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!

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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 

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

Horse-shaped 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 3, alongside the Archimedes Sandbox. Anyone who feels like it 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

Euregio market

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.

Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum

Grace, strength, elegance - since ancient times, horses have exerted a fascinating attraction on mankind, whether as majestic companions, for hunting or as loyal companions. In the Baroque period and the 19th century in particular, numerous depictions paid homage to the horse, its temperament, speed and power. On the occasion of the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum is therefore presenting an important exhibition that can be seen as a tribute to the horse in the visual arts.

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Center Charlemagne

We bring the atmosphere of the show into the city center! From May 16th to August 23rd, 2026, the Centre Charlemagne - Neues Stadtmuseum Aachen is presenting a photo exhibition "All about the CHIO Aachen" with spectacular, amusing and curious photos from the Aachen equestrian events of the last 100 years. The exhibition, created in collaboration with the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein Museum, looks back on an incomparable success story. Unique photographic documents show international sport - high-class, emotional, aesthetic.

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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.

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Press

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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.

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

Local time from Aachen, 23.03.2026

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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.

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FEI World Championships kick-off in 365 days

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

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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.

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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.

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Map

Further information

Main sponsors

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Savings Bank Aachen

STAWAG

Sponsors

Energy partner

Media partnership