LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz
Photo: Ermell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) (opens in a new tab)

Ebermannstadt

LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

Saturday, 24 April 2027

Ultra Trail 100K

100km D+ 3930m

Long Trail 66K

66km D+ 2750m

Speed Trail 33K

33km D+ 1460m

Short Trail 15K

15km D+ 580m

See the gear

Race data

Terrain

Ultra Trail

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

4 modalities

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  • Ultra Trail 100K

    Distance
    100 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 3930m
    Max Time
    -
  • Long Trail 66K

    Distance
    66 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 2750m
    Max Time
    -
  • Speed Trail 33K

    Distance
    33 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 1460m
    Max Time
    -
  • Short Trail 15K

    Distance
    15 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 580m
    Max Time
    -
Will your watch battery last the ~21 h of LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz?Worked out for the longest course (100 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch

Your checklist for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.

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  1. GPS watch

    Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm

    Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar

    Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  2. Gear

    Lots of limestone and roots: a sole with good wet-rock grip and underfoot protection

    Hoka Speedgoat 7

    Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances

    Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  3. Nutrition

    Eat before you feel hungry: every 30-40 minutes

    Maurten Gel 100

    Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica

    Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  4. Sun Protection

    Apply 20 minutes before the start and reapply at aid stations

    ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+

    Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin

    Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  5. Body Care

    Anti-chafe on armpits, groin and feet before the start

    Julbo Aerospeed

    Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits

    Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  6. Car Rental

    Book early: local supply runs out on race weekends

    DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  7. Trip logistics

    Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.

Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early

Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.

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Historical weather

What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →

Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)

Temperature

6°C – 15°C

Average 11°C

Rain

27%

1.4 mm avg

Wind

18 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

11h

daily average

Gear recommendations

Bring thermal layers (low of 6°C)

Buff Thermonet

Buff

Buff Thermonet

Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.

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Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top

Craft

Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top

Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.

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HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica

HANKER

HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica

Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.

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Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe

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.

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Odlo Active Warm Eco

Odlo

Odlo Active Warm Eco

Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.

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Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer

Odlo

Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer

Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.

View on Amazon →
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ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento

ROCKBROS

ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento

Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Agile LS Tee

Salomon

Salomon Agile LS Tee

Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.

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Salomon Cross Run Tight

Salomon

Salomon Cross Run Tight

Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.

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Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Salomon

Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.

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Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

Under Armour

Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.

View on Amazon →
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Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre

Under Armour

Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre

Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.

View on Amazon →
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LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

The Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz (UTFS) has become one of the must-do spring events in German trail running. It is run in Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz), an Upper Franconian region between Nuremberg and Bayreuth famous for its limestone towers, caves, cliff-top castles and the highest density of breweries in the world.

Four distances, one landscape

  • Ultra Trail 100K: 3,930 m of climbing, a night start and a full day of short but relentless ups and downs.
  • Long Trail 66K: 2,750 m, the option for ultrarunners who want to sleep the night before.
  • Speed Trail 33K: 1,460 m, fast and demanding.
  • Short Trail 15K: 580 m, perfect to get started.

The terrain is very varied: trails between rocks, stairs, beech forest, meadows and passages beside castles such as Burg Feuerstein or the Neideck ruins.

Spring in Franconia

In late April the forest is coming back to life and temperatures range from 5 °C at dawn to 18-20 °C at midday. Rain is common and turns the rock into soap: shoe choice is key.

Franconian Switzerland beyond the race

Bamberg, with its World Heritage old town and smoked beer, and the Teufelshöhle cave in Pottenstein are the perfect complement. Find more races in Bavaria, the rest of Germany and plan your season with the race planner.

Mandatory Gear

According to the official race regulations

Mandatory on the 100K Ultra Trail, which starts at night

Recommended on the long distances: April in Franconia is very changeable

Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

Gore Wear

Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

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Approx. pack cost:~194,61 €Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
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360Complete Pack

LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 2027 registration

Registration

Registration opens on 6 October 2026 at 10:00. It is one of Bavaria's most popular ultras and 100K and 66K bibs go within weeks.

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Tips

  • •Set an alarm for 6 October at 10:00
  • •The 33K Speed Trail is the best way in if you have never raced here

Where to stay for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

Accommodation

Ebermannstadt is small: book a hotel or Gasthof as soon as you have a bib. Bamberg and Forchheim, 20-30 minutes away, offer more choice.

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Tips

  • •Local Gasthöfe include a hearty breakfast
  • •Bamberg, a World Heritage Site, makes a spectacular base

Gear for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

Gear

A long ultra: cushioned shoes for the mileage, a vest with room for layers and food, poles for the accumulated climbing and a headlamp if you run into the night.

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Tips

  • •Lots of limestone and roots: a sole with good wet-rock grip and underfoot protection
  • •Test the loaded vest on your long runs
  • •Pack spare socks in your drop bag if the organisers allow one
Hoka Speedgoat 7

Which shoes for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz?

Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather

→
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm

Which GPS watch for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz?

Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time

→
🛒

Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.

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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.

→
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Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.

→

Nutrition for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

Nutrition

Long distance: plan 60-90 g of carbs per hour mixing gels, bars and real food, and replace salts from the start.

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Tips

  • •Eat before you feel hungry: every 30-40 minutes
  • •Alternate sweet and savoury to keep your stomach happy

How to get to Ebermannstadt

Transport

The nearest airport is Nuremberg (NUE), about 45 minutes away. Ebermannstadt has a regional train from Forchheim, linked to Nuremberg and Bamberg.

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Tips

  • •Nuremberg has direct flights from several European cities
  • •A car lets you move freely between starts and your lodging

Car rental in Franconian Switzerland

Car Rental

A rental car gives you freedom to get around Franconian Switzerland, reach the start early and combine the race with some sightseeing.

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Tips

  • •Book early: local supply runs out on race weekends
  • •Pick the car up at your arrival airport to save transfers

Sports insurance for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

Insurance

Germany has no mandatory racing licence, but the organisers do not cover your medical costs or a rescue. Sports or travel insurance covering competitions is essential if you travel from abroad.

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Tips

  • •Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC)
  • •Check that your policy covers mountain rescue and competitions

Sun protection for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

Sun Protection

Hours of exposure on ridges and forest clearings: sweat-resistant SPF50 sport sunscreen, a face stick and lip balm.

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Tips

  • •Apply 20 minutes before the start and reapply at aid stations
  • •Ears, neck and lips are the spots that burn most

Body care for LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

Body Care

Chafing, blisters and heavy legs are what ruin a race or the days after. Anti-chafe balm, blister plasters, sunglasses and a solid recovery plan.

Browse all body care

Tips

  • •Anti-chafe on armpits, groin and feet before the start
  • •Foam roller or massage gun during the following 48 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 2027?
On the weekend of 23-24 April 2027 in Ebermannstadt (Upper Franconia, Bavaria).
When does registration open?
On Tuesday 6 October 2026 at 10:00. The long distances usually fill quickly.
What distances are there?
Ultra Trail 100 km (3,930 m), Long Trail 66 km (2,750 m), Speed Trail 33 km (1,460 m) and Short Trail 15 km (580 m), plus youth and kids' races.

Races similar to LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz

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