International Lake Constance Week 2026: Inclusion meets sailing in Constance

Around 160 participating yachts with around 1,200 sailors from the countries bordering the Swabian Sea, as well as from New Zealand, Scandinavia and Italy, are expected to take part. The crews will compete over four days - racers in the ORC classes, Olympic classes and classics.

• Internet presence of the Bodenseewoche

This year, the European Championship for L30 boats will also be sailed during Lake Constance Week. Under the motto "All aboard - water sports without borders", the Baden-Württemberg Sailing Association and the Baden-Württemberg Rowing Association invite people with disabilities, their relatives and interested athletes to actively experience the wide range of inclusive water sports on offer.

Tradition meets inclusion

The International Lake Constance Week initially took place from 1909 to 1972. The event was revitalised in 2009 for its 100th anniversary and now takes place every year. At the start of each season, over 1000 international participants and almost 80,000 visitors take advantage of this unique platform for mutual exchange and sporting competition.

This year's edition has a special focus: under the motto "All aboard - water sports for all", the inclusive sailing days of the BW State Sailing Association will take place during IBW 2026 - with the aim of raising awareness for the topic of inclusion in sailing. The programme also offers a digital transmission system and a report for the blind at selected competitions to make sporting events accessible to people with visual impairments.

Sailing regattas against an Alpine backdrop

The International Lake Constance Week awaits its visitors in Constance with colourful harbour hustle and bustle, action-packed water shows, an interesting water sports and boat exhibition and fascinating sailing regattas against a magnificent lake and Alpine backdrop.

Every year, classic and modern sailing yachts travel to Lake Constance Week from far and wide. Fine mahogany yachts, sports boats and high-tech carbon racers represent yachting from over a century ago. Water sports enthusiasts can always follow the competitions up close from spectator boats on the lake or on land on a large screen in the harbour square.

The programme at a glance

Thursday, 28 May: From 2 pm: Arrival of the participating sailing yachts. 17:30 - 23:00: Sail & Sound - After-Work on the Konzil-Mole with DJ. 18:30: Welcome / opening of the International Lake Constance Week 2026 tent Zollmole. 20 - 00:30: Concert & party in the tent Zollmole with "Jürgen Waidele & Friends".

Friday, 29 May & Saturday, 30 May: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Inclusive taster sailing at the harbour jetty / marquee. 10 am - 5 pm: Inclusive rowing around the Gondele harbour. 10.30 am - 5.30 pm: Exhibition and demonstrations by model boat builders south side of the marquee / customs pier. 11 am - 4 pm: Hourly BSB round trips to the regattas.

Sunday, 31 May: Open Sunday on 31 May rounds off the weekend with summer shopping ideas in the historic old town. Shopping fans can expect fresh offers and the latest trends in the boutiques and speciality shops.

Maritime market and supporting programme

The waterfront promenade also invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll through the maritime market - with fine culinary specialities, sailing accessories, care products and other highlights. The Maritime Market will also showcase maritime products, new technological developments and lifestyle and wellness products. A varied programme of cultural and sporting events such as rowing competitions, sailing regattas, water ski cups, harbour concerts and shows will round off the International Lake Constance Week Constance.

BSB round trips to the regattas, exhibitions by model boat builders, presentations by WAPO and fire brigade boats as well as spectacular water ski shows by the DSMC show group ensure plenty of action on the water.

Accessibility and practical tips

The harbour facilities of the Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe are not completely barrier-free. The organiser, the International Bodenseewoche Verein e.V. (IBW), therefore asks interested parties to contact the organisers in advance with any special assistance requirements so that participation can be made possible for everyone in the best possible way.

Most of the events are free of charge. During the International Lake Constance Week from 29 to 31 May, you can combine your visit with the water bus. Simply park in the Europabrücke multi-storey car park, get on the water bus at the Bodenseeforum and arrive at the harbour in a maritime paradise with special views of the city, Lake Constance and the Alpine panorama.