Name: Molenlauf Sassnitz 2026
Start: 2026-10-31T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-31T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Stadthafen Sassnitz / Molenfuß

Molenlauf

About Molenlauf

The Molenlauf Sassnitz is the traditional autumn run around the town harbour at the foot of Sassnitz's famous pier. On the last weekend in October, the harbour area on the Baltic Sea island of Rügen transforms into a running course for the whole family: from the 800-meter children's and charity run to the walker's run and the classic main race of around seven kilometres. Sporty, salty, with the cry of seagulls and sea air — this is how the summer ends in Sassnitz.

Dates 31 Oct — 31 Oct 2026

Venue Sassnitz (13073)

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Edition 2026

Molenlauf — edition 2026

The 7th Molenlauf Sassnitz is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026. Start and finish will be at the usual spot at the Molenfuß-Gebäude in the town harbour. The programme includes the children's and charity run, the walker's run, and the main race — the sporty season finale at the foot of continental Europe's longest outer pier.

2026 Schedule

As in previous years, runners can expect a three-part programme:

800-meter children's and charity run — the kick-off for the youngest
Walker's run of around seven kilometres
Main race of around seven kilometres with timing

The meeting point and race headquarters is the Molenfuß-Gebäude in Sassnitz town harbour. Detailed start times and registration details will be published in late summer 2026 by the town of Sassnitz and the Tourism Stammtisch.

Atmosphere

At the Molenfuß, snack stands, music, and award ceremonies create a public running event atmosphere right on the harbour quay with views of the Baltic Sea.

Highlights Molenlauf 2026

Run directly at the foot of Sassnitz's 1,450 m long outer pier
Children's and charity run included
Maritime setting in the town harbour with ferries from Sweden and the chalk coast in the background

Programme Molenlauf 2026

Provisional Schedule

Registration and race bib collection at the Molenfuß-Gebäude
Children's and charity run 800 m
Walker's run approx. 7 km
Main race approx. 7 km with timing
Award ceremony at the Molenfuß

The exact start times for 2026 will be announced by the town of Sassnitz in late summer.

Prices Molenlauf 2026

Entry fees will be published when registration opens in late summer 2026. The children's and charity run is traditionally by voluntary donation.

Practical information

Practical information — Molenlauf

Getting there

By train: ICE/IC to Stralsund Hbf, then regional train RE9 to Sassnitz Hbf (approx. 45 minutes). From the station to the town harbour is about a 15-minute walk downhill. By car: B96 from Stralsund via Rügendamm to Sassnitz, parking available at the town harbour and at the Molenfuß. By plane: Rostock-Laage Airport (approx. 180 km).

Registration

Advance registration via the town of Sassnitz and the tourist information office is recommended; on-site registration on the day of the event is possible directly at the Molenfuß-Gebäude. Entry fees are generally moderate; the children's and charity run is traditionally by voluntary donation.

Accommodation

Guesthouses and holiday apartments in Sassnitz as well as in the nearby Baltic Sea resorts of Binz, Sellin, and Göhren. Prices are lower in autumn outside the main season.

Tip

Combine the run with a hike in Jasmund National Park: The high cliff path from Königsstuhl to Wissower Klinken passes spectacular chalk cliffs.

Running at the foot of the continent's longest outer pier

Sassnitz on the Baltic Sea island of Rügen is known for the longest outer pier in continental Europe — 1,450 meters of granite jutting far into the Baltic Sea. At its foot, in the Molenfuß-Gebäude (pier-foot building) in the town harbour, the Molenlauf starts every year at the end of October: a small but traditional public running event that ends the summer with sport.

Three courses for everyone

The format is family-friendly and aimed at all generations. The programme includes three courses that run through the harbour area and along the promenade:

Children's and charity run over 800 meters — a relaxed start where even the youngest can complete their lap
Walker's run of around seven kilometres for those who prefer walking to sprinting
Main race of around seven kilometres with timing for ambitious hobby runners

At the 5th Molenlauf on November 2, 2024, a total of 181 runners started — a manageable but dedicated community that shapes the event's character.

Maritime atmosphere in the town harbour

What makes the Molenlauf special is the backdrop: the chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park inland, the ferries from Sweden at the harbour quay, and the fresh Baltic Sea breeze. On the day of the event, a colourful supporting programme around the Molenfuß-Gebäude creates a lively atmosphere — snack stands, music, and award ceremonies foster a public running event vibe.

Organisers and tradition

The run is organised jointly by the town of Sassnitz and the Sassnitz Tourism Stammtisch (tourism working group) with the support of local clubs and sponsors. The premiere took place in 2020, and since then, the Molenlauf has become a firm fixture in the island town's event calendar and is considered the sporty season finale in the Vorpommern-Rügen district.

Sassnitz: Gateway to Jasmund National Park

Sassnitz is located on the east coast of the island of Rügen in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is the gateway to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage beech forests in Jasmund National Park. From the town harbour, you can reach the famous chalk cliffs with Königsstuhl in about 12 kilometres, and the promenade connects the historic fishing harbour with the seaside resort architecture of the Mukran district. After the run, harbour restaurants and smokehouses offer a well-deserved feast.