Bodensee Openwater - Seequerung Meersburg / Konstanz

In the 19th century, navigators on the Lake Constance faced a peculiar hurdle: five different time zones bordered the lake, creating chaos for boat traffic until the adoption of Central European Time in 1895. Today, the water remains a hub of movement, though now dominated by the rhythm of open water swimmers rather than synchronized ship schedules. The Bodensee Openwater event invites participants to navigate these historic waters, traversing the expanse between Meersburg and Konstanz.

The water

As you swim, the lake's geological past reveals itself beneath you. Formed by the Rhine Glacier during the Quaternary glaciation, this massive basin was once a single body of water before the erosion of the High Rhine caused levels to drop 10,000 years ago, leaving behind the Konstanzer Schwelle. This geological sill now marks the transition where the upper lake waters push into the Seerhein. You may notice a subtle shift in the water's behavior here; the lower lake sits on average 20 to 30 cm lower than the upper, creating a constant, gentle flow through the 4-kilometer stretch that links the two basins. While prehistoric pile dwellings—part of a UNESCO World Heritage site—dot the surrounding shores, your focus remains on the transit between the two historic towns.

Race day logistics

This annual event focuses on endurance, offering 5000m and 10000m distances for experienced swimmers. The logistics reflect the scale of the crossing, ensuring support for all participants as they navigate the open basin. Upon reaching the Konstanz side, the finish line landscape is defined by the Imperia statue. Erected in 1993, this satirical monument stands near the harbor, depicting a woman holding two small figures representing the Pope and the Emperor, a sharp reminder of the city's role in the Council of Constance. The race package includes a swimming cap, and for those looking to expand their season, the region hosts several other crossings, such as the Bodensee Längsquerung in June or the Wallhausen-Überlingen event in late August. As you approach the shore, you are swimming toward a city where, in 2003, remains of the late Roman fortress Constantia were discovered at the Münsterplatz, with remnants still visible under a protective glass pyramid.