Ten million additional costs - after the destruction, the legendary ice rink is open for use again

Retired head toboggan coach Norbert Loch took the opportunity to look after his grandson on his first rides in the renovated ice track at Königssee. After five years, the oldest artificial ice rink in the world is shining again. The reopening in the presence of Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder underlines the importance. After the upper part of the track was destroyed by a huge avalanche of rubble in July 2021, the CSU politician was one of the first supporters of the renovation, together with his CSU sports minister Joachim Herrmann.

"What was initially positive was the quick and clear commitment from politicians to reconstruction, which was also associated with corresponding financial commitments. Immediately after the disaster, that was an important signal for the location and our sport," said Thomas Schwab, Chairman of the Bobsleigh and Sled Association for Germany (BSD), to the German Press Agency.

For the head of Germany's most successful winter sports association, there was no alternative to rebuilding, despite the other German lifts in Altenberg, Winterberg and Oberhof. “The artificial ice rink at Königssee is considered the ‘mother of all artificial ice rinks’ and enjoys a very special status among athletes from all over the world,” emphasized Schwab. The BSD also has its office not far away in Berchtesgaden. All planning for the three skid sports comes together there – including logistics, equipment and sports science.

Around ten million euros in additional costs

Forget the anger and fears about the preservation of the railway, “because the public discussion sometimes gave the impression that the railway had been completely destroyed,” said Schwab. Some critics quickly increased the costs to 100 million euros. The first commitment from the state government was 53.5 million euros.

“Due to the long planning and construction period, necessary replanning and the significant price increases during this period, it can be assumed that the project will ultimately cost around ten million euros more,” said Schwab and referred to the responsible district office for a “reliable statement of the final total costs”.

The symbolic value across generations is much higher. The youngsters could no longer drive on the home track. “We went to Innsbruck a lot during this time, but we were also able to train at the three other German tracks,” explained Schwab. Grandpa Norbert Loch took over the care of his sledding grandson, while dad Felix - who is now planning until the 2030 Olympics - is already in competition mode.

Men's sledder start is still being built

Double Olympic champion Johannes Lochner had the honor of the first ride in the two-man bobsleigh with Schönau's mayor Stefan Kurz. “At that point I didn’t believe in it anymore,” said Lochner.

The track is currently only ready for ten of the eleven Olympic disciplines. The three-time Olympic luge champion Loch has to be patient with the new men's start. He never believed in the original reopening date of October 2022 anyway. "The railway has been there for a very long time and there have always been conflicts, also with regard to sustainability. The railway costs a lot of money and there has always been headwind," recalled Loch.

Now everything seems to have been set. “The newly planned men's start should be built from March 2027 and be completed by the end of 2027, so that from today's perspective nothing stands in the way of the World Championships in February 2028,” said Schwab, who “expressly does not want to describe the coordination with nature conservation as an obstacle.” There was always a constructive dialogue, “even if there were different interests”.