Schwerin Dragon Boat Festival on Pfaffenteich

Dragon Boats in the Heart of Schwerin

The Schwerin Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most traditional and largest events of its kind in Europe. Since 1999, every August it transforms the Pfaffenteich – the distinctive artificial body of water in the center of the state capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – into a spectacular race course. Its central location right in the city makes the festival unique: the races can be followed directly from the shore and the surrounding promenades.

Over 100 Teams Competing

More than 100 teams from all over Germany start in the Ladies, Mixed, and Open categories. Races are held over two distances: the fast 200-meter sprint and the endurance 1,000-meter course. The most important competitions are the 'Grand Prize of Schwerin' and the Master's Cup, where the strongest teams measure their strength.

Fireworks and Supporting Program

The highlight of the festival weekend is the grand fireworks display on Saturday evening, which is set off over the Pfaffenteich around 10:45 PM. A diverse supporting program ensures a great atmosphere around the races: live music on stage, culinary stands, and numerous activities for families and children. The festival is therefore much more than just a sporting event – it's a Volksfest (public festival) in the center of Schwerin.

A Summer Highlight in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the fixed highlights of Schwerin's summer event calendar and attracts numerous participants and spectators to the city every year. It is part of a whole series of water sports events on the Schweriner Seen (Schwerin Lakes) and underscores the city's close connection to water. Admission for spectators is free.