Trail races in Bavaria — May 2027
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 scheduled
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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)
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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)
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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 summary
1
Races
10 – 70 km
Distance range
800 – 3,900 D+
Elevation range
May
Race months
Difficulty
Tips for running in Bavaria in may
Sun protection: the sun is already strong in May. SPF 50+ cream, visor cap and sunglasses are essential.
If your race is in high mountains, still bring thermal layers: at high altitudes temperatures can drop below 5 °C.
May has a high volume of races: plan carefully if you have multiple objectives to avoid overtraining.
Race map
Click a marker to view race details.
Scheduled races
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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