Baldeneysee Guide

Extra shift on a cold course – Opti class winter regatta on the Baldeneysee

On December 6th and 7th, 2025, the ETUF sailing club in Essen will host the final regatta of the year: The long-standing Extra Shift offers young talents in the Optimist A and B classes the opportunity to showcase their sailing skills even in December. The weekend's highlights include two days of exciting races on the wintry Baldeneysee, with separate rankings for Opti-A (advanced sailors) and Opti-B (beginners). The Extra Shift is more than just a regatta – it's a statement of support for up-and-coming sailors: Anyone who competes with motivation despite the frost and calm conditions demonstrates true passion for the sport. For many young sailors, it's a fitting end to the season.

Photo above: imageBROKER.com

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Essen-Werden becomes a meeting place for everyone who is enthusiastic about sewing and DIY projects. The German-Dutch fabric market invites you to browse, marvel and shop from 10 am to 5 pm.

International Canoe Spring Regatta on the Baldeneysee

At the International Canoe Spring Regatta on the Baldeneysee in Essen's Ruhr Valley, young and old athletes will compete from May 8th to 10th, 2026. The competitions in the canoe and kayak classes will be held on nine lanes of the regatta course at the Baldeneysee. Depending on the distance, participants will start at the level of the Seaside Beach, Baldeney, Südtiroler Stuben, or Regattahaus.

The finish line for all competitions is at the regatta tower. Simultaneously, the NRW state champions will be determined in the open single sculls long-distance championship. A fantastic opportunity to experience canoe racing live at the Baldeneysee.

Photo above: Nikolay Vinokurov

Baldenopti Regatta on May 9th and 10th, 2026 – Sailing Club Essen-Heisingen invites you to the Baldeneysee

On the weekend of May 9th and 10th, the Baldeneysee in Essen-Heisingen will be transformed into a lively sailing area: The sailing club Essen-Heisingen (SKEH) is hosting the traditional "Baldenopti Regatta". Young sailors will compete against each other in the Optimist dinghy class, sailing their small boats across the Baldeneysee.

Around 30 young sailors are expected to participate, and they will compete in exciting races under what is expected to be favorable weather conditions. The club, founded in 1969, looks forward to welcoming many visitors.

Photo above: © Jochen Tack

54th International German Cup in Canoe Polo at Baldeneysee

The long-established International Germany Cup enters its 54th year at the Baldeneysee. From May 23rd to 25th, 2026, the best canoe polo athletes will meet at the picturesque Baldeneysee in Essen to showcase their skills. This top-class tournament promises thrilling competitions, impressive team performances, and exciting encounters on the water along the north shore of the Baldeneysee. A must-see for all canoe polo fans and a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience this sport live at an international level.

Photo above: Jochen Tack

Commodore Cup on May 30th and 31st, 2026 – Sailing regatta on the Baldeneysee

The Commodore Cup will be held on May 30th and 31st, 2026, by the sailing club Essen-Heisingen (SKEH) on the boat Baldeneysee. Originally conceived as a competition for the Kielzugvogel class, the regatta will also be open to Folkboats starting this year and will be run as a ranking regatta for this class. Besides the sport, fun will also be a priority.

Photo above: imageBROKER.com

XXL Bundesliga Matchday 2026 in Canoe Polo on the Baldeneysee

The Baldeneysee will once again host matches for the German Canoe Polo Bundesliga. From June 6th to June 7th, 2026, all Canoe Polo Bundesliga teams are expected at the Baldeneysee. The first matchday of the Women's Bundesliga, the first matchday of the Men's Second Bundesliga, and the second matchday of the Men's First Bundesliga will all take place simultaneously on the north shore.

Between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Saturday) and 4 p.m. (Sunday), the matches will be played on a total of five pitches, each measuring 35 x 25 meters. The Düsseldorf district government has issued information for shipping on this occasion.

The match day will take place on section Km 30.2 to Km 30.8 of the Baldeneysee. The area will be closed to all vehicles except those participating in the event. The navigational markers in accordance with the Inland Waterways Regulations (BinSchStrO) apply. While the shipping channel will remain open, it will be rerouted 50 meters from the shore.

Photo above: Cesar von Meissen

German Junior and Age Group Championships 2026 – Rowing on the Baldeneysee in Essen

From June 25th to June 28th, 2026, the German Junior and Age Group Championships in rowing will be held on the traditional regatta course on the Baldeneysee in Essen.

