BSV Freiwassercup Burghausen – Wöhrsee

When the Swedish military commander Gustav Horn was locked away in the fortress overlooking the Wöhrsee in 1634, he spent seven years staring at the waters below, likely unaware that they would one day become a training ground for endurance swimmers. For nearly a decade during the Thirty Years' War, Horn watched the valley from his captivity, a confinement that stood in stark contrast to the freedom of the water now hosting the arena Alpen Open Water Cup. Today, the lake serves as a venue where athletes follow in the wake of the 2004 International German Open Water Swimming Championships, tracing lines through the same basin that once acted as a quiet moat for the longest castle complex in the world.

Historical currents and landmarks

As you navigate the course, the skyline is dominated by the spire of St. Jakob, whose dome has stood as a local beacon since the late 18th century. Swimming here means moving through a space that was once a commercial engine; the lake sits near the historic routes of the salt trade, where minerals from the Hallein mines were landed at the Mautnerschloss for taxation. Even the defensive architecture remains visible from the water, with the Pulverturm standing as a reminder of the valley’s strategic importance. The water holds the weight of these centuries, shifting from a military and mercantile hub to a site where swimmers now compete over distances ranging from 2.5km to 7.5km.

Race day logistics

Scheduled for July 25, 2026, the event requires precise navigation of the Wöhrsee. Unlike the open currents of a river, this lake environment provides a controlled, enclosed setting for the distances offered, though the temperature in late July often reflects the stable, deep-water thermal retention of the region. The organization manages the logistics of the event, which historically draws on a mix of local competitive swimmers and open-water enthusiasts. The race follows a tradition of Bavarian open-water events, requiring participants to manage their pacing across multiple laps depending on their selected category. Whether you are tackling the 3.8km or the longer 7.5km distance, the view of the castle walls remains your constant guide.