Winter dog sports event at Tierpark Ströhen with mushers from several countries
The sled dog race at Tierpark Ströhen has been held for many years on the edge of the Diepholz Moor lowlands. What began as a small gathering of enthusiastic dog owners has developed into a regionally known event that annually brings mushers from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and sometimes Scandinavia to the Lower Saxony lowlands border. The races are held in several classes – from small two-dog teams to larger teams.
Since Northern Germany rarely has enough snow for classic sled races, the competitions in Ströhen are usually held with dryland teams: the mushers stand on three-wheeled training devices ("trikes") or are pulled by their dogs in bikejoring (bicycle) or cani-cross (running). The course leads over field and forest paths around the Tierpark.
During the competitions, the grounds are freely accessible to the public. Visitors can experience the teams up close, talk to the mushers, and get to know dog breeds such as Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, and Greyster (Pointer-Cross). Food stalls offer hot drinks, sausages, crêpes, and cakes. For families, there are craft and play activities centered around dogs and nature.
Tierpark Ströhen is a traditional Northern German animal park focusing on European wild animals and selected exotic species. It forms the natural setting for the event and is usually accessible during the race days. The municipality of Wagenfeld is located in the southwestern part of the Diepholz district, near the border with North Rhine-Westphalia.
As the exact date for 2026 has not yet been publicly announced, it is advisable to contact Tierpark Ströhen or the tourist information office of the Wagenfeld municipality before visiting. The race days usually take place on a weekend and start in the morning. The competitions are spread throughout the day and can be watched by spectators from the sidelines without an entrance fee; the regular admission prices apply for access to the Tierpark.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in advance. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
The dog breeds typically range from Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute to Samoyeds and modern racing hybrids like Greysters. Only animals with veterinary approval are eligible for competition.
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