Tübingen Punt Race

Tübinger Stocherkahnrennen

Hold onto your paddles, folks, because the Neckar River in Tübingen isn’t just for leisurely strolls – it’s the racetrack for the quirkiest boat race you’ve never heard of: the Stocherkahnrennen! Picture this: long, flat-bottomed boats, somewhat like Venetian gondolas but with a German twist, furiously poled by teams trying not to capsize, all while spectators cheer (and chuckle) from the sidelines.

Why do they do it? Tradition? A love of splashing? The sheer challenge of it all? Who knows! But one thing’s for sure: with wacky penalties for the losers and a year’s worth of bragging rights for the winners, the Stocherkahnrennen isn’t just a race—it’s Tübingen’s wet and wild tribute to fun, fervor, and friendly rivalry. Don your funniest hat, pick a team, and get ready for a day of splash-tastic madness.