From Usedom to Switzerland: These gravel events are coming up in October

Ammer Gravel Retreat

The Ammer Gravel Retreat, organised by The Gravel Fest, will take place in Bad Kohlgrub from 1 to 4 October 2026. At the heart of the retreat are rides through the Ammergau Alps, featuring varied routes, stunning views and special stops. There is a choice of distances ranging from 40 to 150 kilometres. On Saturday, there is also the ‘Gravel Chase’, a challenge in which teams of two must navigate to various checkpoints and complete tasks. Refreshments will be provided throughout the festival, with communal meals, campfires, an outdoor cinema, yoga sessions and a ‘Riders Party’. Tickets start at 225 euros. For more information, visit thegravelfest.com

Lower Rhine Gravel

On 3 October, the Niederrhein Gravel in Kalkar will offer a choice of two distances: 110 and 160 km with a relatively moderate elevation profile (250/350 metres of climbing) – a great option for anyone who, after the low-mountain events of the summer, is keen to get back onto flat terrain. More information at niederrhein-gravel.de

​Gravel 'n' Gröstl

From 8 to 11 October 2026, ‘Gravel 'n' Gröstl’ will be making its debut in the Kaiserwinkl. The focus is not on competition or personal bests, but on shared experiences, enjoying the great outdoors and a passion for gravel biking. The nine routes range from 20 to 100 km in length and cover a total of 540 km and 11,000 metres of elevation gain. For more information, visit gravelngroestl.com

PanaromaGravel

On 4 October, there will be a choice of four routes in Bühlertal in the northern Black Forest, ranging from 50 km/800 metres of elevation gain to 133 km/2,900 metres of elevation gain, with four refreshment stations along the way, according to the organisers. For every starting place allocated, the Forestry Commission will plant a tree. The registration deadline is 28 September, and the participant limit is 725 starting places. More information at rsv-falkenfels.de/panoramagravel

The Brain 2026 – Usedom

​‘The Brain’ is a unique race format organised by Waterkant Gravel Usedom. You are free to choose your own route, but you must pass through two checkpoints. There are no other rules for ‘The Brain’ on Usedom. Bike (except e-bikes), route and direction of travel: you decide it all yourself – the wind could become a tactical factor. Entry fee: 20 euros (until 16 October); late registration on the day of the event from 8 am for 30 euros. More information at waterkant-gravel.de

​Ochsenkopf Gravel

From 16 to 18 October, things will get serious once again in the Fichtelgebirge: in Bischofsgrün, races of 30, 60 and 90 km are on the programme, with race pack collection and a course inspection taking place the day before. The minimum age is 16, and the registration deadline is 14 October. A guided community ride away from the race route is also scheduled for Friday – a relaxed start to the actual race weekend. More information at ochsenkopf-gravel.de

​Gravel Festival Bern

According to the organisers, the Gravel Festival Bern is considered the oldest and largest gravel event in Switzerland and will host the official Swiss Gravel Championships for the first time in 2026. On 17 October, there will be a choice of two main routes: the 50 km Race course with 940 metres of elevation gain, and the 23.5 km Ride course with 290 metres of elevation gain. There will also be a VCS Family Ride and a Kids Gravel Cross. Away from the route, the venue offers a real gravel experience: in the large village, numerous brands will be showcasing their products, alongside exhibition areas, street food and a relaxed festival atmosphere. The registration deadline for the standard entry fee is Sunday 11 October – late registration with a higher entry fee is possible from 12 October onwards. More information at ridegravel.ch/bern

​Pannonia Gravel

The third edition of this spectacular cycle race, open to gravel, cyclo-cross and MTB riders, will take place on 25 October 2026 near Breitenbrunn in Burgenland. The route takes riders across the Austrian Armed Forces’ military training area, which is normally closed to the public. There are two routes to choose from: 73 km with approx. 1,150 metres of elevation gain, or 40 km with approx. 600 metres of elevation gain. The deadline for online registration is 22 October 2026 at 11.59 pm. For more information, visit pannonia-gravel.com

Is there an event missing from the list? Leave us a comment