Sports - and locations

Finals 2026 in Hanover: sporting diversity meets urban stage

The 2026 finals will bring a large number of German championships to the state capital of Hanover. From 23 to 26 July 2026, around a dozen locations in the city area will be transformed into precisely coordinated venues for over 20 disciplines - both Olympic and non-Olympic. The decision to decentralise the competitions across the entire city demonstrates Hannover's structural strength as a versatile event city with well thought-out logistics, short distances and a wide range of modern and historic sports venues.

Gilde Parkbühne: Vertical competition in urban greenery

The Gilde Parkbühne will serve as the stage for speed climbing during the 2026 finals. As a traditional open-air location surrounded by trees, it is ideal for fast-paced climbing duels. The close combination of natural space, direct proximity to the public and top sporting performance makes this venue a central showcase for climbing in the German competitive sports calendar.

Leinewelle: board sports at city river level

In the heart of the city centre, the Leinewelle showcases modern board sports formats such as rapid surfing in an urban context. The artificially created river wave is an example of Hanover's innovative strength and an urban transformation that combines sport and sustainability. The Leinewelle is a location where technical infrastructure and sporting zeitgeist overlap.

Maschsee: Three disciplines on one central body of water

The Maschsee will serve as a multiple location for the finals: canoe polo, canoe sprint and stand-up paddling will be held on the inner-city lake. The location combines sporting usability with scenic quality and an urban recreational function - a rare combination in the context of national competitions.

Opera Square: sandy areas against a classical backdrop

A temporary playing field for beach volleyball is being built on Opernplatz in front of the Hanover Opera House. The combination of urban architecture and open-air sporting use illustrates how flexibly Hanover can react to major sporting events. The chosen location illustrates the combination of cultural monument and event logistics.

New Town Hall and Platz der Menschenrechte: precision in a historic setting

The square around the New Town Hall is dedicated to 3×3 basketball and archery. The historic facades form a contrast to the dynamic disciplines, which require precision and speed of reaction. This backdrop gives the competitions additional recognition value within the nationwide sporting event.

Bristolweg: Dance, technique and timing

BMX Flatland and Breaking will be presented at the town hall on Bristolweg. Both sports are characterised by individuality, freedom of movement and technical sophistication. The chosen location emphasises the urban character of these disciplines and brings forms of expression of young sports cultures to the centre of the competition.

Stadium pool: water sports with a long tradition

The Stadionbad Hannover hosts swimming and water polo - two of the most established water sports. The modern equipment of the facility fulfils the requirements for competitions at the highest national level. The clear separation of spectator areas, athlete infrastructure and media zones enables efficient event management.

Steinhuder Meer: distance, wind and competition

The Steinhuder Meer, located outside the city centre, is a venue for triathlon, coastal rowing, sailing and speed windsurfing. The natural surroundings, combined with an infrastructure specialising in water sports, provide optimal conditions for endurance, wind and strength disciplines. The location complements the urban centre with a natural counterpart.

Swiss Life Hall: Mats, platforms and concentration

The Swiss Life Hall brings together the disciplines of weightlifting, ju-jutsu, judo and karate under one roof. The combination of martial arts with different techniques demonstrates the range of sports on offer in Germany. As an established hall, the Swiss Life Hall fulfils the highest technical requirements for tournament formats and safety concepts.

ZAG Arena: Expressiveness in motion

The ZAG Arena offers space for apparatus gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline. Thousands of spectator seats, modern stage and lighting technology and a high-performance infrastructure make this arena a favoured venue for choreographically demanding formats with high spectator interest.