Enjoy a contest on the river with the Tubingen Duck Race

The annual duck race in Tubingen takes place along the River Neckar in the city once a year.

On October 4th this year, some 7,000 ducks will race along the river, representing their sponsors, who compete for prizes.

Lonely Planet describes the race as "an inventive version of the lottery", where the winner nets a 1,000 euro holiday voucher. The ducks begin the race in Alleenbruke and travel down the river to the finishing line at Neckarbruke Bridge. It's possible for visitors to rent their own duck at Tubingen Verkehrsverein in time for the race, which begins at 14:00.

Other cities, towns and villages around Germany also hold such events, and a number of specialised companies help to organise the races.

Tubingen is a university town in the Baden-Wurttemberg region of the country.

Major tourist attractions in the city include Neckar Island, the old town, and the castle.