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Königssee Ice Track Reopened After Five‑Year Rebuild

The reopening restores a vital training base for German sliding sports with plans to host a World Cup in March.

Overview

  • The Königssee artificial ice track was ceremonially reopened on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and has already resumed training and held a national skeleton race.
  • Reconstruction added engineered flood protections, including a large debris barrier and a retention basin of about 7,000 cubic meters to catch rock, timber and slurry.
  • Project funding evolved from an initial state pledge of about €53.5 million to planned costs near €58.5 million and officials now expect roughly €10 million in further overruns.
  • Key work remains: the redesigned, lower men's start is scheduled for construction from March to December 2027, while a Rodel World Cup is set for March and the 2028 luge world championships remain planned at the venue.
  • Conservation groups continue to oppose rebuilding in a geologically high‑risk zone and raise safety concerns about onsite ammonia refrigeration tanks even as local leaders and athletes emphasize benefits for youth training and regional tourism.