Traditional lake festival with bathtub regatta on the Schaalsee
The Neptunfest Zarrentin am Schaalsee is a traditional summer festival on the shores of the Schaalsee. It takes place annually on the first weekend of July and is celebrated over several days with a large entertainment programme. The organiser is the town of Zarrentin am Schaalsee.
The secret highlight of the festival is the bathtub regatta: in the beach area, self-built and imaginatively designed floating vessels compete against each other. With ingenuity, humour, and great skill, the participants transform the lake into a curious race track – a spectacle that attracts thousands of spectators to the shore every year.
The Neptune baptism is traditionally part of the Neptunfest, where newcomers are initiated into 'Neptune's Realm' in a humorous ceremony. The festival is accompanied by stage music, water activities, and a diverse culinary offering. The programme is aimed at all generations and makes the Neptunfest a popular family festival.
Zarrentin am Schaalsee is located in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district in the southwestern corner of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The Schaalsee is part of the UNESCO Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve, a natural and cultural landscape along the former inner-German border. The Neptunfest combines North German lake festival tradition with the idyllic setting of this protected lake.
From July 3rd to 5th, 2026, Zarrentin am Schaalsee will celebrate its 70th Neptunfest in the beach area by the lake.
The highlight is the bathtub regatta with self-built, imaginatively designed vessels. In addition, there will be the traditional Neptune baptism, stage music, water activities, and a diverse culinary offering. The multi-day festival is aimed at visitors of all ages.
Admission to the festival grounds is usually free. Individual activities and refreshments are subject to a charge.
By car via the A24 (Zarrentin exit) to the town on the Schaalsee, then to the beach area. Ludwigslust-Parchim, near the border with Schleswig-Holstein.
First weekend of July, multi-day festival. Admission to the festival grounds is usually free; individual activities are subject to a charge. Information from the town of Zarrentin am Schaalsee.
The bathtub regatta is the crowd-puller – a good spot on the shore ensures the best view.
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Strandbereich am Schaalsee
Strandbereich am Schaalsee, 19246 Zarrentin am Schaalsee