Lohbrügge Soapbox Derby

A Tradition from Southern Bergedorf

The first soapbox derby in Bergedorf took place in 1950 in the newly completed Billtal Stadium, organized by the Bergedorf Soapbox Club. After a decades-long break, the tradition was revived in Leuschnerpark in 2014. 2026 marks the 11th edition since this revival – a sequence that shows the event has found a stable place in the neighborhood culture of Hamburg's Bergedorf district.

Racetrack in Leuschnerpark

The venue is Leuschnerpark, a small hillside park between Lohbrügger Landstraße and Lohbrügger Markt. The natural slope provides ideal conditions for a soapbox derby – gravity replaces the engine. The track is designed to be child-friendly, with hay bales as barriers and a controlled run-off area at the end.

Age Groups and Categories

The race is divided into several age groups – from the youngest in Bobby Cars to teenagers in homemade soapbox cars. The organizers emphasize that it's not just about speed: construction, creativity, and safety are also judged. This educational approach distinguishes the Lohbrügge derby from purely competition-oriented events.

Accompanying Program

While the race heats are running, there is a parallel program for families:

• Bouncy castles for the youngest visitors
• Face painting and craft stations
• Refreshment and snack stands run by local clubs
• Live program on a small stage

Organizers and Sponsors

The organizer is the Lohbrügge neighborhood association in cooperation with the LOLA Cultural Center, a central cultural venue in Hamburg's Bergedorf district. Several local clubs and institutions – schools, sports clubs, the volunteer fire department – support the organization. Funding comes from local sponsors and small stand fees.

Neighborhood Connection

Lohbrügge is a district in the Bergedorf borough, in southeastern Hamburg. With around 40,000 inhabitants, Lohbrügge is the most populous district and thus shapes the social and cultural identity of southeastern Hamburg. The soapbox derby is one of the few neighborhood festivals in Lohbrügge with a clear historical anchor and continuous tradition.