Photo: Philip Jahn / UnsplashTrail race calendar 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.
Calendar updated September 2026
View on map2026 calendar: every race by date
| Date | Race | Town | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 2026 | RunThrough Trails Berchtesgaden | Berchtesgaden | 44K · 26K · 12K |
“The German Alps: Watzmann, Königssee, and the country's roof”
2.962 m
Zugspitze, Germany's highest point
UTMB
UTMB World Series race
Jun – Sep
High mountain window
1
Races
12 – 44 km
Distance range
600 – 2,200 D+
Elevation range
Oct
Race months
Difficulty
Terrain
The Bavarian Alps are Germany's only genuine high mountains, with the Zugspitze (2,962 m) as the country's highest point. The Berchtesgaden region, next to Lake Königssee, offers alpine trail as demanding as Austria or Switzerland: climbs of over 2,000 metres of elevation gain, exposed ridges, and technical rock terrain. It's the area of Germany closest in character to central Alpine trail running.
Key areas
Climate & best season
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.
Trail culture
Bavaria hosts the Zugspitz Ultra Trail, a qualifying race of the UTMB World Series, putting the region on the world map of elite trail running. Berchtesgaden, with the Watzmann and Königssee as icons, combines century-old alpine tradition with new events aiming to capture the international runner who already visits the area for its tourist fame.
Iconic races in the region
Race map
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Race calendar
Gear up for the mountains
The right gear makes the difference on race day. Our comparison guides to choose well.
Related guides
Gear buying guides
Essential gear for trails in this area
The gear most used by runners in this region
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.
Altra
Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running shoe with zero drop and wide FootShape toe box that allows natural toe splay. 25 mm stack with EGO foam for balanced cushioning without losing ground contact. MaxTrac outsole with 3.5 mm lugs, ideal for non-technical trails, forest tracks and long-distance paths.
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
The model breaking into Spain's best-seller charts. Fresh Foam X midsole with a solid balance between cushioning and ground feel, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a comfortable last suited to wide feet. A reliable all-rounder for training runs and mountain races of any distance.
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