Heiligabend-Lauf Thüringer Wald
10-km fun run on December 24th in the Vessertal — Thuringian Forest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
About Heiligabend-Lauf
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10 Kilometers through the Vessertal — on Christmas Eve
The Heiligabend-Lauf Thüringer Wald is one of the most charming small running events in Central Germany. Every year on December 24th, around 300 runners and recreational athletes gather at the sports field in Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig (town of Suhl) to complete the 10-kilometer loop through the lower Vessertal — in the morning, in snow or slush, with a mulled wine break at the refreshment station and the firm intention of having 'earned' their Christmas dinner.
Route through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The route leads from the Schmiedefeld sports field on a circular course through the lower Vessertal, past the Vessertal-Schanze (ski jump), through the district of Vesser, and back to Schmiedefeld via the upper Vessertal and the Schwarze Crux. The area is part of the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve — the natural scenery with snow-covered fir trees, streams, and old miners' paths makes the run a special experience.
No Entry Fee — Donations Instead of Registration
The run is held without an entry fee — there is no pre-registration. Instead, donations are collected, which benefit the youth work of WSV Schmiedefeld and the Tambach-Dietharz children's hospice. The organizers are the GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf-Verein, Rennsteiglauf Sportverwaltung & Tourismus GmbH, and WSV Schmiedefeld.
Schmiedefeld, Vesser, and Suhl in the Thuringian Forest
Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig and Vesser are districts of the town of Suhl in the state of Thuringia, in the heart of the Thuringian Forest. The Rennsteig — the traditional high-altitude hiking trail along the ridge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains — runs directly through Schmiedefeld. Those arriving for the Heiligabend-Lauf often combine the sporting event with a stay in one of the guesthouses or ski accommodations around the Rennsteig.
Heiligabend-Lauf — edition 2026
Christmas Eve 2026 — 9:00 AM Start in Schmiedefeld
The 2026 Heiligabend-Lauf falls on Thursday, December 24, 2026. The starting gun fires at 9:00 AM at the Schmiedefeld sports field on the Rennsteig. The event lasts until around noon — the runs traditionally end punctually so that participants can be home for Christmas Eve.
10 Kilometer Vessertal Loop
The route follows a 10 km loop from the Schmiedefeld sports field through the lower Vessertal, past the Vessertal ski jump, through the Vesser district, and back to Schmiedefeld via the Schwarze Crux. The run is a fun run (Volkslauf) and is open to all running levels — competitive runners and recreational joggers alike.
Programme Heiligabend-Lauf 2026
Program Highlights 2026 — Heiligabend-Lauf Thüringer Wald
- Thursday, December 24, 2026:
- 8:00–8:45 AM: Registration at Schmiedefeld sports field on the Rennsteig (Pre-registration not required)
- 9:00 AM: Starting gun for the 10 km fun run through the Vessertal
- Route: Schmiedefeld sports field → lower Vessertal → Vessertal ski jump → Vesser district → upper Vessertal → Schwarze Crux → Schmiedefeld sports field (10 km)
- Around 11:30 AM: Finish closing
- Refreshments: Mulled wine, tea, and snacks at the refreshment station and in the finish area
- Changing: Heated changing rooms and showers at the sports field
- Organizers: GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf-Verein, Rennsteiglauf Sportverwaltung & Tourismus GmbH, and WSV Schmiedefeld
- Donations instead of entry fee: Donations for the youth work of WSV Schmiedefeld and the Tambach-Dietharz children's hospice requested
Current information: rennsteiglauf.de. Contact: [email protected], Tel. +49 36782 61237.
Highlights Heiligabend-Lauf 2026
- 10 km loop through the Vessertal on Christmas Eve
- No entry fee and no pre-registration
- Donations for WSV youth work and Tambach-Dietharz children's hospice
- UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve as a backdrop
- Heated changing rooms and showers at the sports field
Prices Heiligabend-Lauf 2026
No entry fee and no pre-registration. Donations for the youth work of WSV Schmiedefeld and the Tambach-Dietharz children's hospice are collected on-site.
Practical information — Heiligabend-Lauf
Date 2026
Thursday, December 24, 2026, start at 9:00 AM, finish around noon.
Location
Sportplatz Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig, 98711 Suhl-Schmiedefeld (UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve).
Route
10 km circular route through the lower Vessertal.
Getting There
By car: A71 to Suhl, then B247/B281 to Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig. By public transport: Suhl train station, then by bus.
Admission / Registration
No entry fee and no pre-registration. Donations for the youth work of WSV Schmiedefeld and the Tambach-Dietharz children's hospice are requested.
Note
Heated changing rooms and showers available at the sports field. Dress warmly — the run takes place in winter conditions.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Heiligabend-Lauf
Sportplatz Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig
Sportplatz Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig, 98711 Suhl