- Dates: January 30 - February 2, 2026
- Location: Oberammergau-Ettal, Germany
- Marathon: 10 km / 21 km / 45 km classic and free technique
- EXTRA: Healthcare Workers’ World Championship
- REGISTER >>>
König Ludvig Lauf ski marathon follows a loop from Ettal to Oberammergau, which are only 5 km apart by road. Our accommodation is located near the finish line in Oberammergau.
This region of Germany is known for its romantic castles, stunning mountain peaks, and charming medieval towns. Oberammergau is just a 1.5-hour drive from Munich airport.
About the marathon
The König Ludwig Lauf ski marathon takes place in the historic region of the Bavarian Alps. The marathon was first held in 1968 in honor of King Ludwig, in an area where the king’s estates and castles were located. One of the most famous and beautiful castles along the ski route is Linderhof Palace.
The initial idea of the race was to hold the title of the world’s longest ski marathon. In 1968, Vasaloppet was 89 km long, so the first König Ludwig Lauf ski marathon was set at 90 km. This distance remained until the 1980s when organizers were forced to shorten the marathon to 50 km due to the lack of snow. It has remained this way ever since.
The König Ludwig Lauf offers race distances of 10 km, 21 km, and 45 km in both classic and freestyle techniques. The freestyle races take place on Saturday, January 31, while the classic technique races are held on Sunday, February 1.
Each year, the World Championships for Doctors and Pharmacists take place alongside the ski marathon. The race distances are the same, but results are recorded separately. Participants can include professionals from various fields, such as doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, veterinarians, and dentists. You can also have your results counted in the championship even if you are still studying for one of these professions.
Among the ski enthusiasts who have traveled with us over the years, several have achieved podium finishes at the Healthcare Workers’ World Championship, including Madis Rahu, Siiri Kaaver, Moonika Pilli, and Raul Parik.
The König Ludwig Lauf marathon has been organized since 1968 in collaboration with the Ammergau Nature Park organizations and nearly 400 volunteers. This is something the marathon organizers take great pride in. Year after year, people come together to contribute and create these magical winter moments!
About the marathon trail
The starting gun for the 45 km marathon is fired in the small town of Ettal. From there, the route winds through the picturesque Graswang Valley to the stunning Linderhof Palace before curving gently back to Oberammergau. This fairytale Bavarian town is famous for its beautifully painted houses, featuring scenes from Hansel and Gretel, the Big Bad Wolf, and the Seven Dwarfs.
With every gliding ski step, you are surrounded by the snow-covered, expansive Alpine mountain views. The course has a playful profile, making it accessible to skiers of all levels at a comfortable pace.
The shorter distances also start in Ettal but follow a more direct route to Oberammergau. The marathon course remains the same for both classic and freestyle technique race days.
All races in this ski festival count toward the Worldloppet series, allowing you to proudly add them to your Worldloppet ski passport. This is your chance to stay motivated for years to come and collect international marathon experiences along the way!
Bring your family and friends!
On the opening day of the ski festival, special races of 4 km and 6 km are held for younger ski enthusiasts. In 2019, one of the award presenters was local skiing legend and multiple Olympic medalist Tobias Angerer. Every child who participated in the race had the chance to stand on the podium and shake hands with the skiing star.
Family members and supporters are also welcome to join the trip! They can explore the Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort, which has hosted the Alpine Ski World Championships twice and offers nearly 60 km of slopes. The resort is located about 15 km from our accommodation.
For those looking to relax, a visit to the Wellenberg water park is a great option. It features a variety of saunas, as well as indoor and outdoor pools.
Accommodation and catering
We will be staying in the charming town of Oberammergau at the Einzianhof Guesthouse, just 200 meters from the ski marathon finish line. A grocery store is conveniently located nearby.
A rich breakfast is included at the hotel’s restaurant. For lunch and dinner, you can choose from the hotel’s menu or nearby restaurants, which we will introduce to you in advance.
Nestled in the Ammer River Valley, Oberammergau is a truly unique and magical place, famous for its traditional woodworking craftsmanship. Many locals are skilled woodcarvers, and as you stroll through the town, you’ll feel like you’re in an open-air art museum—many houses are adorned with beautifully hand-painted frescoes. See if you can spot Little Red Riding Hood or Hansel and Gretel painted on the walls!
Nearby, you can also visit Linderhof Palace, built by King Ludwig II and inspired by the famous Palace of Versailles.
A fairytale course
The ski trail passes through the Linderhof Palace at the halfway point of the long-distance race. Throughout the course, skiers are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and mountain peaks.
Healthcare Workers’ World Championship
Each year, a separate ranking is held for participants from the healthcare sector, allowing professionals and students in the field to compete among their peers.
Ski together as a family!
Shorter distances and kids' races make it easy for the whole family to join in. Bring your loved ones and enjoy a wonderful skiing experience together!
Flight tickets
You can choose between two trip packages. A package that includes flight tickets if you are departing from Tallinn, Estonia, or a package without flight tickets if you are traveling from another country.
If you choose the second option, please arrange your own flights to and from Munich airport, Germany, as this will be our meeting point. Specific meeting times will be shared with registered participants.
Package with flights
The start and the end of the trip in Tallinn airport, Estonia.
- Flight tickets from and to Tallinn, Estonia
- Local transportation at the destination
- Ski equipment transport by plane
- Race entry for one selected distance
- Accommodation in twin room for 3 nights
- Half board (breakfasts and dinners)
- Travel organization service and a supportive group leader
Package price is 1385 EUR.
EARLY bird price: if you register before October 10, 2025 (incl.), the price of the package is 1285 EUR. If you don’t want to participate in any marathon distances, the package is priced at 1200 EUR.
Package without flights
The start and the end of the trip at Munich airport, Germany.
- Local transportation at the destination
- Ski equipment transport by plane
- Race entry for one selected distance
- Accommodation in twin room for 3 nights
- Half board (breakfasts and dinners)
- Travel organization service and a supportive group leader
Package price is 995 EUR.
EARLY bird price: if you register before October 10, 2025 (incl.), the price of the package is 910 EUR. If you don’t want to participate in any marathon distances, the package is priced at 825 EUR.
If you wish to participate in the marathon on both race days, an additional race entry fee applies. You can select this option on the registration form.
Flexible payment options: after registration, we will send you the booking invoice (€300 per person). Payment of this invoice confirms your spot in the group. You can choose how to pay the remaining balance of the package on the registration form: you can pay the full amount of the remaining cost 40 days before the trip or in two installments. In the two-installment option, 50% of the cost is due 75 days before the trip, and the remaining amount is due 40 days before the trip.
Group leader Jüri Marcinkevicz
Jüri is an active sport enthusiast whose experience includes over 150 international marathons in various sports (skiing, running, mountain biking, road cycling, and more). He is not driven by achievements, but by the experience of pushing his limits and the opportunity to discover different countries through active movement. He definitely has a lot of tips and useful recommendations to share.
