ICF Canoe Sprint & Paracanoe World Cup Brandenburg

An Olympic Course Becomes a World Stage

The Beetzsee Regatta Course in Brandenburg an der Havel is one of the most renowned canoe racing courses in Europe. The 2,000m long course offers sheltered, calm water conditions — a crucial advantage in canoe sprint, where fractions of a second make the difference. From May 14th to 17th, 2026, the ICF Canoe Sprint & Paracanoe World Cup will be held here, one of the most important dates on the international canoe calendar.

Around 1,000 Athletes

Around 1,000 athletes from approximately 50 nations are expected, including around 150 paracanoeists. The World Cup is part of the qualification phase for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles — the sporting tension will be correspondingly high. Disciplines: K1, K2, K4, C1, C2, and C4 over various distances, plus the paracanoe disciplines KL1, KL2, KL3, and VL2, VL3.

Special Olympics as an Inclusive Highlight

A special feature of the Brandenburg event: a special race for Special Olympics in an inclusive format. Athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete on the course alongside the World Cup participants — a clear sporting and political signal from the organizer DKV and the Regattateam Beetzsee e.V.

Brandenburg an der Havel — Water City on the Beetzsee

The regatta course is located north of Brandenburg an der Havel on the Beetzsee, one of the largest lakes in the Havel lake district. Visitors to the World Cup can reach the shore by car, bicycle, or on foot. The independent city itself — which gives its name to the entire Margraviate of Brandenburg — combines its old town, its islands, and its watersports tradition into a surprising destination. Those who stay longer can take a boat trip through the Havel lakes or visit the Brandenburg Cathedral.

Patron and Significance

The patron of the World Cup is Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke. The organizers are the German Canoe Federation (DKV) together with the Regattateam Beetzsee e.V. The event is one of the largest international sporting events taking place in Brandenburg in 2026.