Once a year an active naval runway belongs not to the jets, but to the cyclists. At Bike Navy in Nordholz you ride where reconnaissance aircraft usually take off – on the closed-off grounds of the naval air wing. No climbing, no traffic, just tarmac, open space and North Sea air.
Here you'll find the key facts about the 2026 event, the disciplines, how to get there – and why Nordseezimmer Otterndorf is the right base for it.
At a glance
| Dates 2026 | 26–28 June, main race day Sunday, 28 June (approx. 9 AM–5 PM) |
| Location | Naval Air Wing Nordholz, Wurster North Sea coast |
| What makes it special | Germany's only sports event on an active airport runway |
| Disciplines | 30 km time trial, children's/youth classes, duathlon, run (BikeNavy! Run) |
| Participants | approx. 2,000 incl. spectators |
| Registration & info | bike-navy.de |
| Distance from Nordseezimmer | approx. 30 km / 25 min by car |
| Accommodation | Nordseezimmer Otterndorf – from 1 night, no single-room surcharge, 9.4/10 on Booking.com |
What makes Bike Navy special
Most cycling races run on public roads. Bike Navy doesn't. Here you roll over the paved runway of an active military base and the airfield of the Nordholz/Cuxhaven sport flying group – an area normally closed to the public. You won't find this backdrop anywhere else.
The event's motto sums it up: "On Bike statt Online". It's not only about personal bests, but about community. From the ambitious time-trial rider to the child on a balance bike, everyone is on the start line. That's exactly what makes the day so relaxed for families and casual riders.
The programme at a glance
| Competition | For whom |
|---|---|
| 30 km time trial | Ambitious hobby & all-comers riders |
| Children's & youth classes | Young riders, families |
| Duathlon | Running + cycling combined |
| BikeNavy! Run | Runners |
Even if you're not racing yourself: Sunday is well worth it as a spectator day. The atmosphere on the airfield is relaxed and family-friendly, and you rarely get to see a race on a runway. You'll find the current start times and registration on bike-navy.de.
Getting there from Nordseezimmer Otterndorf
From Otterndorf to Nordholz it's only about 30 kilometres – roughly 25 minutes by car. If you want to start the race day with a warm-up, ride the route along the coast. Either way: you're relaxed at the start in the morning and just as quickly back in the evening.
Room Koje has a lockable bike shed right at the house – your race bike is safe overnight. Self check-in around the clock means you arrive whenever you like, even after a long race day.
The region books up around Bike Navy – athletes come from all over northern Germany. If you still need a place to stay, don't wait until the last week. Bookable from one night, no minimum stay – ideal for a race weekend.
Nordseezimmer Otterndorf is 30 km from Bike Navy – with a lockable bike shed, self check-in and coffee for the early start. Bookable from 1 night.
Check availabilityWho is Bike Navy for?
- Hobby & all-comers riders: flat, closed course without traffic – ideal for a personal best over 30 km
- Families: dedicated children's and youth classes, relaxed atmosphere, plenty of space
- Spectators: a race day with a special backdrop, easy to reach from the North Sea coast
- Active travellers: perfectly combined with a few days at the dyke and mudflats around Otterndorf
Conclusion
Bike Navy is more than a cycling race – it's the rare chance to ride on an active naval runway, with a family feel and North Sea air. If you want to be there in 2026, it's best to plan a whole weekend. From Nordseezimmer Otterndorf you're at the start in 25 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
When does Bike Navy Nordholz 2026 take place?
From 26 to 28 June 2026. The main race day is Sunday, 28 June, with competitions from approx. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Nordholz naval air station.
Where does Bike Navy take place?
On the runway of the Nordholz naval air station on the Wurster North Sea coast – one of the few chances all year to ride on an active military runway.
How far is Nordholz from Nordseezimmer Otterndorf?
Around 30 km, about 25 minutes by car. If you like, ride there via the coastal route. Nordseezimmer is bookable from 1 night, and room Koje has a lockable bike shed.
Stay in Otterndorf
Two rooms, a quiet residential location, 30 km to Bike Navy. Self check-in 24/7, lockable bike shed (Koje), all inclusive – parking, Wi-Fi, tourist tax, coffee. Bookable from 1 night.
Check availability View room Koje9.4 / 10 on Booking.com · Catharinenweg 4, 21762 Otterndorf