Friday 23 June 2023

Königstein, town centre and fortress (Copyright © 2014 Hendrik Böttger / runinternational.eu)

 

The Festungslauf (‘Fortress Run’) is a hill running event held annually in Königstein, a small town situated on the River Elbe in the state of Sachsen (Saxony) in Germany, just about thirteen kilometres from the border with Czechia.

The race is 9.4km long and features 545m of ascent and 327m of descent, starting in the town centre and finishing inside the imposing Festung Königstein, one of Europe's largest and most impressive hilltop fortifications.

The course commands stunning panoramic views over the Elbe River Valley and the Sächsische Schweiz (‘Saxon Switzerland’) with its fairy-tale rock formations.

In addition to the 9.4km race, the event offers a 7.7km route for runners aged 65 or over and for walkers and nordic walkers of all ages, as well as a 1.3km race for young athletes.

 

Update 2023:

Due to construction works in Königstein, the routes will be a bit shorter than usual, 8.8km and 7.1km respectively. The start will be at the tourist information office.

 

Königstein Fortress, as seen from the distance  (Copyright © 2015 Hendrik Böttger / runinternational.eu)

 

Map of the venue:

 

19. Festungslauf Königstein:

Date:

  • 23 June 2023 (Friday)

Event website:

 

Number of finishers:

  • 2022:
    • 9.4km: 297 runners
    • 7.7km: 30 runners and 31 walkers
    • 1.3km: 53 runners
  • 2021:
    • 9.4km: 280 runners
    • 7.7km: 24 runners and 41 walkers
  • 2020:
    • Event cancelled
  • 2019:
    • 7.8km: 649 runners and 72 walkers
    • 1.3km: 88 runners
  • 2018:
    • 7.8km: 623 runners and 61 walkers
    • 1.7km: 101 runners

 

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.