Bergischer Wupperlauf

A Running Festival Against Advent Fatigue

While other marathons have long since finished in late autumn and the next season doesn't begin until spring, the Bergischer Wupperlauf bridges the gap: a cosy, hilly trail festival on the second-to-last weekend of Advent, right in the middle of one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most beautiful hiking areas. On Saturday, December 19, 2026, the starting gun will fire for the eleventh time at the Gartenhallenbad Wuppertal-Cronenberg.

Four Distances, One Philosophy

What sets the Wupperlauf apart from many other running events: there's no pressure. Organizer Oliver Witzke emphasizes that the routes are completed in guided running groups with experienced guides — without timing, without stress, but with the guarantee of reaching the finish line together. Those who want to run fast can do so — those who want to enjoy a relaxed winter trail can do the same.

• 50 km Ultra — Start 8:30 AM — the very long Advent trail through the Bergisches Land
• Marathon (42.195 km) — Start 9:30 AM
• 25 km — Start 9:30 AM
• 20 km Mulled Wine March — Start 9:40 AM — a mixed march and run format with mulled wine breaks

Route Description — Wuppertal Heights and Wupper Valley

The routes lead from the Cronenberg high plateau down into the Wupper valley, through extensive forests, past the Wuppertal reservoirs, over wooded ridges, and back towards the start. The courses are trail-heavy — forest paths, logging roads, ascents, and descents alternate. The route will be adjusted in case of snow or ice. Those who know the Bergisches Land by car will understand the region anew after this run: Wuppertal is one of Germany's most forest-rich major cities.

Mulled Wine Hike on Sunday — The Fifth Edition

For those who ran on Saturday and still haven't had enough on Sunday — or for those who simply want to hike without running — the 5th Wupperberge Mulled Wine Hike takes place on Sunday, December 20, 2026: the same region, slower, with more mulled wine stops and no running element. A wonderful follow-up for a winter outdoor weekend in the Bergisches Land.

After the Run: Into the Indoor Pool

Perhaps the most charming special feature: the entry fee includes free access to the Gartenhallenbad Cronenberg with pool, showers, and sauna until 6 PM. Sliding into hot water after 4, 6, or 9 hours in the wintry, wet forest — a ritual that many participants repeat year after year.

Wuppertal-Cronenberg as the Location

Cronenberg is located on one of Wuppertal's heights, about 350 meters above the valley. Arrival by car is easy (parking at the indoor pool), bus 643 connects the main train station with Cronenberg. Hotels in Wuppertal-Mitte or in the surrounding Bergisches Land (Solingen, Remscheid) are available for visitors from out of town.