MOUNTAINMAN Nikolaus-Trail Pommelsbrunn
Participants tackle trail running and hiking routes ranging from 5 to 43 kilometers through the forests, caves, and rock formations of Hersbrucker Schweiz. Highlights include sweeping views from the Hohler Fels and traditional Franconian dumplings at trail refreshment stations. A family-oriented walk features llama and alpaca petting alongside a small finish-line Christmas village.
What to Expect
Trail running and hiking event featuring scenic Franconian routes and festive challenges
Event Details
Ages
All ages for Wichtel-Trail, 18+ for other trails
Neighborhood
Hersbrucker Schweiz
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
MOUNTAINMAN® GmbH
Food & Drink
Course refreshments include Franconian Klöße at Arzlohe; bring your own cup, as disposable cups are not provided.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Active families and trail-running or hiking enthusiasts
Vibe
Active and festive
Energy Level
High
Budget
€€€
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: XL: €80 through June 30, €85 through September 30, €95 through December 5; late registration +€20. L: €70, €75, €85 on the same respective deadlines; late registration +€20. M: €50, €55, €65; late registration +€20; with a dog +€10. S: €40, €45, €50; late registration +€20. Family Wichtel-Trail: €35 for 1 adult with 1–3 children; each additional person +€10. Double Challenge: XL+M €120/€130/€150, late registration €190; XL+S €110/€120/€125, late registration €165; L+M €110/€120/€135, late registration €175; L+S €100/€110/€120, late registration €160. For the Double Challenge, the three tier prices are through June 30, September 30, and December 5, respectively. Flexi cancellation options cost 10% or 25% of the entry fee, depending on the option. The entry fee for S–XL includes the listed race benefits. – Get tickets
- Hours: Saturday: XL 8:00; L 9:00 in the race start-time section (the race-day schedule also says 9:30); Family Wichtel-Trail 11:00. Sunday: M and S without dogs at 09:00 and 10:00; M and S with dogs at 12:00 and 13:00. Saturday XL/L awards at 13:30; Sunday awards at 13:15 for S/M without dogs and combined rankings, and 14:30 for S/M with dogs. Finish cutoff is 17:00 on each day.
- Parking: Parking in Pommelsbrunn is very limited, particularly Saturday. Participants are advised to use public transportation or the free official MOUNTAINMAN shuttle from the Happurg Baggersee and Stausee parking areas; parking fees apply in Happurg. Saturday parking at Pegnitzer Einkaufszentrum (PEZ) is prohibited for event participants, and unauthorized or over-two-hour parking is towed at the owner's expense. On Sunday, the page directs visitors to PEZ, Happurger Straße 15, and says about 300 spaces are free, about 850 m from the start/finish; other marked parking areas and parking in town are also mentioned. Park-and-ride parking is also listed at Happurg and Hersbruck stations.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed on the Sunday S and M trails in designated afternoon start windows, with an additional €10 fee. Dogs are not allowed on the XL and L trails.
Tips & Advice
- Register by November 1 if you want your race packet mailed home, since later entries pick theirs up at the MOUNTAINMAN info stand on site.
- Pack your own cup or flask, because the aid stations hand out no disposable cups and it is part of the mandatory kit.
- Take the S2 or the free Saturday shuttle from Happurg, since parking in Pommelsbrunn is very limited and cars parked at PEZ on Saturday get towed.
- Label your gels and bars with your bib number and carry any poles from start to finish, because backpack checks can get you excluded.
- Enter the Double Challenge if you plan to race both days, as it costs less than two separate entries and has its own ranking.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a two-day format, with XL, L and the Wichtel-Trail on Saturday and S and M on Sunday.
- New: Sunday afternoon start window just for runners and hikers with dogs on the S and M trails, for an extra fee.
- New Double Challenge: race Saturday (XL or L) and Sunday (S or M) for a combined ranking, its own awards, special bib numbers and a reduced entry fee.
- New refreshment: Franconian Klöße from Henglein at the Arzlohe aid station.
- New: Dr. Trail, with Metropol Medical Center Nürnberg, answers general health questions about trail running, hiking, training and racing.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take part in the trails?
Trail runners from beginners to pros can enter every route, and sporty hikers can do the S, M and L trails. The XL is only for experienced, very fit trail runners, and hikers can't enter it. The race routes have a minimum age of 18. The Family Wichtel-Trail is for one adult with one to three children aged 0 to 12, and adults can also do it without children.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on Sunday's S and M trails, which have their own afternoon start window for people with dogs. Dogs can also join the Saturday Wichtel-Trail. Both cost extra. Dogs are not allowed on the XL or L trails, and up to 120 people with dogs can start on S and M.
What happens on the Family Wichtel-Trail?
It's a 5 km hike in Nikolaus hats along a route marked with Wichtel symbols, with magic Wichtel doors hidden along the way. At the Reckenberg farm you can pet and feed around 20 llamas and alpacas. Everyone gets a medal at the finish, the Nikolaus has a small present, and there's no timing. A small Christmas village with stalls waits at the finish.
What food is there on the course?
Aid stations have sweet and salty snacks, energy food, regional specialties and vegan options. New this year are Franconian Klöße at the Arzlohe station. There's also a small finisher meal at the finish. Bring your own cup, because no disposable cups are handed out.
What gear do I have to carry?
Every route requires offline GPX data, a small first-aid kit with a rescue blanket, your own cup or flask, a charged phone, shoes with grippy soles, ID and health insurance card, and a rain jacket. M, L and XL also need a whistle. L and XL runners carry 1 litre of fluid, and M and S runners carry 0.5 litres. Gels and bars must be labelled with your bib number.
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