Peat Barge Armada 2026

Every three years, a special maritime spectacle takes place on the Hamme and Wümme rivers: the fleet of peat barges from the cultural landscape of Teufelsmoor embarks on a grand journey towards Bremen. Cast off! The peat barges from Teufelsmoor sail together, following the historical peat shipping routes from Worpswede to Bremen. Their destination: the peat harbor in Bremen-Findorff. They are expected to arrive in the late afternoon. On Sunday, the skippers will begin their journey back home to Teufelsmoor. This "peat barge armada" serves as a reminder of the significance of peat shipping on the rivers and canals. In the past, it was the peat farmers who loaded their barges with the heating material, peat, to supply their customers in Bremen. Back then, "Jan von Moor" relied on the right wind for sailing. If the wind didn't blow, or came from the wrong direction, he would painstakingly pole or tow his cargo through the canals. As a result, the journey to Bremen could take up to three days. Nowadays, the peat barges are equipped with engines, but the sails are still gladly hoisted. The spectacle is particularly worth seeing, as nearly the entire fleet of available barges is on the move. Such a sight is not something you see every day.