DEUTSCHLANDLAUF
1,300 kilometres from Sylt to the Zugspitze – across Germany in 20 stages!
The Idea behind the Run
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 run largely on the original route of the first Deutschlandlauf of 2017. And we return to the original length of the first DLL's route 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 of past years. Starting with Angelika Huemer-Toff, who won the overall classification in 2021 as only the second woman ever. In 2007 Hiroko Okiyama won the DL. Or Andreas Amann, the only person to have finished the Deutschlandlauf 5 times. Or who doesn't know our fantastic Fabrice from France with his four participations so far.
Some runners with visual and/or hearing impairments or diabetes have also joined this wonderful family of crazy Deutschlandlauf runners. The finisher rates confirm that the route can be proudly conquered.
Be part of this wonderful spectacle…..!!! Join the list of the crazy and the tough.
"In all modesty, I was the first organiser to turn the Deutschlandlauf into a serious stage race. For the events in 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 an organiser and promoter of ultra long distance running in 2001, 2007 and 2009."
— Ingo Schulze, first organiser of the Deutschlandlauf
20 Stages across Germany
From Sylt to the Zugspitze – every stage a new federal state, a new challenge
Sylt - Enge-Sande
The big start! From the North Sea island of Sylt to the mainland. Sea air, wide views and the feeling: here we go – 1,300 kilometres lie ahead!
Enge-Sande - Rendsburg
The first really long stage! Through Schleswig-Holstein to the Kiel Canal. This is where preparation shows.
Rendsburg - Henstedt-Ulzburg
Heading for Hamburg! Across the north German plain, past lakes and forests. The legs slowly adjust to the daily running.
Henstedt-Ulzburg - Wistedt
Further south through Lüneburg Heath. Endless expanses, gentle hills and the first feeling: we're making progress!
Wistedt - Bruchhausen-Vilsen
Pure Lower Saxony! Through moorland and small villages. The first mental challenges – but the group carries you!
Bruchhausen-Vilsen - Levern
Heading into North Rhine-Westphalia! The landscape becomes more varied, first hills announce themselves. Halfway through week one!
Levern - Kattenvenne
Slightly shorter, but no less intense. Through the Münsterland with its characteristic farmhouses and moated castles.
Kattenvenne - Lünen
Durch das Ruhrgebiet! Industriekultur trifft Naturerlebnis. Nach 8 Etappen und über 550 km ist Halbzeit für die "Half Distance A"-Läufer.
Lünen - Remscheid
Into the Bergisches Land! The first real climbs await. Anyone still here has proved they can see it through.
Remscheid - Bornheim-Hersel
Towards the Rhine! Through the Siebengebirge with spectacular views. The Drachenfels waves from afar.
Bornheim-Hersel - Mülheim-Kärlich
Along the Rhine! Past castles and vineyards. Pure Rhine romance, but the legs are getting heavy.
Mülheim-Kärlich - Bingen
The longest stage! Through the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Loreley and the Mouse Tower – Germany at its finest!
Bingen - Worms
Nach Rheinland-Pfalz! Durch Weinberge und Obstplantagen. Die "Half Distance B" startet hier – frische Läufer treffen auf die Veteranen.
Worms - Angelbachtal
Through the Rhine plain into Baden-Württemberg! The Odenwald lies ahead, the Alps are drawing closer – a mental milestone!
Angelbachtal - Weinstadt
Through the Black Forest foothills! Another 80 km – but now with experience and the knowledge: we can do this!
Weinstadt - Dornstadt
Swabian Alps ahoy! The hills become mountains, the air gets thinner. Just 5 stages to the Zugspitze!
Dornstadt - Memmingen
Into the Allgäu! The Alps are now within reach. The Alpine panorama accompanies us – pure goosebumps!
Memmingen - Füssen
Zum Märchenschloss! Durch das Voralpenland nach Füssen. Schloss Neuschwanstein grüßt – wir sind fast da! Das "Triple Special B" startet hier.
Füssen - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The penultimate stage! Through the Bavarian Alps to Garmisch. The Zugspitze towers above us. Tomorrow is the day!
Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Zugspitze
THE FINALE! To Germany's highest mountain! 2,962 metres above sea level. After 20 days, 1,300 kilometres, countless steps – YOU MADE IT! The most emotional finish of your life!
Deutschlandlauf Moments
Everything you need to know
Do I have to run all 20 stages?
Nein! Du kannst auch "Die halbe Härte A" (8 Etappen, Sylt-Lünen), "Die halbe Härte B" (8 Etappen, Bingen-Zugspitze), die "Triple Specials" oder sogar einzelne Etappen buchen. Die volle Erfahrung gibt's aber nur bei allen 20 Etappen!
Where do I stay?
Mostly in sports halls (bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag). At least 4 nights are spent in hotels/apartments. Everything is organised – you don't have to worry about a thing!
What is included in the price?
Everything! 22 nights' accommodation (incl. arrival day), 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!
Can I actually do this?
Honestly: it is tough. VERY tough. You should have ultra experience or at least have run several marathons. But with good preparation, mental strength and the support of the group, most people make it to the Zugspitze!
Are there time limits?
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 broom wagon – nobody gets left behind!
When should I register?
Registration deadline is 1 June 2026. Booking early is worth it: only 10% deposit, free cancellation until 31.12.2025, and more time for mental preparation. The Deutschlandlauf is legendary – be part of it!
Choose your package
- 20 Stages Sylt → Zugspitze
- Lovingly packed starter bag
- Finisher shirt & participant shirt
- Medal or trophy
- Online certificate for download
- Route as GPX track
- Daily drop bag service
- Alles aus „Running only"
- Daily breakfast
- Daily dinner
- Ideal for motorhome & campers
- Companion: 1,480 €
- Alles aus „With meals"
- 22 nights included
- At least 4x hotel/apartment
- All-inclusive worry-free package
- Companion: 2,180 €
Further options:
Fragen? [email protected]
Ready for the journey of your life?
Secure your spot at the Deutschlandlauf 2026 now!
Your Registration
Further options: Half Distance ab 1.140 €, Triple Special ab 425 €, Single Stagen ab 60 €