Fackelschwimmen Heiligendamm
Night-time light spectacle at the Baltic Sea pier
About Fackelschwimmen
A Sea of Lights off Europe's First Seaside Resort
For years, the Fackelschwimmen Heiligendamm has been a firm fixture in the summer calendar of the Baltic Sea coast in the Rostock district. The venue is the pier of Heiligendamm, Germany's oldest seaside resort, founded in 1793 in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The combination of historic scenery, beach, and nocturnal light show gives the event its special charm.
Rescue Demonstrations and Torch Swimming
The programme begins in the early evening with demonstrations by the water rescue service: the volunteer rescue workers show exercises from water rescue, demonstrate their equipment, and invite visitors to participate in first aid stations. This gives spectators a clear impression of the tasks the water rescue service performs daily on the Baltic Sea beaches.
When darkness falls, the highlight of the evening follows: the swimmers light their torches and enter the Baltic Sea together. They swim in coordinated formations, with the flames reflected in the water. The spectacle can be best observed from the pier and the promenade.
An Evening for a Good Cause
The Fackelschwimmen is organised on a voluntary basis by the Bad Doberan water rescue service, a branch of the German Red Cross. Drinks and snacks are offered for a donation; the proceeds benefit the voluntary work and youth programmes of the water rescue service. The event has its own motto each year.
Atmosphere on the Baltic Sea
Accompanied by DJ music, the promenade of Heiligendamm transforms into a meeting point for families, holidaymakers, and coastal residents on this evening. The Fackelschwimmen is weather-dependent; changes may occur in unfavourable conditions. Current information is published by the Bad Doberan water rescue service on their website.
Fackelschwimmen — edition 2026
The Fackelschwimmen Heiligendamm 2026 invites you to the Heiligendamm pier on Friday, July 31. From 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM, visitors can expect a varied programme of water rescue and a nocturnal light show. The Bad Doberan water rescue service has chosen the motto 'Night of Lights – We Miss, We Love, We Live' for this year's event.
Admission is free. Drinks and snacks are offered for a donation, which benefits the voluntary work of the water rescue service.
Programme Fackelschwimmen 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026 — Heiligendamm Pier
- from 7:00 PM — Demonstrations of rescue exercises by the water rescue service, first aid activity stations, and presentation of rescue equipment
- from nightfall — DJ music on the promenade
- around 9:30 PM — approx. 40 volunteer swimmers enter the Baltic Sea in formation with burning torches
- until 11:30 PM — Wind-down at the pier
2026 Motto: 'Night of Lights – We Miss, We Love, We Live'.
Highlights Fackelschwimmen 2026
Prices Fackelschwimmen 2026
Practical information — Fackelschwimmen
Getting There
Heiligendamm is located about 6 km from Bad Doberan in the Rostock district. You can reach Heiligendamm directly from Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn via the historic narrow-gauge railway, the "Molli". If you are arriving by car, please use the parking lots on the outskirts of town. For the 2026 Torchlight Swim, a free shuttle service (Ostsee-Express, in addition to line 121) will run from Bad Doberan: departures at 17:30 and 18:30 from Buchenberg, and at 17:35 and 18:35 from the Bad Doberan central bus station (ZOB). Return trips from Heiligendamm beach start at 22:45. The stop is located directly at the beach.
Date and Admission
The 2026 Torchlight Swim takes place on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 19:00 to approximately 23:30. Admission is free. Drinks and snacks are available in exchange for a donation.
Pro Tip
The best viewing spots are on the pier and along the beach promenade. We recommend bringing a blanket or warm clothing for later in the evening.
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Where it takes place Fackelschwimmen
Seebrücke Heiligendamm
Seebrücke Heiligendamm, 18209 Heiligendamm