Germany Cup in Canoe Polo at Baldeneysee

The International Germany Cup in Canoe polo It is one of the largest and most traditional tournaments of this sport in Germany. Every year, numerous teams from all over Europe meet at the Baldeneysee in Essen, to compete in exciting contests. The event attracts not only athletes but also many spectators who want to experience the thrilling games up close. While the canoe and rowing regattas take place in the middle of the lake, the canoe polo games are held directly on the shore of the Baldeneysees.

The Germany Cup has a long history, having been held for over 40 years. The first tournament took place in the 1970s. Since then, it has become a fixture on the international canoe polo calendar. KSV Rothe Mühle Essen e. V. organizes the event and is responsible for its smooth running. It's worth noting that the tournament traditionally takes place over the Pentecost weekend, making it a popular gathering place for athletes and fans alike.

The playing fields are located on the north bank of the Baldeneysees between the regatta tower and Regattahaus. Stretching 500 meters in length and 60 meters in width, the playing field is lined up one after another. It's a breathtaking spectacle as five field players and a maximum of three substitutes per team plow through the water with their paddles, trying to get the ball into the opponent's goal. More than 100 teams from all over Europe regularly participate in this major sporting event, making it one of the largest canoe polo tournaments. Due to the large number of matches, it's essential that the schedule is strictly adhered to. Therefore, the games always start promptly. Participants should arrive at their respective playing field well in advance.

Since December 9, 2024, the waterfront promenade in the area of Regatta grandstand The area around Baldeneysee is completely closed. The demolition and reconstruction of the regatta grandstand is causing disruptions in this area. Parking spaces Grandstand seats will be eliminated, and the lakeside promenade will be interrupted at this point. An alternative route has been set up around the construction site, so access to the lake in front of and behind the site remains possible. The outdoor area of the grandstand will not be accessible during the construction phase.
The new grandstand complex is scheduled for completion in 2026.

The organizers repeatedly emphasize that participants' equipment – boats and paddles – must meet official tournament standards. Wearing life jackets and helmets is mandatory for the safety of all athletes. Food and drinks are available on-site, but participants are also welcome to bring their own. In this context, all visitors to the Baldeneysees, which serves as a drinking water reservoir, are urged to be environmentally conscious and to keep the green spaces and water areas clean. Several restaurants are located within walking distance of the tournament campus., Beer gardens and snack bars. The Essen districts of Werden and Stadtwald can also be reached in about twenty minutes on foot, one stop by S-Bahn (suburban train), or by car. Here you will find supermarkets, bakeries, ice cream parlors, petrol stations (open until 10 pm) and various retail shops.

The Baldeneysee is located in the Ruhr area, a metropolis of millions, and is naturally very easy to reach. Several travel options are available: by car, by S-Bahn (suburban train) from Essen Hauptbahnhof (HBF) to the "Hügel" station (located above the playing fields), or by bus (the SeeLinie 181 runs between Werden and Heisingen and stops below...). Parkhaus Hügel directly at Baldeneysee), by bicycle or on foot via paved paths along the Ruhr.

When the first match of the German Canoe Polo Cup kicks off, the north bank of the Baldeneysee, along the promenade at the Regattahaus, transforms into a water sports paradise. Teams from all over the world compete here once a year. But it's not just the competition that's the focus of this, one of the largest canoe polo events – the unique atmosphere also makes this event so interesting and well worth seeing for visitors.