Aachen WEG Special, August 11 - 23, 2026

The World Equestrian Games will bring the world to Aachen - and us right into the middle of the action. From August 11 to 23, 2026, 650 athletes from 35 countries will come to Aachen. With a total of 800 horses, they will compete in six disciplines, cheered on by 500,000 visitors.

We’re bringing the tournament’s atmosphere to downtown and warmly welcome you all to the Aachen World Championships Special! Whether it’s culture, cuisine, or thrilling concerts: the supporting program for the 2026 Aachen World Equestrian Games, organized by MAC, will let us all experience the city’s unique atmosphere. In addition to renowned artists, there will be panel discussions with the riders, art installations, and plenty of space for a cozy get-together featuring Euregional specialties. So if you can’t be at the stadium, simply enjoy the event at the public viewing in the city. None of this would be possible without the support of numerous sponsors, especially the two main sponsors, Sparkasse Aachen and Stawag, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks!

Get closer than anyone else and become a volunteer!

Click here to go directly to the participation form!

World Equestrian Games Aachen 2026

Unforgettable moments, world-class performances, sporting history. Plus a euphoric atmosphere in packed stadiums and the entire city. These are the ingredients of a major event that will take place in Aachen's Soers from August 11 to 23, 2026: The FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. Gold, silver and bronze will once again be at stake at the tradition-steeped showgrounds. The best horses, the best riders, the best sport in a spectacular atmosphere. That is the promise for six disciplines.

More about the World Equestrian Games 

Layout 1

World Equestrian Games Chess:
A special promotion by the city marketing department

Horse pieces as tall as children, knights taking on kings—a game for young and old alike: these are the ingredients of a giant chess set featuring equine characters, which will be set up between the cathedral and city hall from July 10 to August 2, alongside the Archimedes Sandbox. Anyone who’s interested can come play or learn how to play chess—the rules are posted right next to the board. And best of all: All the pieces are visually inspired by the World Equestrian Games and make a great souvenir of this sporting highlight in Aachen. Just like the Charlemagne figurines of old, they’ll adorn companies, offices, and living rooms.

For more information or inquiries, please contact marketing@mail.aachen.de

• The rules of chess explained briefly and concisely.

Impressions

Supporting program

Foodmarket

Aachen, a city in the heart of the border triangle, offers international specialties and typical Aachen fare on Katschhof and Münsterplatz. From fries and puttes to Printen ice cream and Aachen beer - there's sure to be something for everyone. And if you don't want to buy anything from one of the many stalls, simply bring your own picnic. Benches and tables are available for a cozy get-together. You can follow the action in the Soers on a screen at the Katschhof.

The horse. Three museums

The happiness of this earth. Dürer, Rubens, Goya: Horses in art

To mark the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, the Suermondt-Ludwig Museum is presenting a major exhibition that can be seen as a tribute to the horse in the visual arts. https://suermondt-ludwig-museum.de/

Tradition - Innovation - Emotions. 100 years of CHIO

The Centre Charlemagne – Aachen’s New City Museum is hosting a photo exhibition centered on the CHIO, featuring spectacular, amusing, and curious images from Aachen’s equestrian tournaments over the past 100 years. https://centre-charlemagne.eu/

Centaur - Man and Horse. A film installation

To mark this year’s World Equestrian Games, two short films will be screened on a projection screen in the central exhibition hall of the Ludwig Forum Aachen: *Centaur* (2020) and *Horses Across the Meadow* (2013). https://ludwigforum.de/

Digital art in the spirit of equestrian sport

In collaboration with students from Aachen, artist Tim Berresheim has developed an augmented reality route from the city center to the Soers. Small foal sculptures with QR codes are located at six sites. Scanning the codes reveals impressive content, such as digitized equestrian artifacts, figures, and much more. In addition, users can move freely between the scenes and take photos or videos directly from within the app.

The AR art route leads through places off the beaten track and connects places such as the area behind the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, the Elisengarten, the Büchel, a park near the Neuer Aachener Kunstverein (NAK) and, of course, the Allianz Park in the Soers. It is accessible free of charge and invites you to explore the city in a new and surprising way.

Press

Layout 1

Aachen WEG Special: The supporting program for the 2026 World Equestrian Games

The World Equestrian Games bring the world to Aachen and the Aachen WEG Special brings the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the show from the Soers to the center. A varied mixture of culture, culinary delights and rousing concerts will ensure a World Championship flair. Two stages, three arenas and lots of small events: The Aachen World Cup Special supporting program will be spread across the entire city centre. The winners from the Soers will present themselves daily on the stage at the Katschhof, and there will be plenty of music on the market square.

More

Minister President Hendrik Wüst visits Aachen and promotes the World Equestrian Games at the Soers

Local time from Aachen, 23.03.2026

More

World Equestrian Games and Olympic Games: Aachen offers the biggest possible stage for equestrian sport

A top-class event is just around the corner: the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 from August 11th to 23rd. Another could follow in the future: Olympic and Paralympic Games in the CologneRhineRuhr region with Aachen as an equestrian venue. The anticipation of unforgettable moments in the Allianz Park united Minister President Hendrik Wüst, Lord Mayor Michael Ziemons, the most successful female rider of all time, Isabell Werth, and ALRV President Stefanie Peters today.

More

Layout 1

FEI World Championships kick-off in 365 days

World-class sport and royal splendor at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026

More

World Equestrian Games chess match at the Katschhof

From Friday, July 10, to Sunday, August 3, the city marketing department will set up an oversized chess set on the Katschhof, bringing the equestrian flair to the city even before the competitions.

More

WDR report | 23.01.2026

WDR Lokalzeit from Aachen: It all started with a few sketches - the result is chess pieces for the World Equestrian Games in horse design.

More

aachen tourist service

The 2026 World Equestrian Games in Aachen? Time to get to know the city better. The aachen tourist service's Old Town and Town Hall tours take you to historic places, impressive architecture and exciting stories from many centuries. Stroll through the old town, discover famous landmarks and take a look behind the scenes of the town hall. Explore Aachen away from the hustle and bustle of events and get to know the many facets of the city. Secure your place and add special impressions to your stay. Perfect for a relaxing break between events.

To the offer

Map

Further information

Main sponsors

Layout 1

Savings Bank Aachen

STAWAG

Sponsors

Energy partner

Media partnership