5tartUp Bodensee Bregenzer Bucht 2026

In the annals of local lore, there is a haunting memory of the Great Freeze, an event occurring roughly every 50 to 100 years, when the surface of Lake Constance becomes so solid that it has been traversed by car. While today’s swimmers navigate the open water in the height of summer, this occasional winter transformation reminds us of the lake's sheer scale and the power of its glacial origins. Formed by the Rhine Glacier during the Quaternary glaciation, this 'Zungenbecken' or tongue lake remains a crucible for endurance athletes who seek to test themselves against its vast, steady currents. The 5km 5tartUp-Querung provides a precise, accessible entry point into this tradition. As you depart from the harbour of Lindau, you are following a path that has seen countless marathon swimmers gain international recognition; indeed, the Bodenseequerung organization is currently ranked among the top 10 open water events globally by the World Open Water Swimming Association. Unlike the daunting scale of the full 3Länderquerung, the 5tartUp focuses on a straight shot from Germany to Austria. The water here is deep and serene, though it demands respect for the rhythmic conditions characteristic of such a massive basin. As you swim, you may catch the silhouette of the 33-metre high lighthouse, an 1856 landmark, or the stoic stone Bavarian Lion guarding the harbour entrance. If you prefer a longer challenge, the Lindauer Seequerung offers another perspective on these same waters later in the season. Throughout the 5000m stretch, you will pass near the Hoy bathing island, a man-made structure that has served as a local swimming hub since the 1930s. Whether you are aiming for a personal best or simply completing the crossing, you are participating in a legacy of endurance that defines the region. For those planning their journey, you can easily find local lodging options to suit your pre-race preparations, while the surrounding area offers plenty of activities to enjoy post-swim.