28th Tübingen Duck Race 2026

Tübingen — University City on the Neckar with Tradition

Tübingen (approx. 91,000 inhabitants, a university city since 1477) is located on the Neckar in Baden-Württemberg — one of Germany's most beautiful old towns with punting boats, the Stiftskirche collegiate church, and the famous Eberhard Karls University. The Neckar is not only a transport route but also a stage for events — from classic punting boat races to the annual Tübingen Duck Race.

28 Years of Duck Race — Round Table 182 Tradition

The Tübingen Duck Race was launched in the early 2000s by Round Table 182 Tübingen — the Tübingen chapter of the international service club organization Round Table. The idea is simple and charming: thousands of yellow plastic ducks are released onto the Neckar and float down the river. The fastest ducks win prizes — the proceeds go entirely to charitable initiatives in Tübingen. In 2026, the race will be held for the 28th time on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

2 PM Start at the Alleenbrücke

The race starts punctually at 2:00 PM at the Alleenbrücke bridge in Tübingen. Round Table members simultaneously tip the ducks into the Neckar — an impressive spectacle when viewed from above. The ducks float with the current through Tübingen's old town. The course passes the Hölderlinturm tower, the famous residence of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin, and ends between the Hölderlinturm and the Eberhardsbrücke bridge. Race time approx. 45 minutes.

Awards Ceremony at 3:15 PM on the Neckarinsel

The awards ceremony takes place about 30 minutes after the race — around 3:15 PM on the Neckarinsel island. The winning ducks are fished out of the Neckar by Round Table members, and the ticket numbers are called out. Prizes typically include non-cash prizes from Tübingen sponsors (restaurant vouchers, spa visits, punting boat trips, weekend getaways) and a grand prize for the fastest duck.

Tickets: €5 / Duck, Advance Sale at the Market

The tickets (= duck with number) cost €5 each. A maximum of 5,000 tickets will be issued. Main advance sale: Umbrian-Provençal Market in Tübingen's old town from September 16 to 20, 2026 — at the Round Table stand. Remaining tickets on race day itself at the Alleenbrücke bridge. Tickets tend to sell out quickly — early purchase is recommended.

Proceeds for 5 Tübingen Initiatives

The proceeds from the duck race annually support five Tübingen initiatives:

• "Swimming for All Children" — Swimming lessons for children from low-income families
• Tübingen Sunday Kitchen — free meals for those in need
• Tübingen Children and Youth Farm — educational farm for children
• Tübingen Train Station Mission — assistance for travelers in distress
• Circus Zambaioni — youth circus initiative

Round Table 182 Tübingen

The event is organized by Round Table 182 Tübingen — the Tübingen chapter of the international Round Table organization, a service association for young men founded in England in 1927 (now also co-ed). The organization is committed to charitable projects. Round Table 182 in Tübingen has been active for years and is primarily known for the duck race.