International Glücksburg Förde-Crossing

3 Kilometers of Saltwater, Two Countries

The International Glücksburg Förde-Crossing is a cross-border open-water swimming event that takes place annually in August. The route leads from Sønderhav in Denmark on the north side of the fjord to Glücksburg-Sandwig on the German side – a distance of approximately 3 kilometers in open, salty Baltic Sea water with temperatures between 15 and 22 °C. A wetsuit is mandatory.

Event Concept and Safety

The event is organized by the DLRG Glücksburg e.V. and is considered one of the best-organized open-water crossings in Germany. Up to 450 swimmers are allowed to start per edition. Each participant is accompanied by a DLRG rescue boat, which guides the swimmer through the fjord currents and past passing ships. The safety organization on the course is impressive – a major operation for the DLRG and volunteers.

Tradition Since 1997

The first event took place in 1997. The 29th edition will be held in 2026. The event has become a firm fixture in the open-water swimming scene of Northern Europe, attracting participants from Germany, Denmark, and other Baltic Sea rim countries.

Location: Flensburg Fjord, Schleswig-Flensburg District

The Flensburg Fjord is Germany's northernmost fjord and forms part of the German-Danish border. It is about 50 kilometers long and approximately 3 kilometers wide at the crossing point. Glücksburg belongs to the Schleswig-Flensburg district in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. The town, with its Glücksburg Castle, is not only Germany's northernmost swimming destination but also a popular tourist spot on the German-Danish border.