Photo: Kristin O Karlsen, Unsplash
Hoppegarten Racetrack
Horse Racing & Family trip in Berlin
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Berlin that’s a bit different from the usual sights, then the Hoppegarten Racetrack is just the place for you. Here, sporting tradition meets a lively event atmosphere, and history blends with modern recreational activities, all just about 30 minutes by S-Bahn from Alexanderplatz.
- History of the Hoppegarten Racetrack
- Race Dates & Highlights
- Admission Prices & Ticket Information
- With children's and family activities
- Directions & Location
- Tips & Insider Recommendations
History of the Hoppegarten Racetrack
Photo: Philippe Oursel, Unsplash
Founding & Grand Opening in 1868
The Hoppegarten Racetrack was opened on May 17, 1868, in the presence of King Wilhelm I and the future Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, and quickly became regarded as one of Germany’s most important racetracks. Even back then, it attracted Berlin’s high society and offered a unique experience that blended equestrian sports with a social event. With over 40 racing stables and more than 800 horses in training, Hoppegarten was the center of equestrian sports and, at the same time, a social gathering place for people from all walks of life.
The GDR Era & Changes at the Racetrack
In the postwar period and in the former GDR, East German racetracks were operated as state-owned enterprises (VE) until 1974 and were later managed by the state-owned enterprise (VEB) Vollblutrennbahnen. The major stud farms and major races moved to West Germany, leading to stagnation in East German breeding and the international neglect of the Hoppegarten site. However, approximately 22 race days were held annually, and the “International Meeting of Socialist Countries” was held eight times in Hoppegarten.
On March 31, 1990, the first “German-German” race day was held in Hoppegarten with 45,000 spectators. Despite initial euphoria, setbacks followed, along with a long period of stagnation, particularly regarding investments due to unresolved ownership issues.
Privatization & Current Owners
On March 25, 2008, the purchase agreement for the Hoppegarten racetrack and its associated training grounds was signed between the Treuhand successor company and Gerhard Schöningh, a former fund manager living in London. Hoppegarten thus became the first German racetrack to be owned by a private investor. Investments are now possible. Work has begun on renovating the grandstands. Hoppegarten aims to once again host sporting highlights and attract large crowds.
Race Dates & Highlights
Photo: Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten
Season: April–October
The racing season in Hoppegarten runs from April to October. During this time, you can look forward to exciting horse races that you can experience live. You can find the exact 2026 schedule on the official website. Every year on Easter Sunday, under the theme “Colorful Easter Races,” friends, families, and fans from Berlin and Brandenburg come together to enjoy a fun-filled day at the Hoppegarten Racetrack. In addition to the exciting races, there are plenty of Easter surprises in store for young horse racing fans.
Major Events: Berlin Grand Prix, German Unity Day Race
The highlight of the season is the Berlin Grand Prix, one of Germany’s most prestigious horse races. Other highlights include German Unity Day and other themed race days, which offer excitement and entertainment for all ages.
Themed Race Days & Family Events
Many race days are specifically designed for families, offering everything from children’s competitions and pony rides to picnic areas. It’s sure to be exciting—and not just for little horse lovers ;-)
Admission Prices & Ticket Information
Photo: Stefanie Poepken, Unsplash
Paddock, Grandstands & VIP Packages
Prices vary depending on the day and category:
- General Admission: approx. €13 – €27.50
- Grandstand & VIP: higher prices for a premium experience
You can buy tickets online or at the box office. If you book your ticket through the online ticket shop by 11:59 p.m. on the day before a race day, you’ll benefit from discounted advance-sale prices and save up to 38% on grandstand tickets.
Children's and Discounted Rates
Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge to the Sattelplatz when accompanied by an adult. Discounts are also available for groups, apprentices, students, and seniors.
With children's and family activities
Photo: Howard R Wheeler, Unsplash
Pony rides & hands-on activities
Jeder Renntag bietet neben dem Renngeschehen ein umfangreiches, kostenloses Unterhaltungsprogramm für Groß und Klein. Kinder können hier z.B. Ponyreiten und an kleinen Wettspielen teilnehmen, Fotos mit dem Maskottchen HOPPI machen, auf der Hüpfburg hüpfen, sich beim Kinderschminken tolle Motive ins Gesicht malen lassen, den Hobby-Horse-Parcours testen, und vieles mehr.
Picnic areas & green spaces
Large green spaces are perfect for picnicking and relaxing. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the atmosphere right next to the racetrack.
Food & Beverages on Site
Food stalls, snacks, and a beer garden will provide refreshments, making your visit a thoroughly enjoyable day trip.
Directions & Location
Photo: Mateusz Zatorski, Unsplash
Subway, Bus & Car
The racetrack is located in Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten near Berlin. You can easily reach it by taking the S5 to Hoppegarten, which runs every 10 minutes to Hoppegarten (Mark) (toward Strausberg). It’s a 5-minute walk from the station to the racetrack.
Still need a ticket for public transportation? With the EasyCityPass Berlin, you have your ticket for public transportation in Berlin and the surrounding area and can take advantage of numerous discounts from our tourism partners. Buy your EasyCityPass Berlin directly in our online shop!
Parking
There are plenty of parking spaces available right next to the racetrack for drivers. However, be sure to allow a little extra time, especially on big race days. If you’re using a GPS, enter “Rennbahnallee, 15366 Hoppegarten” to arrive at your destination without any stress.
Tips & Insider Recommendations
Photo: Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten
Come early & get the best seats
Especially on sunny days, it’s worth arriving early to snag the best spots on the lawn or in the stands.
Photo Opportunities & Highlights
The historic grandstands, the horses in the parade ring, and the finish line offer great photo opportunities for amateur photographers.
Horse betting
Horse betting is simply part of any race day: it adds extra excitement, creates truly thrilling moments, and supports equestrian sports at the same time. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or a first-timer, at Hoppegarten you can be part of the thrill and, with a little luck, place a bet on your favorite horse.
But how does it actually work? The best thing to do is watch the horses in the parade ring before the race, take a look at the program, and compare their past performances. Often, though, your gut feeling is what matters: Maybe you really like a certain horse, it looks especially fit, or you just like the jockey’s colors. The only important thing is that you choose “your” horse.
Placing a bet is very straightforward: For a win or place bet, simply tell the Toto cashier the number or name of the horse and the corresponding race. Alternatively, you can also submit a completed betting slip.
The stakes are manageable:
- Win and place bets start at €2
- Exacta and quinella bets start at €1
- Trifecta and superfecta bets start at just €0.50
The odds are always based on a bet of 1 euro. For example, if the odds are 5:1, you’ll win 5 euros for every 1 euro you bet. If you bet 2 euros, you’ll win 10 euros—and the potential winnings increase with higher bets.
In addition to classic bets, there are many other variations. You can find a good overview and helpful explanations in the program booklet on site or in the betting guide.
Note: Help for those affected by gambling addiction, their families, and anyone interested can be found on the website of the State Coordination Office for Gambling Addiction.
Conclusion: The Hoppegarten Racetrack is the perfect destination for families, sports fans, and culture enthusiasts. With exciting races, historic charm, activities for kids, and picnic areas, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day just a few minutes from Berlin.