DEUTSCHLANDLAUF
1,300 kilometres from Sylt to the Zugspitze – across Germany in 20 stages!
The Idea
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
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!
Section 1 on Komoot Section 2 on KomootEnge-Sande - Rendsburg
The first really long stage! Through Schleswig-Holstein to the Kiel Canal. This is where you find out who's prepared.
Open on KomootRendsburg - Henstedt-Ulzburg
Heading for Hamburg! Across the North German Plain past lakes and forests. The legs slowly getting used to the daily grind.
Open on KomootHenstedt-Ulzburg - Wistedt
Further south through the Lüneburg Heath. Endless open country, gentle hills and the first feeling: we're making progress!
Open on KomootWistedt - Hoya
Pure Lower Saxony! Through moorland and small villages. The first mental challenges – but the group carries you through!
Open on KomootHoya - Lemförde
Heading into North Rhine-Westphalia! The landscape becomes more varied, the first hills appear. Midway through week one!
Open on KomootLemförde - Kattenvenne
Shorter but no less intense. Through the Münsterland with its characteristic farmhouses and moated castles.
Open on KomootKattenvenne - Lünen
Through the Ruhr region! Industrial culture meets nature. After 8 stages and 550+ km, it's halfway for the 'Half the Distance A' runners.
Open on KomootLünen - Remscheid
Into the Bergisches Land! The first real climbs await. Anyone still here has proved they can see it through.
Open on KomootRemscheid - Bonn-Castel
Heading for the Rhine! Through the Siebengebirge with spectacular views. The Drachenfels beckons in the distance.
Open on KomootBonn-Castel - Mülheim-Kärlich
Along the Rhine! Past castles and vineyards. Pure Rhine romance, but the legs are gradually getting heavier.
Open on KomootMülheim-Kärlich - Trechtingshausen
The longest stage! Through the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Loreley and Mäuseturm – Germany at its finest!
Open on KomootTrechtingshausen - Worms
Into Rhineland-Palatinate! Through vineyards and orchards. 'Half the Distance B' starts here – fresh runners meet the veterans.
Open on KomootWorms - Waldangelloch
Across the Rhine Plain into Baden-Württemberg! The Odenwald lies ahead, the Alps draw nearer – a mental milestone!
Open on KomootWaldangelloch - Weinstadt
Through the Black Forest foothills! Another big one – but now with experience and the knowledge: we can do this!
Open on KomootWeinstadt - Dornstadt
Swabian Alb ahoy! The hills become mountains, the air gets thinner. Just 5 stages to the Zugspitze!
Open on KomootDornstadt - Memmingen
Into the Allgäu! The Alps are now within reach. The Alpine panorama accompanies us – goosebumps guaranteed!
Open on KomootMemmingen - Füssen
To the fairy-tale castle! Through the Alpine foothills to Füssen. Neuschwanstein Castle beckons – we're almost there! 'Triple Special B' starts here.
Open on KomootFüssen - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The penultimate stage! Through the Bavarian Alps to Garmisch. The Zugspitze towers above us. Tomorrow is the day!
Open on KomootGarmisch-Partenkirchen - Zugspitze
THE FINALE! To Germany's highest peak! 2,962 metres above sea level. After 20 days, 1,300 kilometres, countless steps – YOU MADE IT! The most emotional finish line of your life!
Open on KomootDeutschlandlauf Moments
Everything you need to know
Do I have to run all 20 stages?
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!
Where do I sleep?
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!
What's included in the price?
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!
Can I actually do this?
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!
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 sweep vehicle – no one gets left behind!
When should I register?
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!
Choose your package
- 20 stages Sylt → Zugspitze
- Lovingly packed starter bag
- Finisher shirt & participant shirt
- Medal or trophy
- Online certificate for download
- GPX track for all routes
- Daily drop bag service
- Everything from "Running only"
- Breakfast daily
- Dinner daily
- Ideal for motorhome & camper
- Companion: 1,480 €
- Everything from "With meals"
- 22 nights included
- At least 4x hotel/apartment
- All-inclusive package
- Companion: 2,180 €
Further options:
Questions? [email protected]
Ready for the journey of your life?
Secure your spot at the Deutschlandlauf 2026 now!
Your registration
Further options: Half Distance from 1,140 €, Triple Special from 425 €, single stages from 60 €