CSI Scharlachrennen Nördlingen
International equestrian tournament with medieval tradition
About Scharlachrennen
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A tradition since 1438
The Nördlingen Scharlachrennen is one of the oldest documented horse races in Europe. As early as the late Middle Ages, horse races were held at the Nördlingen Whitsun Market, where the winner received up to 28 meters of scarlet red cloth worth 43 Rhenish guilders. This extraordinary prize, which gave the race its name, made the competition known throughout the region. The unbroken tradition lives on today in a modern form: After the Second World War, Hans Günter Winkler won the first post-war race in 1948, and since 2008, the Scharlachrennen has been held as an international show jumping tournament according to CSI regulations.
Equestrian sport on the Kaiserwiese
The venue for the modern tournament is the Kaiserwiese in Nördlingen, a large green space directly in front of the historic town wall. The tournament combines demanding show jumping competitions (CSI 2*/3*) with classic dressage events, making it one of the most prestigious equestrian events in Southern Germany. International riders compete in front of several thousand spectators who are attracted to the tournament on the last weekend of July.
More than just equestrian sport
In addition to the sporting competitions, a festival atmosphere has developed around the Scharlachrennen: families can enjoy children's programs, local exhibitors present regional products, and the gastronomy spoils visitors with Franconian-Swabian cuisine. The medieval heritage is honored with accompanying program points — a combination of equestrian sport, tradition, and culture that is unique in its form.
Nördlingen and the Ries
The town of Nördlingen in the Donau-Ries district (Bavaria) is located in the Nördlinger Ries, a meteorite crater approximately 25 kilometers in diameter, and is one of Germany's most beautiful medieval towns with its completely preserved town wall. Those who travel to the Scharlachrennen can ideally combine the equestrian tournament with a stroll through the historic old town and a climb up the Daniel — the 90-meter-high church tower of St. Georg.
Scharlachrennen — edition 2026
The 2026 Scharlachrennen will take place from July 23 to 26 on Nördlingen's Kaiserwiese. As every year, the tournament begins on Thursday and concludes on Sunday evening with the major final competitions. The program includes challenging show jumping competitions according to CSI 2*/CSI 3* regulations and dressage events, complemented by a supporting program for families and horse lovers. The exact list of participants will be published in advance by the Nördlingen Riding and Driving Club on the club's website and in the local press.
Programme Scharlachrennen 2026
Tournament Schedule (Typical Structure)
- Thursday — Opening, first show jumping competitions, dressage warm-ups.
- Friday — Main dressage competitions, intermediate show jumping classes.
- Saturday — International show jumping competitions CSI 2*/3*, evening gala competition.
- Sunday — Final competitions, Grand Prix of the City of Nördlingen, award ceremonies in the evening.
The official participant list and detailed schedule will be published in advance on the Nördlingen Riding and Driving Club's website and via the Nördlingen Tourist Information office.
Highlights Scharlachrennen 2026
Prices Scharlachrennen 2026
Practical information — Scharlachrennen
Getting there
By car via the A7 (exit Aalen/Westhausen) or the B25 to Nördlingen, then follow signs for parking around the town wall. By train to Nördlingen station, from there about a 15-minute walk to the Kaiserwiese.
Admission
Day tickets and weekend passes are available directly at the tournament box office. Seats in the grandstand are allocated in advance by the Nördlingen Riding and Driving Club. Children often benefit from family discounts.
On-site
Catering, snack stands, exhibitor booths at the tournament grounds. Program booklet with start lists and schedule available at the entrance.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Scharlachrennen al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Scharlachrennen
Kaiserwiese Nördlingen
Kaiserwiese, 86720 Nördlingen