On the snowy slopes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, around 80 sled teams take part in the Horn Sled Race (Hornschlittenrennen) each year on January 6. Wrap up warm and get ready to cheer on the sled teams in this one-of-a-kind winter event. If you're feeling brave and adventurous, you may even be tempted to participate!

The event takes place on the Epiphany, which is a holiday in Bavaria and a few other German federal states, so why not plan something fun and different with friends and family for the occasion?

Racing using traditional Bavarian horn sleds

The first-ever horn sled race in the Alpine ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen took place as a bet on January 6, 1970. The time was set with two ordinary wristwatches, the course was lit with torches, and the starting shot was fired from a balcony with a rifle. A total of seven sleds took part. The event, which is nowadays organised by Partenkirchen horn sled club, has since garnered massive popularity, and typically sees around 80 teams taking part.

Mountain farmers in Upper Bavaria traditionally used horn sleds to transport hay or wood in a bygone era. Today, the sleds are mostly sports equipment - especially when they are used in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Epiphany Day for the traditional horn sled race! 

Horn sleds in the traditional Bavarian design

Only horn sleds in the traditional "Werdenfelser" design, which originates from Upper Bavaria, are allowed to take part, and they must be within the specified dimensions. Participants are advised to take a look at the precise sketches on the Horn Sled Race website for specific measurements, so they don't get caught out!

The sled must be made of wood in its essential components with, of course, the exception of rails, fittings, runners and lower part of the sled legs. Each sled is checked and approved for compliance with the above regulations before the start of the race.

Getting to the Horn Sled Race

It's easy to get to the event by public transport, taking the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and from there to the Olympic Ski Stadium on bus 1 or 2 to the “Skistadion” bus stop. For anyone driving to the event, it's important to know that parking spaces are available at the Olympic Ski Stadium, which is a 10 minute walk to the race site.

Get your tickets to the Horn Sled Race

Tickets for Horn Sled Race spectators can easily be purchased on the day of the event at the ticket offices at the event location. It costs 10 euros for a standard adult ticket. There's a reduced rate of 5 euros for young people aged 13-18. Children up to the age of 12 get free admission.

For daring individuals who want to take part in the race, the entry fee of 50 euros must be paid in cash when the sled is picked up on January 6 from 9am-11am. The participants of a team must be at least 18 years old (or 15 years old if written permission from parents is available). Find out more on the Horn Sled Race website.