Jena, May 28, 2026. Next weekend, Jena will be all about extreme hiking: the legendary “Horizontale – Rund um Jena” enters its 39th edition. Around 1,700 participants are expected to master the demanding routes around the Saaletal.
- What: 39th Horizontale – Rund um Jena 2026
- When: Friday, May 29, to Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Where (Start/Finish): 3-Felder-Halle USV Jena, Seidelstraße 20a, 07745 Jena
- Organizer: SG Carl Zeiss Jena-Süd e.V. & Förderverein Lauf- und Wander-Paradies Jena e.V.
- Official Website: horizontale-jena.de
Demanding Routes and Distances
Hikers can choose between two traditional distances that demand stamina and willpower from the athletes:
- 100 km Long-Distance Hike: The start takes place on Friday, May 29. The route covers approximately 2,300 meters in elevation gain, circling Jena once completely. Participants have a maximum of 24 hours to complete this extreme distance. The path leads across the prominent Kernberge and the Jenzig, among others.
- 35 km Sport Hike: This scenic route starts on Saturday, May 30. It is the shorter but still physically demanding alternative through the Thüringer Hügelland and along the Saale.
New in 2026: Free Public Transport Included
There is an important premiere this year for all active participants: for the first time, the use of local public transport (ÖPNV) is included in the registration fee. Participants can use buses and trains within the Jena city area for their arrival and departure free of charge, which significantly simplifies the logistics surrounding the event.
Online Results Query
Official timekeeping and the results database are managed via the “Race Result” portal. Results can be viewed live and after the event online:
- Results & Times: Race Result – Results Horizontale 2026
🎭 Significance for Jena: A Sporting Landmark
The “Horizontale” is much more than a sporting event – it is a traditional event with absolute cult status that attracts hiking enthusiasts from all over Germany. For decades, it has challenged the limits of mental and physical resilience while strengthening the sense of community within the regional sports scene. The unique topography of the Jena Muschelkalkhänge with spectacular views of the Saaletal provides the perfect, yet demanding, backdrop.
Source:
39th Horizontale – Rund um Jena 2026 — Results — 100km & 35km — Jena, Thüringen
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.