Your Essential Travel Guide to Sports Events in Germany
Major sporting events in Germany
40 million Germans either play sports individually or are part of a club. This sums up how much Germany loves sports! Whether you’re passionate about ice hockey or prefer the thrills of a tennis match, a trip to this country promises fantastic events and competitions. If you’re planning a road trip across the country, read our driving in Germany guide to ensure you have all you need.
Here, we’ve gathered some of Germany’s most popular sports, along with information on where to watch them.
1. German Open (badminton)
When: February-March
The German Open is an annual badminton tournament held in Mülheim in northwestern Germany. It was founded in 1955 and was known as the ‘German Badminton Championships’ until 1980. It was classified as a Badminton World Federation (BWF) Grand Prix Gold until 2017 and as a Super 300 tournament from 2018 onwards. Denmark, China, and England have enjoyed the most wins.
Where to stay:
- Holiday Inn Express Düsseldorf (★★★), Düsseldorf
- Flandrischer Hof (★★★), Cologne
- Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery (★★★★), Cologne
2. Euro 2024
When: From 14th of June to 14th of July 2024
Travelling to Germany for the most anticipated football event of 2024? Football fans, you’re in for a treat! The 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship is returning this summer, and the draws are already in. Several cities will host the tournament, including Cologne, Dortmund, Berlin and Hamburg, meaning you can be part of the action anywhere.
Where to stay:
- Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery (★★★★), Cologne
- Flandrischer Hof (★★★), Cologne
3. German MotoGP
When: July
The Sachsenring in Hohenstein-Ernstthal hosts one of the world’s biggest sports events, the German MotoGP. First held in 1925, this motorcycling competition is part of the FIM Grand Prix racing season. The circuit has changed over the years, from the Schottenring and Solitudering to the Nürburgring until 1997. The Sachsenring has been transformed into a modern arena with sweeping curves and elevation changes throughout, making every race thrilling and unforgettable.
4. Hamburg Open (tennis)
When: July
Held in Hamburg at Am Rothenbaum Tennis Centre, the Hamburg Open is among the world’s most popular and prestigious tennis competitions. It was established in 1892 and is played in a best-of-three-sets format on an outdoor clay court. The men’s and women’s competitions are ATP 500 tournaments for players who prefer competing on slower surfaces. The current men’s champion is Alexander Zverev, while the women’s winner is Arantxa Rus.
5. Handball Bundesliga
When: August-May
Handball is among Germany’s most beloved sports, and the Handball Bundesliga is the highest league. It was introduced in 1966 and initially had two regional sections: North and South. This changed in 1977 when it became a single-section league with 18 teams competing for the title. The first and second-place teams qualify for the EHF Champions League, while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth-place clubs access the EHF European League. The bottom two teams are relegated to the 2. Bundesliga.
6. Berlin Marathon
When: September
Nothing makes Berlin more beautiful than thousands of people gathering to celebrate its beloved marathon. The Berlin Marathon has been taking place on the streets of the German capital since 1974. It includes multiple competitions, from men’s and women’s level road running races to wheelchair and handcycle races. Berlin’s 42-km flat course starts and finishes near the Brandenburg Gate, passing through some of the capital’s most famous sites like Charlottenburg, Tiergarten and Mitte.
7. Bundesliga
When: August-May
Football fan? The Bundesliga never fails to entertain. Germany’s primary football competition was founded in 1963 in Dortmund and comprises 18 teams on a system of promotion and relegation. The season runs from August to May, and some of the hosting cities include Munich, Stuttgart, Leipzig and Freiburg. Bayern Munich has won 32 of 60 titles, making it a European record.
Where to stay:
- Flandrischer Hof (★★★), Cologne
8. Deutsche Eishockey Liga
When: September-April
The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) is Germany’s highest division in ice hockey. Established in 1944 to replace the Eishockey-Bundesliga, this tournament comprises 15 teams playing their home games in modern arenas and smaller venues. Its game-day atmosphere makes the DEL among Germany’s most exciting competitions, attracting thousands of fans each match. EHC Red Bull München is the current champion, but Eisbären Berlin dominates the scene with nine titles to the team’s name.
Where to stay:
- Holiday Inn Express Düsseldorf (★★★), Düsseldorf
- Flandrischer Hof (★★★), Cologne
- Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery (★★★★), Cologne
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