The 14 k route leads from the bathing meadow Deckerspitz to the Camping Ottensteien and back again.
The unique fjord landscape in the Ottenstein reservoir offers open water swimmers a pure natural experience.
The reservoir is only accessible in a few places and is therefore ideal for exploring by boat, canoe and SUP.
Attention: In 2026 we will offer 50 starting places .
"Buoys are mandatory. Unofficially, after the first 1.5 km loop, swimmers may be accompanied by kayaks or canoes at their own risk. If needed, kayaks or canoes can be rented at Seecamping Ottenstein."
https://campingottenstein.at/verleih/
Friday, June 26, 2026
Location: Deckerspitz / Mitterreith
Program
4:00 PM – 7:30 PM MAKO wetsuit testing / equipment booth
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Registration / race packet pick-up
by 6:00 PM Drop-off of personal nutrition (for 14 km and 7 km distances)
from 6:30 PM Get-together with Hall of Fame athletes – invitation to follow separately
Race briefing on Friday at 5:00 PM via Facebook Livestream.
Questions can be posted live.
The livestream will remain available for replay anytime on the event’s Facebook page.
Self catering: you can hand off till Friday 6 pm during registration (please with your start Number)
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Registration for 14 km opens at 6:45 AM
(only by prior arrangement)
7:30 AM – Mass start (participants will be briefly introduced before the start)
Mandatory: Use of safety buoys is required.
Important:
Turnaround point is located in the boat bay near Schloss Ottenstein, where all swimmers must check in.
A feed station will also be available there.
Cut-off time at the 8 k turnaround: 10:45 AM (after 3h15)
Finish line closes at 1:30 PM
Awards Ceremony
Every finisher is a winner and will receive a trophy during the awards ceremony.
Category winners will be specially
recognized.
On-course Nutrition Stations:
- At Teufelsfelsen (~km 3.5)
- At the 7 km turnaround point
- Again at Teufelsfelsen (~km 11.5)
Age Groups
Separate categories:
- General wetsuit category (NEO)
- Sport swimmer category (S-Class)
|
Category |
Age Range |
|
Elite Women |
16 – 39 years |
|
Elite Men |
16 – 39 years |
|
Masters Women |
40+ years |
|
Masters Men |
40+ years |
Entry Fees
|
Registration Date |
Fee |
|
until Dec 31 |
€105 |
|
until March 15 |
€120 |
|
until May 30 |
€135 |
|
until race day |
€150 |
Combo Ticket (Sat & Sun – one race each day): –€10
Discount will be refunded at on-site registration.
Special Offers:
- All Hall of Fame winners receive a 21% discount code
-
10-time participants receive a free race entry
(Please contact: [email protected])
Extras:
For an additional €20, a special limited edition Backwaterman cult T-shirt can be pre-ordered during registration (individual size included).
Included with Registration:
- Swim cap
- Starter bag
- Finisher trophy
- Finisher gift
- Water rescue support
- Timing service
- Finish line refreshments
- Medical service
- Parking
Important:
Registration opens November 1, 2025
14 k route for download or details
