25th Wukenseefest Biesenthal

Biesenthal and Wukensee

Biesenthal is a small town in the Barnim district, about 25 km northeast of Berlin. Wukensee is one of the most beautiful lakes in southern Barnim — a clear lake created by the ice age with a beach, used as a bathing area for decades. Strandbad Wukensee, with its location between forest and water, is a popular destination for families from Berlin and Barnim in the summer. Once a year, the lake becomes the stage for a sports and festival weekend: the Wukenseefest.

Dragon Boat Races — Sport, Fun, and Handicap Cup

The heart of the Wukenseefest are the dragon boat races. Three competition categories: Sport Cup (for ambitious sports teams), Fun Cup (for hobby teams from clubs, companies, friend groups), and Handicap Cup (inclusive competition with people with disabilities). The course is 200m — a classic dragon boat distance, completed in just a few minutes. On race day (June 27, 2026), team registration begins at 7 AM, the starting gun fires at 9:30 AM. The races run throughout the day; the award ceremony is around 6 PM.

Music, Fireworks, and Laser Show

In addition to the sporting program, there is a festival program on the beach: a stage with live music (regional bands, cover bands), food and drink stalls, and an atmosphere like a typical summer beach festival. The absolute highlight: on Saturday evening, Wukensee becomes the natural backdrop for a fireworks display combined with a laser show. The reflection on the water doubles the visual impact — a true beach festival experience.

25th Anniversary Edition 2026

With its 25th edition, the Wukenseefest reaches a quarter of a century. The sports concept (dragon boat races) has proven to be a stable long-term anchor — the residents of Biesenthal and the entire region come together for the weekend. Those who want to participate as a team: the entry fee is €150 per team; teams are usually formed through sports clubs, companies, or friend groups. Visitors pay €5 per person (children under 1.50m free).