Event Details
The Finowfurter Flößerfest – Living Tradition at Finow Canal
Since 1996, the district of Finowfurt in the municipality of Schorfheide has celebrated its traditional Raft Festival at Finow Canal every summer. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, it is one of the most popular major events in the Barnim district of Brandenburg, combining authentic historical raft-making traditions with a lively entertainment program for the whole family.
Highlights
- Demonstrations of traditional raft-making craft by the Finowfurt Rafters' Association at the raft landing
- Raft rides on the Finow Canal for visitors
- Official festival launch on Friday evening with a dance and disco event at Erzbergerplatz
- Full live music stage program on Saturday and Sunday, ranging from Schlager to pop and country
- Traditional duck race on the Finow Canal
- Grand finale with a laser show and fireworks on Sunday evening
- Children's program on both Saturday and Sunday
- Festival street and funfair on Finowfurt Hauptstraße with food and entertainment stalls
Program
The festival spans three days. On Friday evening, the official opening is followed by a disco event at Erzbergerplatz. On Saturday and Sunday, Antenne Brandenburg presenters host the stage program, featuring a varied lineup of live music across Schlager, rock, pop and country. Local performers including the Kita "Spatzennest" kindergarten group and United Dance Family also take to the stage alongside regional and national artists.
The festival finale on Sunday evening at the Finow Canal includes the traditional duck race, the ceremonial arrival of the Finowfurt rafters by water, a laser show and fireworks display.
Experience the Craft of Rafting
At the heart of the festival is the living tradition of raft-making. Members of the Finowfurt Rafters' Association demonstrate the historic craft at the raft landing and offer raft rides on the Finow Canal. The Finow Canal, one of Germany's oldest man-made waterways, once served as the vital artery for transporting timber through the Schorfheide forest and gives the festival its authentic historical setting.
Tickets & Admission
The daytime program on Saturday and Sunday as well as the festival street are free of charge. Tickets are required for the evening dance events on Friday and Saturday at Erzbergerplatz. Advance tickets are usually available from the municipal administration office until the end of June, and also at the door on the evening.
Getting There & Opening Hours
- Friday: from 6:00 PM until approx. 2:00 AM
- Saturday: from 11:00 AM until approx. 2:00 AM
- Sunday: from 11:00 AM until approx. 11:00 PM
As parking in Finowfurt is very limited, visitors are strongly advised to use public transport. The Barnimer Busgesellschaft operates additional buses between Eberswalde and the festival grounds on all three days, including late-night return services after the events.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive by public transport from Eberswalde; parking is very limited in Finowfurt.
- The raft rides offered by the Rafters' Association are a highlight especially for families with children.
- Secure a good spot along the Finow Canal early on Sunday evening for the best view of the laser show and fireworks.
- The detailed annual program is published on the Gemeinde Schorfheide website a few weeks before the festival.