The championships are the most important national competition for young rowers. Spectators can look forward to exciting races, top-class sport, and a lively supporting program on the lakeshore.

A special highlight: The top athletes from the Essen rowing clubs ETUF, EWRC, KRG, RaB, and TVK will also be competing, transforming the local regatta course into a true stage for top-level sporting performances. Mark your calendars now and be there live when Germany's best junior rowers and the top athletes from Essen's clubs battle for the titles.

German Junior and Age Group Rowing Championships 2026 | SCHEDULE

Baldeneysee.Ruhr wishes all rowers the best of luck!

Photo above: Bianca Killmann

July 3rd to 5th, 2026 Dragon Boat Festival 2026 at Baldeneysee

The dragon boat festival at Baldeneysee takes place from July 3rd to 5th, 2026, and promises exciting competitions on the Essen regatta course. For three days, teams from all over North Rhine-Westphalia will compete in various categories, including the Unified Dragon Cup, the inclusive dragon boat race, and races for fun and recreational teams.

The inclusive dragon boat race shows how sport can bring together people with different abilities.

Dragon boat enthusiasts and those who want to become one can expect a weekend with imaginatively costumed teams, exciting races and a colorful supporting program on the first weekend of July 2026 at Baldeneyseee.

Friday, July 3, 2026 * Unified Dragon Cup | Inclusive dragon boat race

Saturday, July 4, 2026 * Dragon boat race for fun and recreational teams

Sunday, July 5, 2026 * Dragon boat race for fun and recreational teams

Drawing above: Bianca Killmann

Optipussi Regatta on July 11th and 12th, 2026 – Etuf Sailing Club

The Optipussi Regatta is an annual sailing event held at Baldeneysee for young sailors in the Optimist B (advanced) and Optimist C (beginner) boat classes.

This year's regatta will take place on July 11th and 12th, 2026. The sailing section of the Essen Gymnastics and Fencing Club (ETUF) is organizing the regatta. The Optimist dinghy, also known as Opti or affectionately as a "soapbox," is the entry-level boat class for young sailors.

Many internationally successful sailors began their sailing careers in this sailboat.

Photo above: imageBROKER.com

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Essen-Werden becomes a meeting place for everyone who is enthusiastic about sewing and DIY projects. The German-Dutch fabric market invites you to browse, marvel and shop from 10 am to 5 pm.

30th German Sprint Championships & 35th Kettwig Autumn Cup in Essen-Kettwig

The 30th German Sprint Rowing Championships will be held together with the 35th Kettwig Autumn Cup from Friday, October 9th to Sunday, October 11th, 2026 in Essen-Kettwig.

This once again combines the national elite sporting event with one of the most traditional regattas on the German rowing calendar. Downstream from boat Baldeneysee on the Ruhr River, the best athletes in the country will compete in high-class sprint races, while the Autumn Cup attracts a wide range of participants from clubs and recreational rowers.

The regatta grounds in Kettwig (Essen-) provide the stage for three days full of exciting competitions, intense duels, and sporting highlights. Spectators can look forward to a diverse program that combines both elite and recreational sports.

The German Rowing Federation and the organizing club, Kettwiger Rudergesellschaft eV (KRG), announced that further information regarding the schedule, registration, and supporting program will be published later this year. It is confirmed that the clubs from Baldeneysee will also be participating and will send their athletes to the race.

Baldeneysee.Ruhr wishes all rowers the best of luck!

Photo above: Cesar von Meissen

45th Christmas Market in Essen-Werden at Baldeneysee

The historic old town of Essen-Werden transforms once again into a festive winter wonderland! From November 26th to 29th, 2026, the **45th Werdener Christmas Market** invites you to four days full of sparkling lights, culinary delights and a festive atmosphere – perfect for a pre-Christmas outing with family and friends.

Werdener Christmas market visitors praised the Christmas market for its historical setting and excellent cuisine. For example, there was authentic Swiss raclette, Michelin-starred Austrian Kaiserschmarrn, and currywurst with sourdough bread and chips, accompanied by perfectly chilled champagne.

Christmas can come now.


Highlights

– Handicrafts & gift ideas from the region
– Mulled wine, waffles, roasted almonds & savory specialties


Opening hours*

*The opening hours were valid for the year 2025 and may change in 2026.

Child-friendly, warm, delicious and atmospheric – immerse yourself in the historical setting and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the (pre-)Christmas season in the old town of Essen-Werden.

Photo above: Cesar von Meissen | Image editing: Carl de Canedido