World Equestrian Festival – Aachen 2023
June 24 (Arrive Dusseldorf June 25) – July 3, 2023
It is never too early to think about reserving for our Aachen Equestrian Festival program. At this point many of our Dressage season tickets have been reserved. We do have a small number still available. The Dressage package includes season tickets for the Dressage competitions, Tuesday jumping and opening ceremonies, Sunday Jumping finals and closing ceremonies, access to Eventing dressage and cross country and all phases of the Carriage Driving.
Our Stadium Jumping program for 2023 is based in the Mercedes Tribune, the best offering. It is almost always in the shade. The Jumping program includes access to all jumping competitions, Eventing jumping phase, access to the grandstands during Eventing cross country to follow the competition or the jumbo screens (or follow the XC course to watch the live action) and access to all phases of Driving. It does not include the Dressage Freestyle on Sunday.
The city of Aachen is inviting, historic and filled with friendly pubs and restaurants. But you will be spending most of you time at the Aachen Festival venue as there are classes for both Dressage and Jumping almost every day and evening.
As always, we will be accommodated by our friends at the very comfortable and well – located Hotel Aquis Grana. I believe this will mark our 19th year!
Saturday, June 24: Depart for Aachen
Depart for Germany & Aachen today. Please arrange your flights to Dusseldorf which generally offers the best airfare and connections and from which we have arranged Aachen transfers.
Sunday, June 25: Welcome to Germany
We have arranged scheduled transfers from Dusseldorf Airport to our hotel during the day, with the last transfer usually at 3:00pm.
Enjoy the afternoon free to explore. Perhaps enjoy a walk up to the Marktplatz, with the imposing Rathaus, and the pubs and restaurants with outdoor dining. We look forward to seeing you this evening at our cocktail party, prior to dinner.
Monday, June 26: Walking tour of Aachen
A buffet breakfast is included each morning. Today enjoy a walking tour of Aachen, once a Roman spa town, which still offers the “Aachen water”. Later visit the magnificent Cathedral, begun by Charlemagne. Lunch following our visit and this afternoon you’re free to explore at your leisure.
Tuesday, June 27: The Aachen Equestrian Festival Begins
Morning free. We will walk to the Bushof this afternoon and take the dedicated coach to the venue. On arrival, explore the stadium complex, the marketplace, the main jumping stadium and the Deutsche Bank Stadium, the venue for Dressage. The Opening Ceremonies are followed by a young horse jumping competition.
Wednesday, June 28: Prix St George & Grand Prix CDI 4*
Today in the Deutsche Bank Stadium there will be a morning Prix St George and later a Grand Prix CDI 4*. A full day of jumping in the main stadium and Driving dressage phase begins in the Driving Stadium. The marketplace here has a wonderful selection of vendors and includes a wide selection of dining options.
Thursday, June 29: Dressage CDIO Grand Prix & Nations Cup Jumping
The Grand Prix CDIO 5* takes place in the Deutsche Bank Stadium throughout the day. In the Main stadium there will be several jumping competitions working up to the Nation’s Cup this evening. Driving dressage continues in the Driving Stadium.
Friday, June 30: Eventing Dressage & Jumping, Grand Prix Special 4* and Jumping
The Deutsche Bank Stadium will be the site of Eventing dressage phase this morning. (Dressage ticket required). Show Jumping continues in the main stadium. The “Hunting” competition over ditches and banks usually takes place today. This evening the Eventing show jumping phase will take place in the Main Stadium. Driving cone phase takes place in the Driving ring, open to all. In the Deutsche Bank Stadium this evening the FEI Intermediate II, a Quadrille Championship and the Grand Prix Special CDI 4*.
If you would like to do some exploring today, you can take a bus to Maastricht, Holland, today, just 45 minutes away, and spend time visiting this really lovely city with great restaurants and shops.
Saturday, July 1: GP Special & Freestyle, Eventing Cross Country, Driving Marathon and Jumping
For Dressage, a very full day with a GP Special CDIO 5*. The evening program features the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*. During the day in the adjacent park the Eventing cross country phase ends in the main Stadium and marathon driving for the four-in-hand continues in the park this afternoon. The main stadium will have several jumping competitions in the evening.
Sunday, July 2: Rolex Grand Prix Show Jumping, Dressage Freestyle and Driving Cones
This is Grand Prix Day at the Aachen Festival with the Grand Prix of Aachen CDIO 5*. In the main stadium will be Grand Prix of Aachen/Show Jumping and the Farewell to Nations. We have included tickets to both today.
This evening we will gather for a reception at our hotel followed by dinner at a lovely nearby restaurant.
Monday, July 3: Depart for home
Farewell to Aachen today. We will arrange for a morning coach transfers to Dusseldorf Airport.
Please note: our competition schedule is based on past years. There may be some adjustments.