20th Backwaterman Open Water

 

27th/28th June 2025

 

Registation opens on 1st of December 2024

 

 

The natural beauty unfolds in the fjord-like waterways of the Ottensteiner Reservoir, lined with numerous bends and twists, waiting to be circumnavigated by swimmers.

 

Orientation becomes a fascinating part of this mystical experience. Swimming in the fjord-like reservoir is simply unique.

 

 

In 2025, you can expect some exciting changes.

 

Here are the updates that apply to all routes:

 

  1. New Location: Deckerspitz. Due to the increased tourist traffic around the Ottenstein boat operation, we are moving the swim event to a quieter part of the reservoir, directly to the largest bathing meadow at Deckerspitz (near Mitterreith/Zwettl).
  2. The entire event at one location: Headquarters, registration, start/finish, catering, and get-together all in one place.
  3. No shuttle needed - Short distances (only the 7 km will be shuttled by bus).
  4. Same prices as 2025 thanks to the new infrastructure.
  5. More space for supporters and for enjoying the event afterward.
  6. Buoy requirement for all distances in Open Water to meet safety standards.
  7. The 14 km route will again be without mandatory e-boat support, allowing even more swimmers to participate in this challenging distance. Optional support after 500 m with a canoe or SUP is unofficially possible.
  8. More space for supporters and for athletes enjoying the event aferwards

 

 

Dive into the renewed swimming experience and enjoy the untouched nature of the Ottensteiner Reservoir!

 

Arrival

 

Saturday 28th June 2025

Backwaterman
Classic Open Water

  7 km classic open water
LINK

"The special One" - the classic 7 km from Ottenstein to Mittereith is a special experience but the first time in the opposite direction than ususally.
Pure nature in the fjord-like waterways of the Ottensteiner reservoir with many bends and turns, waiting for the swimmers. Orientation is part of mysticism. Simply unique to swim here
Places are limited to 80
 14k Marathon (double distance)
LINK

Due to the high demand, the 14 km marathon distance with new start and finish on the bathing meadow Deckerspitz   will be swum in 2025 without a compulsory accompanying boat, but again with mandatory buoys.

 

Places are limited to 40

 

Backwaterman
for everyone

  750m / Olympic 1500m

LINK


In the fjord-like arena  1  loop for  1.5 km or 0.75 km) open water experience await you.

Some flooding and waves might bring additional challenges.

The course is fully visible from the bating meadow - ideal for beginners or short-distance specialists

 

Places are limited to 50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backwaterman

Challenge

 

3k

Link

 

 

Swimming along the fjord-like bays passing the  Deckerspitz twice offers  you unique views to the vast landscape around the Deckerspitz

 

Enjoy the adventure.

 

Places are limited to 50