Wasserschlacht

Name: Wasserschlacht
Location: Berlin

Berlin’s Legendary Water Fight of Laughter and Chaos

2022/07/29

Every summer, Berlin’s Oberbaum Bridge transforms into the battleground for “Wasserschlacht” (Water Battle), a wild tradition that began as a playful “war” between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg districts. Today, hundreds of people join in, hurling vegetables, water balloons, bread, and eggs, with laughter and cheers echoing across the Spree. If you’re looking for pure fun and a dash of Berlin craziness, this is the city’s summer spectacle you can’t miss.

Held every July or August on the Oberbaum Bridge, the event welcomes locals, expats, and tourists alike. Armed with water guns, stale bread, and a mischievous spirit, anyone can become a part of this colorful, joyous “battlefield.”

Main Attractions

The Grand Water Fight

The heart of Wasserschlacht is the massive water and food fight on Oberbaum Bridge. In busy years, up to 800 people take part, using water pistols, buckets, vegetables, eggs, and even flour—anything goes. The scent of smashed tomatoes, the spray of water, and shouts of victory or defeat fill the air. The bridge becomes pure, glorious chaos, and the only rule is to have as much fun as possible.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants show up in all sorts of costumes—superheroes, pirates, homemade armor from trash bags and goggles. Flags and banners wave from the bridge, and some paint their faces and bodies in district colors. The squish of soggy bread, the shock of cold water, and the sticky mess of flour and eggs make this a festival for all five senses.

Main Event

The battle starts with an “official declaration of war.” After a countdown, water balloons, veggies, and shaving cream fly everywhere, turning the bridge into a riotous scene. Officially registered as a demonstration, the event is famously peaceful and full of laughter—no violence allowed. By the end, everyone is soaked and smiling, and it’s tradition to share snacks and drinks on the bridge as a sign of camaraderie.

Traditional Food & Drink

Most of the food used in battle ends up in the air or on the ground, but nearby stalls and bars serve up currywurst, pretzels, and cold beer. After the fight, it’s classic to head to a local pub, raise a glass, and swap stories of the day—nothing beats a cold beer and friendship after a good battle.

Cultural and Historical Background

Wasserschlacht began in 1998 as a protest against the administrative merger of East Berlin’s Friedrichshain and West Berlin’s Kreuzberg. On the historic Oberbaum Bridge—once a Cold War checkpoint—locals staged a mock “battle” to assert their independence. Since then, it became an annual demonstration, symbolizing Berlin’s humor and rebellious spirit. Although the last official event was in 2022, it remains a legendary memory for many Berliners.

For Berliners, Wasserschlacht was never just a fight—it was a celebration of laughter, creativity, and the city’s love of difference. It stood as a symbol of unity, breaking down the old East-West divide in the most Berlin way possible.

Participant Voices

I'm an exchange student from Spain, and I’ve never seen anything like this! I was nervous at first, but someone from Kreuzberg handed me a water gun and said, “Welcome to the battlefield!” By the end, everyone was soaked and laughing—it was an incredible feeling of togetherness.

Fun Facts

The event originally started as a protest against administrative unification.
The Oberbaum Bridge was once a historic checkpoint between East and West Berlin.
Anything goes—vegetables, eggs, bread, shaving cream, and more are all fair game in the fight.