Name: Nuremberg Soapbox Derby 2026
Start: 2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Burggraben Nürnberg

Soapbox Derby Nuremberg

About Soapbox Derby Nuremberg

Once a year, the historic moat of Nuremberg's Imperial Castle transforms into a challenging race track: from the Tiergärtner Tor to the Hallertor, self-built soapbox cars – gravity-powered, without engines – thunder down for the best time. The 16th edition on September 19, 2026, is a Volksfest (public festival) with a stage program, street food, and an after-race cooldown under the walls of one of the most significant medieval German structures.

Dates 19 Sep — 19 Sep 2026

Venue Nürnberg (09564)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Soapbox Derby Nuremberg — edition 2026

The 16th edition of the Nuremberg Soapbox Derby takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM in the castle moat – from Tiergärtner Tor to Hallertor, under the walls of the Imperial Castle. Self-built, engine-less soapbox cars compete on a challenging race track. Afterwards, an after-race cooldown on the main stage with a stage program and refreshments.

On September 19, 2026, the historic castle moat around Nuremberg's Imperial Castle will transform into an exciting race track starting at 11:00 AM. Teams from the entire Nuremberg-Fürth-Erlangen metropolitan region will compete in several classes – including hobby cars, youth cars, company teams, and creative special vehicles. The race track from Tiergärtner Tor to Hallertor demands tactical skill: those who manage their speed well without brakes and navigate the curves cleanly have the best chance. After the qualifying runs, the after-race cooldown on the main stage will create a lively atmosphere with live music and refreshments.

Highlights Soapbox Derby Nuremberg 2026

Race in the historic castle moat below the Imperial Castle — from Tiergärtner Tor to Hallertor — self-built, engine-less soapbox cars in multiple classes — stage program and street food in the castle area — After-Race Cooldown with live music.

Programme Soapbox Derby Nuremberg 2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026

from 10:00 AM — Setup, technical inspection of soapbox cars at Tiergärtner Tor
11:00 AM — Race start: first qualifying runs in the castle moat (Tiergärtner Tor → Hallertor)
Throughout the day — continuous race runs in multiple classes, stage program, food and drink stalls, children's activities
Afternoon — Finals and awards ceremony
Following that — After-Race Cooldown on the main stage with live music

Detailed class and start lists will be published on seifenkistenrennen-nbg.de.

Prices Soapbox Derby Nuremberg 2026

Free admission for spectators. Team registration is subject to a fee via the organizer's website seifenkistenrennen-nbg.de – includes entry fee, insurance, and technical inspection.

Practical information

Practical information — Soapbox Derby Nuremberg

Getting There

By U-Bahn (subway): U1 to Lorenzkirche station, then walk through the old town to the Imperial Castle (10 minutes). By car: A3 exit Nuremberg-Nord or Mozartstraße, then follow signs to old town parking garages; traffic is heavily restricted in the castle district itself on race day.

Admission

Free for spectators. Teams can register via the organizer's website.

Contact

1Agency, Steinstraße 21, 90419 Nuremberg, Phone +49 911 27437470, Email [email protected].

A City Race with a Historic Backdrop

The Nuremberg Soapbox Derby is one of Germany's most unusual sporting events: the race track leads through the castle moat around Nuremberg's Imperial Castle – the historic medieval defensive ditch, which is now a green park area. The race starts at the Tiergärtner Tor and ends at the Hallertor; in between lies a course with curves, gentle slopes, and an atmosphere that turns a classic soapbox race into an urban spectacle.

16th Edition on September 19, 2026

The 16th edition will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM. Teams of amateur builders, schools, clubs, company teams, and private individuals compete with self-built soapbox cars – without engines, driven solely by gravity. Judging is based on racing speed and, in many classes, also on the creativity and design of the cars. Construction follows clear regulations regarding safety, design, and weight.

Volksfest (Public Festival) Below the Imperial Castle

A Volksfest atmosphere arises around the race track: a stage program, food and drink stalls, hands-on activities for children, and a meeting space for teams and spectators. After the race, the After-Race Cooldown takes place on the main stage with live music and the awards ceremony. The medieval skyline of Nuremberg's old town with the Imperial Castle, the Sinwell Tower, and the historic city walls provides a unique backdrop that makes the race so distinctive.

Nuremberg as the Venue

With over 500,000 inhabitants, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second-largest city and the center of the Franconian metropolitan region. For years, the city has succeeded in keeping its historic urban space alive through events like the Soapbox Derby, the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market), or Rock im Park. The castle moat below the Imperial Castle is one of the most impressive venues a German city can offer for a sporting event – freely accessible and located right in the heart of the old town.