Aachen World Cup Special—it was a blast with you all!

From August 11 to 23, 2026, 650 athletes from 35 countries, accompanied by a total of 800 horses, came to Aachen. The approximately 500,000 visitors were treated to more than just a huge party at the Soers. In the city center, concerts, cultural events, and World Championship fever drew both Aachen residents and tourists to the Markt, Katschhof, and Münsterplatz.

Whether it was culture, culinary delights, or thrilling concerts—all of which were free of charge—the supporting program for the 2026 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, organized by the MAC, allowed us all to experience the city’s special atmosphere. In addition to renowned artists, there were panel discussions with the riders, art installations, and plenty of space to relax and socialize while enjoying Euregional specialties. Those who couldn’t make it to the stadium simply enjoyed the event at a public viewing.

None of this would be possible without the support of numerous sponsors, especially our two main sponsors, Sparkasse Aachen and STAWAG, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks!

World Equestrian Games Aachen 2026

Unforgettable moments, world-class performances, sports history. Add to that an euphoric atmosphere in packed stadiums and throughout the entire city. These are the ingredients of a major event: the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. And best of all: after successfully completing their competitions, the winners made their way to the city center to be honored on stage.

More about the World Equestrian Games 

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

Horse figures as tall as children, knights taking on kings—a game for young and old alike: These were the ingredients of a giant chess set featuring horse characters, which was on display at Aachen’s Katschhof from July 10 to August 2—with free play for everyone!

All the pieces are visually inspired by the World Equestrian Games and make a great souvenir of this sporting highlight in Aachen.
Some pieces are still available for purchase.
For more information or inquiries, please contact marketing@mail.aachen.de

• The rules of chess explained briefly and concisely.

What else?

Foodmarket

Aachen, a city in the heart of the border triangle, offers international specialties and traditional Aachen delicacies at Katschhof and Münsterplatz. For example, “Öcher Pommes,” Aachen “Bahkauv Brew,” wine from our French neighbors, or poffertjes from the Netherlands. And then you’re spoiled for choice: streusel rolls on their own or with ice cream? There’s definitely something for everyone here. The stands were open daily starting at 11 a.m.

The horse. Three museums

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

On the occasion of the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, the Suermondt-Ludwig Museum presented 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 presented a photo exhibition centered on the CHIO, featuring spectacular, amusing, and curious photographs from Aachen's equestrian tournaments over the past 100 years. https://centre-charlemagne.eu/

Centaur - Man and Horse. A film installation

On the occasion of this year's World Equestrian Games, two short films were shown on a screen in the central exhibition hall of the Ludwig Forum Aachen: *Centaur* (2020) and *Horses Across a 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.

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

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Main sponsors

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Savings Bank Aachen

STAWAG

Sponsors

Energy partner

Media partnership