Overview

• Oberhof will stage the Rodel World Cup and European Championships from January 16–18, 2026, followed by the Olympic luge test event on January 22–24.
• Königssee’s bob and luge track, destroyed by a 2021 storm, is now set to reopen in October 2026 after technical challenges and specialist labor shortages delayed reconstruction.
• The International Luge Federation confirmed the venue switch on July 16, 2025, to protect athlete preparation and IOC evaluation of the sliding-sports programme.
• This decision highlights the critical role of contingency planning and host-region cooperation in safeguarding pre-Games test competitions.
• FIL President Einars Fogelis commended Oberhof’s swift mobilization and adaptability, underscoring its proven value to the sport.