Bodensee Openwater — Wallhausen-Überlingen

In 1525, during the German Peasants' War, the city of Überlingen executed several local leaders who refused to take up arms against their own kin. Centuries later, the city council still meets behind a heavy wooden door, permanently inscribed with a stern warning to those who dare defy local authority. This historical weight remains part of the local atmosphere as you swim toward the city's waterfront, where the massive Lake Constance creates a challenging open water arena. For those who seek to push their limits in these waters, the calendar offers various crossings, including the Bodensee Längsquerung in June and the Bodensee Openwater — Meersburg-Konstanz event held later that same month.

The water and the view

As you navigate the 2500m or 5000m course from Wallhausen to Überlingen, you are essentially traversing a liquid history book. The shores of Lake Überlingen are dotted with remnants of Neolithic and Bronze Age wetland settlements, where ancient pile dwellings once stood above the waterline. While you focus on your stroke, the skyline of the old town is dominated by the Greth trade house, a former warehouse with a distinct three-story hipped roof that serves as your primary landmark. The water here is deep and expansive, shaped by a history of naval defense; during the Thirty Years' War, the city utilized its direct access to the lake to supply itself with essential troops and materials while under siege, successfully fending off Swedish forces. Today, the water temperature in late August typically settles into a comfortable range, though the scale of the lake requires swimmers to respect the open conditions.

Race day logistics

Organized by the Bodensee Openwater Team, the event on August 29, 2026, emphasizes professional support and safety in an environment shaped by local knowledge. Participants receive a swimming cap as part of their race kit, and the event structure is designed to accommodate both beginners and seasoned marathon swimmers. The logistics involve careful planning to ensure safe passage across the lake, mirroring the strategic importance this water route held for the city for centuries. If you have any remaining energy after the finish, the folklore of the region suggests looking toward the medieval patrician houses, such as the Gunzoburg, which supposedly served as the residence for Duke Gunzo in 641 AD, adding another layer of intrigue to the post-race atmosphere.