Something historic is about to happen on the Rhine

37 clubs and 5,000 visitors are expected to attend the Swiss Weidling Race (EWW) in Rheinfelden and Möhlin from July 3 to 5, 2026. 

This major event is being organized by the Rhein-Club Rheinfelden and the Wasserfahrverein Ryburg-Möhlin. Both clubs are celebrating major anniversaries this year: the Rhein-Club is marking 150 years of history, and the Wasserfahrverein is celebrating 100 years. At the same time, the Swiss Water Sports Federation is celebrating its 25th anniversary. 

The Swiss Weidling Races were held again for the first time in modern history in September 2023. The event took place in Basel. And now this major event is coming to our region. Christian Herzog, who is also president of the Rhein-Club Rheinfelden, has been appointed as president of the organizing committee. 

A Great Joint Effort

“The first meeting with the Ryburg-Möhlin Water Sports Club took place in 2021,” recalls Christian Herzog. It was decided that they would tackle a major joint endeavor by organizing the “Eidgenössisches.” The contract was then signed in the fall of 2024. A seven-member organizing committee was formed, which has been meeting regularly for months to make preparations for the big festival. “Since, as organizing committee president, you’re involved in practically every aspect of the festival, there was quite a lot to do,” explains Christian Herzog a few weeks before the big event. Even though practically everything is organized, there are always things that can change at the last minute and for which a solution must be found. 

He is fascinated by sports and camaraderie

Christian Herzog grew up in Rheinfelden and, as a boy, was a member of the FC and the Jungwacht. There, he took on leadership responsibilities at an early age. At age 17, he completed his first tryout with the Rhein-Club Rheinfelden. He enjoyed rowing from the very beginning. “It’s a strength sport, but technique and dexterity are also key,” Herzog explains. What has always fascinated him is the camaraderie, which has always been a top priority at the Rhein-Club Rheinfelden.

When Christian Herzog joined the Rhein-Club Rheinfelden, the club had about 30 members. Today, there are only 15 active members. With one exception, the 40-year-old president is the club’s youngest member. “About 20 years ago, we failed to invest in the younger generation.” The Pontoniere, whose “home port” is located about 300 meters from the Wasserfahrer, have invested heavily in youth development over the past few decades and have successfully attracted young members as a result. 

After a challenging club year, Christian Herzog will focus on promoting youth development. 

“I can’t steer the ship toward youth development on my own. That’s why I’ll call a meeting with the club at the end of the year to gauge the mood. I’ll do everything I can to ensure the members agree and that we can invest in our young talent together.” 

Anticipation

What is the Organizing Committee President most looking forward to as he looks ahead to the festival weekend from July 3 to 5?

“What I’m most looking forward to is that we won’t have any more organizing committee meetings afterward,” he says jokingly. Then he immediately adds: “I’m looking forward to seeing lots of participants walking around the festival grounds with big smiles on their faces, happy with our festival and the entire event.” 

Program Highlights

Friday, July 3

5:00 p.m.: Festival opening with speeches by the Organizing Committee President and the Mayor at the Kursaal Rheinfelden; 5:15 p.m.: Opening reception (invited guests); 6:30 p.m.: Flag parade through the town to the Rhein-Club Rheinfelden depot with the Rheinfelden City Band and the Feldschlösschen six-horse team, 7:30 p.m.: Speech by the President of the Swiss Water Sports Association, followed by an anniversary reception (invited guests)

Saturday, July 4

7:30 a.m.: Start of the races in Rheinfelden and Möhlin. Evening program featuring concerts during the fish dinner at the Wasserfahrdepot/Bürkli in Ryburg-Möhlin

Sunday, July 5

7:30 a.m.: Start of races in Rheinfelden and Möhlin. 1:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Wasserfahrdepot/Bürkli in Ryburg-Möhlin; 3:30 p.m.: Announcement of results

The individual races will be held on the course of the Rhein-Club Rheinfelden, while the doubles races will take place on the Möhlin Reservoir. Shuttle buses will run between the two race venues throughout the event.

For more information, visit eww26.ch.

Janine Tschopp is a freelance journalist. Among other publications, she writes regularly for the Neue Fricktaler Zeitung, the culture magazine “2x Rheinfelden,” and the Rheinfelden Christmas magazine.