Trail races in Bavaria 2026
Bavaria concentrates the German Alps, with the Watzmann and the Berchtesgaden region as the epicentre of genuine alpine trail: glacial lakes, exposed ridges, and Germany's highest point, the Zugspitze.
1 race, october – october 2026
For cold and dark miles
Headlamp, thermal layer and a good watch: what matters when daylight runs short.
#1 · Best OverallPetzl Iko CoreView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#2 · Best Rain JacketGore Wear R7 GTX ShakedryView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#3 · Best OverallCoros Pace 3View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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No races match these filters.
For your vertical km
Poles, grippy shoes and a light vest for a 1,000 m climb.
#1 · Best OverallBlack Diamond Distance Carbon ZView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#2 · Best OverallSalomon Sense Ride 5View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#3 · Best OverallSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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For a short race
Shoes, socks and sun protection: just what you need to run fast.
- #1 · Best OverallSalomon Sense Ride 5View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#2 · Best OverallCompressport Pro Racing Socks V3.0 TrailView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#3 · Best OverallISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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For a mid-distance race
Shoes, vest and hydration for 21-42 km without suffering.
- #1 · Best OverallSalomon Sense Ride 5View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #2 · Best OverallSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#3 · Best Gel OverallMaurten Gel 100View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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For a long race
Vest, headlamp and nutrition for all those hours in the mountains.
- #1 · Best OverallSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #2 · Best OverallPetzl Iko CoreView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #3 · Best Gel OverallMaurten Gel 100View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
For your ultra
A watch with battery to spare, a powerful headlamp and poles: the gear that can't fail.
- #1 · Best OverallCoros Pace 3View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #2 · Best OverallPetzl Iko CoreView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #3 · Best OverallBlack Diamond Distance Carbon ZView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Explore by country, month and goal
Climate in Bavaria: The safe window for alpine trail in Bavaria runs from June to September, when high mountain passes are free of snow. October can be spectacular at mid elevations, with autumn colours, but the high mountains already start receiving the first snowfalls.
Race overview
1
Races
12 – 44 km
Distance range
600 – 2,200 D+
Elevation range
Oct
Race months
Difficulty
Race map
Essential trail running gear
Must-have gear to prepare for your mountain races
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.
Hoka
Hoka Speedgoat 7
The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
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