Norderstedt Long-Distance Swim

Open Water in the Middle of the City Park

Norderstedt, located north of Hamburg in the Segeberg district of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, is the fifth-largest city in the state with around 80,000 inhabitants. The Stadtparksee in the heart of the city is one of Norderstedt's most popular recreational areas and has been the backdrop for the long-distance swim for years. Unlike competitions in the sea, the swimming takes place in the clear freshwater of the lake — an ideal stage for beginners and a good training test for ambitious open water swimmers.

16th Edition 2026

2026 marks the 16th edition of the Long-Distance Swim. The event is part of the Norderstedt Sports Week, which runs from August 29 to September 6, 2026, and combines a total of four sporting disciplines — swimming, running, cycling, and triathlon. Anyone completing all four competitions of the week qualifies for the overall ranking Best Athlete 2026 and participates in the joint closing event.

Distances and Categories

• 500 m — Beginner distance and junior categories from 10 years old
• 1 km — Classic open water distance
• 2 km — Middle distance for ambitious amateur athletes
• 5 km — Premier discipline for experienced open water swimmers
• Relay competition — Teams of several swimmers

What Makes the Competition Special

The Norderstedt Long-Distance Swim is organized by the Norderstedt Sports Week organizing team together with local clubs. The competition is family-friendly, the courses are clearly marked, and the safety concept with lifeguards and DLRG boats is considered exemplary in the north. A small festival area with club tents, catering, and award ceremonies is set up directly on the lakeshore for the competition days.