ALLEMAGNE · Bavaria (Franconian Switzerland)
LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 66km: Germany's Limestone Cave-and-Castle Ultra, 48 Minutes from Nuremberg
Distance
66 km
Date
Droit d’inscription
110 EUR
€ / km
€1.67
Nouvelle date en attente
Cette course a déjà eu lieu. La date de la prochaine édition est en attente.
Franconian Switzerland charm: rocky outcrops, forest climbs, and a compact, technical German ultra.
LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 66km traces 66 kilometres through the limestone landscape of Franconian Switzerland with 2,760m of officially confirmed D+ — an exact match between the published figure and GPX analysis. The 5th-anniversary 2026 edition runs as a loop course, starting and finishing in the market square of Ebermannstadt. Despite an average uphill gradient ranking 343rd steepest out of 390 European ultras, the official course description warns of countless steep inclines: climbs in Fränkische Schweiz are short and concentrated rather than long and sustained. Signature features include over 1,500 staircase steps, cave passages through limestone formations, river crossings, and three historic castles — Rabenstein, Rabeneck, and Gößweinstein — visible from the trail. The race is ITRA-certified and DUV-listed. Nuremberg airport (NUE) is approximately 48 minutes from Ebermannstadt, with good rail and last-mile transfer options. Accommodation is limited locally; Bamberg (UNESCO World Heritage City, 25km away) and Nuremberg serve as recommended bases. The 2026 edition sold out; entry was €110 (€1.67 per km). No extra processing fees. Inaugural year: 2022; five editions completed as of 2026.
Élévation et Terrain
Mètres totaux
2,760m
D+/KM
41.8m/km
Pour référence, le Tor des Géants 330 km a 73 D+/km.
Pente montante moyenne
7%
Pente descendante moyenne
-7.9%
Distribution du gradient de montée
| 2–5% | 9.4 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 7.8 km | |
| 10–15% | 3.8 km | |
| 15–20% | 1.5 km |
Profil de parcours
AnalysedDétail du terrain
| 33.4% | Montée |
|---|---|
| 36.7% | Plat |
| 29.9% | Descente |
Terrain
Ascensions
Principales montées
| 1 | 2.2 km · 156 m gain starts km 45 · avg 7% · max 18.1% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1.3 km · 147 m gain starts km 50 · avg 11.1% · max 18.6% |
| 3 | 1.6 km · 110 m gain starts km 20 · avg 6.9% · max 13.9% |
Principales descentes
| 1 | 2 km · 171 m drop starts km 47 · avg -8.5% · max -15.3% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1.4 km · 148 m drop starts km 63 · avg -10.9% · max -18% |
| 3 | 1.8 km · 130 m drop starts km 22 · avg -7% · max -15.4% |
LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 66km: Germany's Limestone Cave-and-Castle Ultra, 48 Minutes from Nuremberg
Course Profile: What Countless Steep Inclines, 1,500 Steps, and Cave Passages Actually Demand Over 66km▼
Q: How much elevation gain does LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 66km have? A: The officially published D+ is 2,760m — confirmed by an exact match with GPX-derived analysis, making this one of the stronger elevation confidence points in the DTR database. At 41.82m of D+ per kilometre the course ranks 327th most vertically dense out of 390 European trail ultras (Rank 1 = most vertical). The total climbing is spread across many short punchy ascents through limestone rock, caves, and staircase sections (over 1,500 steps confirmed on course) rather than a small number of long sustained climbs.
Nuremberg Airport, Rail Transfers, and Getting to Ebermannstadt Without a Car▼
Q: How hard is LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 66km? A: Harder than the gradient statistics suggest. Average uphill gradient ranks 343rd steepest out of 390 European ultras — near the gentle end of the database — yet the official course description warns of countless steep inclines and technical sections requiring full concentration. The explanation: Fränkische Schweiz delivers short sharp climbs rather than long sustained ramps, over 1,500 staircase steps, cave passages through limestone formations, root-filled singletrack, and river crossings. The downhills are among the gentlest in the database by gradient (rank 72/390) but are technically demanding by surface quality. The race suits experienced trail runners comfortable on technical rocky terrain.
Bamberg, Franconian Beer, and Castle Ruins: Why the Post-Race Region Matches the Race Itself▼
Q: When is LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz 2026 and can I still enter? A: The 2026 (5th anniversary) edition ran on April 25, 2026, and is now closed — it sold out before race day. The 2027 registration timeline has not been announced as of July 2026; check ultratrail-fraenkische-schweiz.de for updates. Entry fee in 2026 was €110 (€1.67 per km) with no additional processing fees noted. The race has sold out in previous editions with medium sell-out intensity; early registration is recommended when the 2027 window opens.
Entry Fees, Sell-Out History, and What to Expect from LOWA Ultratrail's Anniversary Editions▼
Q: How do I get to LOWA Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz? A: Nuremberg airport (NUE) is approximately 48 minutes from Ebermannstadt, the race start and finish location. Nuremberg has direct rail connections via Forchheim and the Wiesenttalbahn regional line to Ebermannstadt. A last-mile taxi from the station is recommended. Munich airport (MUC) is approximately 2 to 2.75 hours by road or rail. Accommodation in Ebermannstadt is limited; Bamberg (25km away, UNESCO World Heritage City) and Nuremberg are the recommended bases with extensive hotel options at all price points.
Fichiers de course
Logistique
Aéroport le plus proche
Nuremberg (NUE) / Munich (MUC)
Notes
Start: ~0.5–1.25 hrs (NUE) or ~2–2.75 hrs (MUC) to Ebermannstadt area / Public transport: good rail to Forchheim then bus/taxi last-mile / Accommodation: limited in Ebermannstadt; easy base in Bamberg or Nuremberg; book early (spring)
