Trail 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 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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Upcoming races: 2026 calendar
6 upcoming races
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.
Who would you run them with? Send them this list.
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Essential gear for trails in this area
Most-bought gear for running in apr.
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.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
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.
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Gear up for the mountains
The right gear makes the difference on race day. Our comparison guides to choose well.
Swipe to see all 4 categories
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See the 1 races already held this year
Races by area
Races in Allgäu
Races in Bavarian Alps
Races in Bavarian Forest
Races in Franconian Switzerland
Race map
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About the region Bavaria
“The German Alps: Watzmann, Königssee, and the country's roof”
Key facts about the region
2.962 m
Zugspitze, Germany's highest point
UTMB
UTMB World Series race
Jun – Sep
High mountain window
7
Races
10 – 167 km
Distance range
350 – 8,205 D+
Elevation range
Apr – 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