22nd Sparkassen Fortress Run in Königstein

At Königstein Fortress, it’s not just tourists who are welcome guests. For over 20 years, runners from all over Germany and participants from other countries have been drawn to one of Europe’s most architecturally and historically significant mountain fortresses. Awaiting them is the Sparkassen Fortress Run, a summer evening running adventure with a truly special atmosphere!

Runners can expect a challenging, hilly course along the 9.4-kilometer route. There is also a 7.7-km course, as well as the Mini Run and the Inclusion Run—both 1.2 km long—on the plateau. That’s also where the finish line is for all running enthusiasts.

The starting area for the Sparkassen Festungslauf, with starts at 6:20 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (2 starting waves), is located at the Königstein Tourist Information Office on Stadtplatz, Pirnaer Straße 2.

Runners must climb 470 meters in elevation to reach the top. The final 1.3 km run along the plateau, past all the major sights. Along the fortress wall, runners enjoy a wonderful view of Saxon Switzerland with the Elbe River winding its way below the fortress.

And when the awards ceremony is held on the fortress’s market square as the sun sets, it’s the best reward for the runners’ efforts.

The Sparkassen Fortress Run has quickly established itself as a fixture on Germany’s running calendar. Königstein in Saxon Switzerland is always worth a visit, whether as a tourist or a runner. Ideally, you’d combine both.

The event has been voted multiple times by the trade magazine “Laufzeit & Condition” in a reader survey as one of the top ten races with fewer than 1,000 participants.

www.festungslauf.de