146th Bad Harzburg Gallop Week

Gallop Week with a 146-Year Tradition

The Bad Harzburg Gallop Week looks back on an extraordinary tradition dating back to the late 19th century. With its 146th edition in 2026, it continues its long history as one of Germany's most distinguished horse racing festivals. The Harzburger Rennverein (Harzburg Racing Club) as the organizer is dedicated to the preservation and further development of gallop racing on the northern edge of the Harz mountains.

The Famous Steeplechase Races

The absolute hallmark of the Bad Harzburg Gallop Week are the steeplechase races on Sunday. In these jump races, the horses gallop through a water obstacle — the lake — in front of the grandstands. Water splashes, the horses tackle the obstacles, the jockeys maintain balance — a visual spectacle that is unique worldwide in this form and makes the Bad Harzburg racecourse a pilgrimage site for gallop racing fans. The steeplechase races attract thousands of spectators to the racecourse every year.

Ten Race Days with a Packed Supporting Program

The 2026 festival spans ten days and offers a packed program that goes far beyond the actual racing events:

• Thu, July 16 — Members' evening to kick off
• Sat, July 18 — Premium handicap and party in the coffee tent from 8 PM
• Sun, July 19 — Family day with free admission, open-air church service at 11 AM
• Wed, July 22 — Backstage tour at 3 PM
• Thu, July 23 — Gala evening from 7:30 PM
• Fri, July 24 — Football match from 5 PM, disco party from 10 PM
• Sat, July 25 — Final premium handicap and party in the coffee tent from 8 PM

Family Day on July 19 with Free Admission

The family day on Sunday, July 19, with free admission is aimed at families from the region. With an open-air church service at 11 AM, children's activities, and a full day of racing, it offers an attractive excursion into the world of equestrian sports. This opening of the Gallop Week to everyone is an important element of the event's philosophy.

Bad Harzburg Racecourse — Atmospheric Setting

The Bad Harzburg racecourse is one of the most beautiful racecourses in Germany. Nestled in a green landscape surrounded by mountains on the northern edge of the Harz, it offers an exceptional atmosphere. The grandstands, the coffee tent, and the race track itself — everything is part of a gallop racing production that goes far beyond mere competition and celebrates the social dimension of equestrian sports.