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BIKE Festival Willingen 2026New test tracks for MTB, gravel and road bikes

Gitta Beimfohr

 · 16.03.2026

No bike shop can do that: Test and compare gravel bikes from all manufacturers at a festival weekend.
Photo: Yunique
From 29 to 31 May, Willingen Upland will be rocking again: three days of racing, partying and lots of exhibitors with brand new bikes, which will be handed out for extensive test rides. This year, optimal routes will be signposted. For (e-)MTB, gravel bikes and racing bikes.

It's no secret that rough studs feel less comfortable on asphalt than road bike tyres, but on which terrain do gravel bikes provide the smoothest propulsion? Until now, BIKE Festival visitors have been left to decide for themselves which track they want to try out the exhibitors' new bikes on. This year, Volker Schröder, the track organiser, has come up with special test tracks. On the one hand, of course, so that the different categories don't get in each other's way in the hustle and bustle of the festival. But above all, the very different bike categories should also be able to be ridden in their respective comfort zones. This is the only way the test riders can really concentrate on the technology of the bikes.

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The three test laps at the BIKE Festival in Willingen

They will be signposted in time for the festival, but if you want to be sure or perhaps want to ride the routes beforehand, you can download the respective GPS data for the routes free of charge.

1st test track BIKE and EMTB: Ettelsberg circuit

These four guys have tortured their bikes a little longer, but obviously had nothing to complain about even on the marathon distance.Photo: YuniqueThese four guys have tortured their bikes a little longer, but obviously had nothing to complain about even on the marathon distance.

The route: Of course, it goes up and around the Ettelsberg, Willingen's local summit. From the BIKE Festival site, the route climbs clockwise around the Ettelsberg, steadily gaining altitude for six kilometres up to the summit. A section on the Green Trails finally heralds the start of the very varied, long trail descent. This is the perfect way to put the new bikes through their paces in terms of climbing characteristics, riding position, propulsion and suspension.

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2nd gravel bike test route: To Usseln and up the Pön

On fine gravel through the Aartal valley around the Schneeberg and then on to the idyllic Hohe Pön.Photo: YuniqueOn fine gravel through the Aartal valley around the Schneeberg and then on to the idyllic Hohe Pön.
  • Length: 16.3 kilometres
  • Uphill: 292 metres in altitude
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Journey time: approx. 1 hour
  • The GPS data

A technically easy gravel tour up the Pön and back again: our gravel test route leads from the festival site into the idyllic Aartal valley and then via Usseln up to the Pön. Here, the gravel bike remains in its element: alternating surfaces of gravel paths and tarmac side roads provide variety without being technically demanding. The climbs are moderate and easy to pedal with a gravel bike gear ratio - ideal for relaxed gravel cycling through particularly beautiful countryside.

3rd road bike test track: Road to Usseln

Of course, Willingen doesn't have an Alpe d'Huez climb to offer. But it does offer beautiful, idyllic side roads through the Rothaargebirge.Photo: Redaktion TOUROf course, Willingen doesn't have an Alpe d'Huez climb to offer. But it does offer beautiful, idyllic side roads through the Rothaargebirge.
  • Length: 16.3 kilometres
  • Uphill: 224 metres in altitude
  • Difficulty: easy - medium
  • Journey time: approx. 45 minutes
  • The GPS data

From the festival site, the route goes through the village and then north-east into Willingen Upland. Just under 4 kilometres slightly downhill. Quiet roads with sporty climbs and flowing descents lead via Schwalefeld and Rattlar towards Usseln. All of this in a sawtooth profile, so that the gears also have plenty to do. On the cycle path above Usseln, the route turns north again and leads back to the festival site via Stryck. A varied loop with speed, panoramic views and little traffic.

If you'd like a little more: The BIKE Festival marathon routes are still being finalised, but we'll let you know as soon as the laps, hopefully with a high proportion of trail fun again, are ready. But you can already train!

All information about the BIKE Festival Willingen from 29 - 31 May 2026

Gitta Beimfohr

Gitta Beimfohr joined the BIKE travel resort during her tourism studies when the Strada delle 52 Gallerie on the Pasubio was closed to mountain bikers. Since Gitta crossed the Alps twice at racing speed, she has favoured multi-day tours - by MTB in the Alps or by gravel bike through the German low mountain ranges.

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