Quer durch Berlin – International Long-Distance Regatta

A Berlin Sports Tradition Since 1927

Quer durch Berlin was first held in 1927, making it one of the city's oldest regular sporting events. Despite war, division, and political upheavals, the format has endured: one day in October, hundreds of rowing boats, a course through the heart of the capital. In 2026, the 97th edition will start – a testament to the reliability of an event with such a tradition. Today, the regatta is organised by Spree-Ruder-Club Berlin; participating clubs come from all over Germany as well as from Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.

Format and Course

Quer durch Berlin is a long-distance time trial regatta: boats start at staggered intervals, and the total time over the course is measured. The distance is traditionally between 6 and 7 kilometres, rowed on the Spree through Berlin's government district. The start and finish areas are at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt on the Spreebogen – an impressive setting between the Bundestag, Hauptbahnhof, and Chancellery. The exceptional situation of 'competitive sport in the middle of Berlin's city centre' makes the regatta special both sportingly and in terms of public interest.

Boat Classes and Participants

There are competitions in almost all Olympic and non-Olympic boat classes: singles (1x), double sculls (2x), pairs without coxswain (2-), quadruple sculls (4x), fours with/without coxswain (4+/4-), and eights (8+). In addition, there are age groups from Junior B (up to 16 years) through Senior A and B (elite level) to numerous Masters classes (from 27 years in five-year increments up to Masters K, from 80 years). In total, usually 600–800 boats participate, starting in waves between 9 am and 8 pm.

Spectating and Atmosphere

Quer durch Berlin is explicitly open to the public: anyone strolling along the Spree between Spreebogen, Reichstag, Friedrichstraße, and Museum Island will see boats passing by all day. The bridges (Friedrichstraße Bridge, Marschall Bridge, Weidendammer Bridge) are classic viewing points. At the start/finish area at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, there is a festival atmosphere all day with food stalls, commentators, and award ceremonies.