Highlands and Steel

Highlands and Steel – Dortmund, Germany

• Date: 28 August 2026
• Location: Dortmund Phoenix-West, Germany
• Distances: 600 km
• Event Type: Ultra-cycling

Highlands and Steel is a self-supported ultracycling event in Germany, charting a course of remarkable contrasts. Starting and finishing in Dortmund, the challenge sends riders out on a 600-kilometre journey that marries the quiet, rolling hills of the Sauerland with the dense industrial heritage of the Ruhrgebiet. The format is simple: you have 60 hours to complete the route, managing your own pace, supplies, and rest. This is not a race, but a demanding personal adventure against the clock and the landscape, designed for the passionate long-distance cyclist.

The route itself is the main character of this story. With 5000 metres of elevation gain, the climbing is significant and concentrated largely in the Sauerland region. Riders will traverse the beautiful and challenging ascents around towns like Winterberg and Schmallenberg. This upland terrain, rich with forests and river valleys, provides the ‘Highlands’ of the event’s name. The landscape requires a steady rhythm and a resilient mindset, rewarding effort with sweeping views and quiet roads before the character of the ride shifts.

After the pastoral hills, the course pivots to explore the ‘Steel’ heartland of the Ruhr. The route weaves through a landscape defined by its industrial past, passing historical sites in cities from Duisburg to Essen and Bochum. This juxtaposition of green highlands and industrial corridors creates a unique atmosphere. This ultracycling event in Germany offers a rare perspective on how nature and industry coexist, following rivers like the Ruhr and passing landmarks such as the Phoenix-See and the Sechs-Seen-Platte.

As an unsupported event, self-reliance is fundamental. Participants are responsible for their own navigation, nutrition, repairs, and accommodation. While aid between riders is forbidden except in emergencies, checkpoints will be established along the route as stamp controls to ensure everyone follows the prescribed path. A mandatory equipment list including lights, a helmet, and an emergency bivy underscores the seriousness of the undertaking. The spirit is one of personal accountability and responsible adventure, a core tenet of the bikepacking ethos.

The event begins on the afternoon of August 28th from the Phoenix-West area in Dortmund, a symbol of the region’s transformation. This venue will also serve as the finish line, welcoming riders back within the 60-hour time limit. While there is no prize for finishing first, a finisher's medal awaits all who complete the journey. The experience is the true reward, offering a profound sense of accomplishment and a unique tour through this corner of the country. For those looking for similar challenges, there are many other other gravel events in Germany to explore.

Highlands and Steel stands as a testament to endurance and exploration. It’s an invitation to push personal limits while discovering the diverse landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia. The strict unsupported format and demanding route are not for the unprepared, but for those with the right fitness and mindset, it promises an unforgettable experience. More detailed information, including the full rulebook and registration, can be found on the official event website.