Mammutmarsch Ruhrgebiet

Mammutmarsch — Testing Personal Limits

The Mammutmarsch is an endurance hiking event format held in several major German cities. Unlike a marathon, it's not a running race but a hiking challenge — distances are covered on foot, without a time limit for the fastest completion. The motto: “Pushing your limits.” Those who choose one of the three distances plan a full day (sometimes a whole night) for the route.

When: Saturday, April 25, 2026

The Mammutmarsch Ruhrgebiet 2026 starts on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Start times vary by distance — the longest route (55 km) typically starts early in the morning or even Friday evening, the shortest (30 km) on Saturday morning.

Three Distances — 30, 42, 55 Kilometers

• 30 km: Start at Duisburg's Innenhafen. Route through Duisburg's industrial landscape. Suitable for active hikers without extreme prior experience.
• 42 km: Marathon distance, start at Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. For ambitious hikers with good stamina.
• 55 km: Maximum distance, also starting at Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. A true endurance challenge — many take 12+ hours for this route.

Route — Through the Ruhr Area

The routes lead through the former industrial sites of the northern Ruhr area — Duisburg, Oberhausen, Mülheim, partly to Bottrop:

• Malakoff Tower (Bottrop or Duisburg) — a historic mining relic
• Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord — the spectacular disused blast furnace complex of Thyssen Krupp, now an industrial monument and a climbing and diving site
• Tetraeder Bottrop — the 50-meter-high viewing platform on a slag heap, one of the landmarks of the northern Ruhr area
• Other stations: old mines, slag heaps, industrial parks, waterways (Ruhr, Rhine-Herne Canal)

The route connects these industrial heritage highlights — hiking becomes a tour of industrial culture.

Catering and Support

Refreshment stations are set up along the route. Water, isotonic drinks, fruit, energy bars, bread, hearty snacks. At the main stations, participants can rest, receive medical assistance, or end the event if necessary.

Who Can Participate?

The Mammutmarsch is not a competition and is aimed at active hikers of all ages. Requirements: good basic fitness, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing. Participation via online registration with a fee (variable by distance, typically €30–€60). Registration closes a few weeks before the date — early registration recommended.

Industrial Heritage as a Hiking Backdrop

What makes the Mammutmarsch Ruhrgebiet special is its backdrop: hiking through one of Europe's densest and historically richest industrial landscapes. Those who have climbed the Tetraeder Bottrop, marched through the blast furnace ruins of Landschaftspark, and passed the Malakoff Tower have completed a day trip through 200 years of mining and steelmaking history. A form of experiential tourism that uniquely combines sport, history, and urban landscape.

Getting There

Start in Duisburg: By train to Duisburg Hauptbahnhof (ICE hub), tram, or bus to Innenhafen or Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. By car: A3 or A40 exit Duisburg-Mitte / Duisburg-Nord. Parking available at the start area. Finish: Varies depending on the route — shuttle buses or public transport will take participants back to the start.