon boat race in northwestern Germany
- Over 1,000 paddlers in 20-person boats
- 250m sprint course on three lanes at the inner harbour
- Food stalls, stage, and family area
- Free admission, very spectator-friendly location
Prices Emden Harbour Mile 2026
Practical information — Emden Harbour Mile
Date 2026
- Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location
- Hafentor Emden, Am Delft, Emden Inner Harbour
- 26721 Emden, East Frisia, Lower Saxony
Admission
- Free admission for spectators
Getting There
- Emden Hauptbahnhof (main train station), approx. 10 min. walk
- By car via the A 31 or A 28 motorways
Organiser & Registration
- Emden Rowing Club
- Website: emderruderverein.de
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Emden Harbour Mile al mejor precio.
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