The Königssee bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track, nestled in Schönau am Königssee, Bavaria, Germany, near the stunning Königssee (meaning “King’s Lake”) and bordering Austria, has been a prominent hub for these winter sports since its establishment in 1968. It holds the distinction of being the world’s inaugural permanent, artificially refrigerated track for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton. However, in July 2021, the track endured significant damage due to widespread floods across Europe. Presently, reconstruction efforts are underway to rejuvenate the track and bring it back to its former glory.
In 1967, Königssee earned recognition as the venue for the European luge championships, thanks to its naturally chilly climate. This success prompted plans for a permanent track, which was finished in 1968 with the addition of artificial refrigeration. The following year marked its debut on the international stage as it hosted the FIL World Luge Championships.
Expanding its offerings in the 1970s, the track incorporated bobsleigh, setting the stage for its hosting of the sport’s championship event in 1979. This milestone marked the first instance of a track hosting both bobsleigh and luge championships in a non-Olympic year.
Skeleton competitions joined the roster in the late 1970s, culminating in the track hosting the world championships in 1990. Despite being proposed as part of Salzburg, Austria’s bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics in 2007, the bid fell short.
In October 2008, plans emerged for a renovation project spanning from 2010 to 2016, with a price tag of €21.7 million. Tied to Munich’s bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics, the renovation encompassed extending the finish line and constructing a new building near turn 16.
Despite a setback in March 2010 when the Turbodrom Kreisel turn caught fire, causing significant damage, the renovation was completed in time for the 2011 FIBT World Championships.
In 2021, the track suffered severe damage due to flooding across Europe. Reconstruction efforts commenced on April 22, 2024, with the dismantling of the men’s luge start and damaged track segments down to curve 5. Further phases of construction are slated to restore the track to its former glory, with completion anticipated by 2025.
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