Trail running in the Franconian highlands
Rocky cliffs, caves, and thousands of single track trails found at Ultratrail Fränkische Schweiz powered by Karpos
In April 2022, UTFS celebrated its debut and so began a new age for the Franconian highlands. On April 22, 2023 the race returns to the high-profile course through the Wiesent Valley. You will run along the finest single track trails, past climbing rocks, and even through caves. Pure adventure!
UTFS Route
Trail running races through the highlands of Franconia
Speedtrail
33km / 1,380m elevation gain
The Speed Trail powered by Run and Hike starts and ends in the market square in downtown Ebermannstadt. It’s equally perfect for those new to trail running and those seeking fast race times. This little brother to the Ultra Trail should not be underestimated, though. There are still 1,380 meters of elevation gain and some very technical parts to overcome.
Ultratrail
66km / 2,760 m of elevation gain
Since UTFS was founded as an ultramarathon trail race, this distance will remain the principal distance of UTFS. We again send you through the beautiful Franconian highlands, with some minor changes to the course from 2022. There are castles, caves, and seemingly endless ups and downs. We ask you to lay it all out there. It might even take your breath away.
Impressions and Comments
This was UTFS in 2022
"We are certain this race will find a place among the top most authentic and beloved highland race classics, on par with Lamer Winkl, etc."
"It’s an event creating a cult following, where a lot of blood, sweat and tears have been invested, and which is surely to make waves in the years to come."
"UTFS has proven with its premiere that the Alps aren't the only place to find demanding and challenging ultramarathon trails through beautiful landscapes. The race organizers laid down a strong foundation in the first year. With their fingers on the pulse of the ultra race running scene, and a lot of passion for the sport, they have secured a bright future for UTFS."
Suggested reading
Nice to know connected to UTFS powered by Karpos
Official UTFS race shirt powered by Karpos
You want a UTFS race shirt? We don’t need to be told twice, so we’ve partnered with Karpos again to develop an exclusive UTFS race shirt for the second UTFS.
UTFS is heading into its second year
The 2nd UTFS promises new features and enhancements. Even after creating this event practically from scratch, there’s always room for improvement.
The 1st annual Ultra Trail Franconian Switzerland (UTFS)
Three weeks after the debut of UTFS in Ebermannstadt, it’s easy to sum it up in one sentence: It was absolutely awesome! Reports and Impressions from UTFS 2022
About us
Who we are and our connection to the Franconian highlands
The UTFS Team
We are five Franconians (either by birth or by choice) who are bound together by an overwhelming passion for (ultra) trail running and by a love for our home trails in the Franconian highlands. Together we plan to stimulate the region by offering trail events and helping to grown a trail running community in the heart of the Franconian highlands.
From left to right: Werner Schlund, Florian Troeger, Stefan Meyer, Johannes Hendel und Matthias Barsch
The Franconian Highlands need not hide behind the Alps. It offers more continuous ups and downs, and more technical and narrow trails which challenge both the body and the mind. About the rise of ultra trail running in the highlands of Franconia.
From Ebermannstadt in Upper Franconia to the base of the Dolomite mountains in Italy, support for UTFS is ever-present and will never be taken for granted. We present …
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