Trabrennbahn Bahrenfeld

Hamburg’s horse harness racing is a popular sport and an old institution. It has been around for over 130 years with races still being held consistently. Its a lovely afternoon event in a beautiful location surrounded by forests and fields yet still in the city.

Located in the west of Hamburg in the Bahrenfeld neighborhood, the Trabrennbahn first opened its doors in 1880 and began it’s reign as the first performing race track in Germany. Harness racing is special in that the horse pulls a cart called a sulky in which the jockey rides in and runs at a specific gait called a trot. The horses and riders are often international with the bulk coming from Scandinavia and Germany.

The admission is always free except during the German grand prix held on October 8-9. The races are held usually on Sunday afternoons with a few Thursday evenings. With modern facilities, the race track has a large restaurant with international cuisine, betting windows and free childcare both inside and outside (according to weather). It is a wonderful afternoon outing with the whole family with a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Trabrennbahn has the highest purse in all of Germany. This means the prize money for each race is the highest paid, with often 8-10 races happening at each time.

Apart from horse races, the facilities are rented out to promotors who hold large concerts of up to 90,000 people capacity. International musicians such as the Depeche Mode, the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi have played there. In addition several small summer festivals use the space.

If you are a veteran at the race track or a newbie, Bahrenfeld Trabrennbahn is a good place to return or to begin. Great hospitality, beautiful location, you will feel the excitement of the races in a friendly environment. Its an amazing sight to see the horses race with a cart, something that is a thrill for children and adults alike. A perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in an old and respected institution of Hamburg, mixing with the locals and internationals that flock to these events.