This year’s Tall Ships Races begin this weekend in Aarhus, Denmark. (iStock)
It’s hot out there! When temperatures soar, it can be tempting to just find the nearest body of water and indulge in a beach day. But then again, who wants to miss any of what’s happening on the cultural scene? Attending these events and activities would allow you to have it both ways:
Tall Ships Races: The sight of dozens of majestic sailing ships, including many historical craft, is a highlight to a visit to a port city when it plays host to this annual racing series. The event includes both competitive racing segments and training designed to give young people ages 15-25 their first taste of sailing and the teamwork it entails. The host cities, five in all, change each year. This year’s series kicks off this weekend in Aarhus, Denmark and calls in at the following ports: Harlingen, Netherlands (July 3-4); Antwerp, Belgium (July 11-14); Stavanger, Norway (July 22-25); and Aalborg, Denmark (July 30-Aug. 2). When the boats are in port, the harbors bustle with activity, and sometimes it’s even possible to board one of the vessels for a tour. Online: tinyurl.com/mj7ha2fc
Open-water swimming: With its Alpine backdrop and well-tended, flower-bedecked cities and towns, Lake Constance enchants all comers. Strong, experienced swimmers wishing to experience the lake itself might wish to check out the organized activities offered by the Bodensee Openwater association. The group organizes both group swimming events and races across distances from 2.5 km to 11 km. Participants are allowed to wear neoprene suits and must use a swim buoy. Participants must be at least 14 years of age. On-site assistance is provided by the DLRG (German Life Saving Association). Upcoming events include a 5-km swim between Meersburg and Konstanz on June 27; an 11-km swim between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn on Aug. 1 and a 2.5- or 5-km swim between Ueberlingen and Wallhausen on Aug. 29. Entry fees apply; for example, participation in the 2.5-km swim on Aug. 29 costs 105 euros. Online: bodensee-openwater.com
Waterside concert: A multi-day music festival is all the more inviting when it’s set by a lake or the sea. Fans of reggae, dancehall and hip-hop can make way to Summerjam, a longstanding music fest that takes place by a group of small lakes known as the Fuehlinger See just outside Cologne. From July 3-5, fans of these genres can enjoy cooling dips between sets by artists including Julian Marley, Luciano, Junior Kelly, Burning Spear and many other well-known names. Single or multi-day passes are available, including a full package with camping included that costs 220 euros plus fees. Children up to 9 years old attend for free; those ages 10-15 cost 35 euros. Online: summerjam.de
Harbor festival by the Rhine: Maritime flair in Wiesbaden? Squint a little and it’s easy to imagine you’ve landed in a pleasant seaside town when in reality you’re by the Rhine instead. From July 10-13, the Schiersteiner Hafenfest entices visitors with live music and DJ sets, competitions, stands selling handicrafts, a handful of rides and a plethora of food and drink stands. The action unfolds against the backdrop of the pretty Schierstein harbor, packed with sailboats, yachts and other elegant watercraft. Festival highlights on Saturday include a flea market (8 a.m.-2 p.m.); dragon boat races (9 a.m.-4 p.m.); group swimming (2 p.m.); and an illuminated parade of boats (10:30-11:30 p.m.). Sunday’s highlight is the rubber duck race slated for 3 p.m. Fireworks bring the event to a close on Monday at 10:30 p.m. Entry is free. Online: tinyurl.com/msfuwfwv
Celebrate deliverance from the plague: In 1555, plague broke out in Venice; the belief in God’s intercession to alleviate the suffering resulted in the construction of the Church of the Redeemer. Over the weekend on which the third Sunday of July falls each year, a pontoon bridge is temporarily set up to allow the faithful to cross the Guidecca Canal to enter the church. Apart from its religious significance, the “Festa del Redentore” has a fun side as well. On July 18, the action will once again center around the Grand Canal and the famous basin. It’s great to have a boat or access to one on the day, but even those remaining on shore can get in the fun by packing a picnic and seeking out a prime viewing spot for the big event to come, a grandiose display of fireworks that begins at 11:30 p.m. If your basket contains boiled snails, fried sardines, wine and watermelon, you just might be mistaken for a true Venetian. Online: tinyurl.com/ypkp7zjp
