When the whole town gets into the bathtub: Plau am See celebrates its second bathtub rally on July 11, 2026. One town, one lake, a lot of madness. There are places where a summer festival is just a summer festival. And then there is Plau am See. Here, on July 11, 2026, firefighters, sailors, handball players, city councilors, and entire families climb into self-built bathtubs and set off into the Elde – not out of desperation, but out of pure fun. A good month before the starting gun, it is clear: The second Plau bathtub rally will be bigger, more colorful, and more spectacular than its celebrated comeback last year.
When the fire department meets the city council – in the tub, the appeal lies in the encounter of worlds that otherwise rarely find themselves in the same tub. On the water, CDU Plau am See, Plauer FC, Plauer Segler-Verein, the town hall, the diving school, Team MEDICLIN, and around a dozen other crews from clubs, companies, and private teams compete. The field of participants is almost full: currently, only three starting places are still available. Anyone who wants to enter the race with their own tub in 2026 should therefore hurry.
Trophies for the fastest – and for the most beautiful downfall. In Plau, it's not just about who paddles the fastest. Five categories are endowed with 500 euros each – including the most creative U18 and O18 team, the most atmospheric team, and, in the true spirit of the event, the "Most Spectacular Downfall". The prize money is once again made possible by Manuela Roitzsch, who already supported the comeback of the rally. Also back is a beloved curiosity: the legendary bathtub rally erotic prize, endowed with 350 euros and made possible by Anke Pohla and her family. In addition, all participants will receive a commemorative medal, and the winning teams will receive trophies.
Ducks go swimming – the premiere of the Plauer Duck Race. This year, 1,000 bright yellow racing ducks will compete in the biggest new addition to the program. At the big Plauer Duck Race, presented by KMG-Klinik Silbermühle and organized by the graduating class of 2027 of Eldenburg-Gymnasium Lübz, the animals will float down the Elde river along with bathtubs – and ensure a second, at least equally exciting race on the water. The ducks will be sold on July 11th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on the Hubbrücke, with each duck costing 2.00 Euros. The main prize is a high-quality Conway mountain bike, along with numerous other prizes.
For those who prefer aiming to swimming, try your luck at the duck target throwing by Raiffeisen BHG Lübz for the ENDERS gas grill, and during the duck hunt in the city center, the public library and tourist information office hide 100 small ducks – every found duck wins. The proceeds will go towards the yearbook, prom, and graduation projects of the class. Fun duck hunt in Plau city center
Together with the city library and the tourist information, 100 small ducks will be hidden in the city center. Start: 10:00 AM, every duck found wins, prizes can be redeemed at the tourist information, exchange is also possible after the event day. Many thanks to the Tourist Information Plau am See and the City Library Plau am See.
From boat races to the festival: Burghof, band, and fireworks. When the last tub is salvaged in the evening, the celebration doesn't stop. From 5:00 PM, the action moves to the Burghof: At 8:00 PM, the Lübzer Carnival Club '54 kicks off the party evening with its spectacular dances, at 8:30 PM the award ceremony for the bathtub rally follows, from 9:00 PM the live band "Vier und Ich" plays, at 11:00 PM fireworks will light up the sky over the city, and afterwards DJ Apollon will spin at the open-air after-show party until the early morning hours. (Admission: Box office – €10.00)
This is how a quirky boat race becomes a festival that brings the entire region together. Supported by the region – there are still places available. All this is made possible by a dense network of regional supporters – from the KMG-Klinik Silbermühle, the Falk Seehotel, and Raiffeisen BHG Lübz to numerous Plau businesses and families. The city's goal: to honor every team with a prize or special recognition if possible. Two title sponsor slots are still available, and further sponsors are also explicitly invited to become part of the story.
Anticipation is building! With a nearly sold-out field of participants, new hands-on activities, and strong regional ties, everything points to the second Plau bathtub rally seamlessly building on last year's success – and even topping it. Anyone who wants to participate as a team, sponsor, or supporter should contact Corinna Thieme, City of Plau am See, Phone 038735 / 494-52, E-mail c.thieme@amtplau.de.
