Ulm Fishermen’s JoustUlmer Fischerstechen

The Ulmer Fischerstechen is a centuries-old jousting tournament held on the Danube River in Ulm, traditionally every four years 1. Teams of two contend atop small boats, attempting to knock each other into the water using wooden lances. Each participant represents a historic Ulm figure (like 'Ulmer Spatz' or 'Kaiser Ludwig') and wears period costume 2. The 2025 edition was held on 18 and 20 July, and the next is planned for 2029 1. The contest is the culmination of Ulm’s Fischerstechen tradition and attracts both local spectators and fans from farther afield.

Originating in the Middle Ages, when local guilds staged similar contests, Fischerstechen has become a symbol of Ulm’s folklore. It traditionally took place during Ulm's Schwörmontag (Oath Monday) festivities but now is a stand-alone tournament on the river. The event reinforces Ulm’s identity by evoking historical figures from the city’s past (e.g. ‘Schwörmutter’, ‘Türkenlouis’) 1.