1,300 kilometres from Sylt to the Zugspitze – across Germany in 20 stages!
Back to the Roots – from Sylt to the Zugspitze – running the route of the first Deutschlandlauf – same distance, same number of running days, equally tough.
We are running largely on the original route of the first Deutschlandlauf from 2017. We also return to the original distance and the same number of running days. It requires endurance, it requires experience, it requires fighting spirit, it will be tough….!!!
Join the finisher list of the greats from previous years. Starting with Angelika Huemer-Toff, who became only the second woman ever to win the overall classification in 2021. In 2007, Hiroko Okiyama won the DL. Or Andreas Amann, the only person to have finished the Deutschlandlauf 5 times. And who doesn't know our fantastic Fabrice from France with his four participations so far.
Runners with visual and/or hearing impairments or diabetes are also part of this wonderful family of crazy Deutschlandlauf runners. The finisher rates confirm that the route is absolutely manageable and rewarding in the end.
Be part of this wonderful spectacle…..!!! Join the list of the crazy and the brave.
"With all modesty, I was the first organiser to make the DL a serious stage run. For the events of 1998, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. I have been an honorary member of the DUV since 2009 and was honoured for my achievements as organiser and promoter of ultra long-distance running in 2001, 2007 and 2009."
— Ingo Schulze, first organiser of the Deutschlandlauf



From Sylt to the Zugspitze – every stage a new federal state, a new challenge
The grand start! From the North Sea island of Sylt to the mainland. Sea air, open skies and the feeling: here we go – 1,300 kilometres ahead!
The first really long stage! Through Schleswig-Holstein to the Kiel Canal. This is where preparation starts to show.
Heading towards Hamburg! Through the North German lowlands, past lakes and forests. The legs slowly adjust to the daily running.
Further south through the Lüneburg Heath. Endless open country, gentle hills and the first feeling: we're making progress!
Lower Saxony at its best! Through moorland and small villages. The first mental challenges – but the group carries you through!
Heading towards North Rhine-Westphalia! The landscape becomes more varied, first hills appear. Halfway through week one!
Slightly shorter but no less intense. Through the Münsterland with its characteristic farmhouses and moated castles.
Through the Ruhr area! Industrial heritage meets nature. After 8 stages and over 550 km, it's halfway for "Half Distance A" runners.
Into the Bergisches Land! The first real climbs await. Anyone still here has proved they can go the distance.
Towards the Rhine! Through the Siebengebirge with spectacular views. The Drachenfels looms in the distance.
Along the Rhine! Past castles and vineyards. Rhine romanticism at its finest, but the legs are getting heavier.
The longest stage! Through the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Loreley and Mäuseturm – Germany at its most beautiful!
Into Rhineland-Palatinate! Through vineyards and orchards. "Half Distance B" runners start here – fresh legs meet seasoned veterans.
Across the Rhine plain into Baden-Württemberg! The Odenwald lies ahead, the Alps are getting closer – a mental milestone!
Through the Black Forest foothills! Another 80 km – but now with experience and the knowledge: we've got this!
Swabian Alb ahead! The hills become mountains, the air thins. Just 5 stages left to the Zugspitze!
Into the Allgäu! The Alps are now tantalizingly close. The Alpine panorama accompanies us – pure goosebumps!
To the fairytale castle! Through the Alpine foothills to Füssen. Neuschwanstein Castle comes into view – we're almost there! "Triple Special B" starts here.
The penultimate stage! Through the Bavarian Alps to Garmisch. The Zugspitze towers above us. Tomorrow is the day!
THE FINALE! To the top of Germany's highest mountain! 2,962 metres above sea level. After 20 days, 1,300 kilometres, countless steps – WE MADE IT! The most emotional finish line of your life!






No! You can also enter "Half Distance A" (8 stages, Sylt–Lünen), "Half Distance B" (8 stages, Bingen–Zugspitze), the "Triple Specials" or even individual stages. But the full experience only comes with all 20 stages!
Mostly in sports halls (bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag). On at least 4 nights accommodation is in hotels or apartments. Everything is organised – you don't have to worry about a thing!
Everything! 22 nights (including arrival), breakfast, dinner, 5–6 aid stations per stage, luggage transfer, GPS tracks, finisher shirt, medal/trophy, detailed briefing, starter bag and more. You only run with a day pack!
Honestly: it's tough. VERY tough. You should have ultra experience or at least have completed several marathons. But with good preparation, mental strength and the support of the group, most people make it to the Zugspitze!
Yes, each stage has a time limit of 10–11 min/km (depending on difficulty). This is achievable even for slower runners. There is a sweep vehicle – no one gets left behind!
Registration deadline is 1 June 2026. Booking early is worthwhile: only 10% deposit, free cancellation until 31 December 2025, and more time for mental preparation. The Deutschlandlauf is legendary – be part of it!
Secure your spot at the Deutschlandlauf 2026 now!
Further options: Half Distance from 1,140 €, Triple Special from 425 €, single stages from 60 €