Luhmuhlen Horse Trials International Competition Guide | USET Foundation
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation

2025 Luhmühlen Horse Trials

Westergellersen, GER
June 12-15, 2025

Venue Address

Westergellerser Heide 
21394 Westergellersen
Germany

Competition Schedule

The full schedule for the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials can be found HERE.

Venue

The Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is located on the grounds of Mitterlatler Spectaculum Luhmühlen in Westergellersen, Germany. The venue will have the usual first-aid stations, a mixed zone where interviews can be held, a sports information desk, medical facilities, doping control facilities and Wi-Fi access. There are many shopping opportunities including a Flea Market and food and beverage options located throughout the venue.

Tickets 

All spectators must purchase tickets. Information on tickets including how to purchase can be found HERE.

Parking

All prices are include parking and pre-ticket sales fee.

Transport

Public Transport: There is public transport in Salzhausen, Germary which utilizes both buses and trains. The closest bus stop to the competition venue is approximately a 1 mile (15-20 minute) walk.

Taxi: Taxis use meters calculated by distance and time.

Rental Vehicles: For automatic vehicles, it is recommended to book a rental car with a large rental agency.

There are apps that can be utilized in the district of Lüneburg to request a vehicle such as Uber, Lyft, Ola, Didi.

The advised and safest method of travel is by taxi or car arranged by a hotel.

Weather

Average weather for June

  • High Temperature: 67°F / 19°C
  • Low Temperature: 52°F / 11°C
  • Rainfall: 2.95 in / 7.5 cm
  • Humidity: 67%

Suggested Clothing

Summertime sees the most rain of the year for Germany and can remain on the chilly side throughout the day. It is recommended to bring layers and at least one waterproof jacket.

Food & Drink

While tap water is considered safe to drink in Germany, it is best practice to utilize bottled water instead. Stay away from raw foods and unbottled drinks, unless in a reputable restaurant as a precaution.

Visas

Due to start in October 2025, U.S. citizens and non-E.U. nationals will need to complete The Entry/Exit System (EES) for all short-term stays to European countries. Registration and biometric data collection will be completed at a border control kiosk at the arrival airport. More information about EES can be found HERE. Please be sure to check any visa requirements.

Airports

Hamburg Airport (HAM) • 44.3 miles / 71.3 km (approximately 1 hour) from the competition venue.

Bremen Airport (BRE) • 82.6 miles / 133 km (approximately 1.5 hours) from the competition venue.

 

Vaccinations

In accordance with the CDC and USOPC recommendations, you may want to consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine.

Please note it takes approximately two (2) weeks to maximize immunity.

About Westergellersen

Located in the northern region in the district of Lüneburg, in Lower Saxony, Westergellersen is home to only 2,296 people. More information about Lüneburg can be found HERE.

PLACES TO SEEADDRESSINFORMATION
Zaubertheater LübeckBeckergrube 87, 23552 Lübeck GER Website
Museum of Art & HistorySteintorpl., 20099 Hamburg GER Website
Lübeck: Architecture & Local Craft Private Guided TourHolstentorplatz, 23552 Lübeck GER Website

Accommodations

There are many local accommodation options. Below is a partial list of nearby hotels. Recommendations from the event can also be found HERE.

HOTELWEBSITEDISTANCE FROM VENUE
Rüter’s Hotel & Restaurant Website 2.7 mi / 4.4 km
Akzent Hotel Wassermühle Heiligenthal – Lüneburger Heide Website 6.6 mi / 10.6 km
Egestorfer Hof Website 7.7 mi / 12.4 km
Holiday Inn Express Hamburg South Website 9.8 mi / 15.7 km
Gasthof Vossbur Website 10.3 mi / 16.5 km
Hotel Lüneburg Süd – Motel Lüneburg Verwaltungs GmbH Website 10.6 mi / 17 km
DORMERO Hotel Altes Kaudhaus Lüneburg Website 16.6 mi / 26.7 km

Hospitals & Emergency Services

NAMEADDRESSPHONE
Städtisches Klinikum Lüneburg Bögelstrasse 1, 21339 Lüneburg, GER +49 4131 770
Heidekreis-Klinikum GmbH Krankenhaus Soltau Oeninger Weg 30, 29614 Soltau, GER +49 5191 6020

Incident Management Guidelines

The key to good security is vigilance. Be aware of what is happening around you and always pay attention to anything that appears unusual or out of place. This includes people who appear nervous about their surroundings.

Security

In general, Westergellersen, Germany is a safe area for its residents and visitors. However, security perception changes greatly by district. If you have any doubts or need to report an incident, you can rely on the Police who are constantly patrolling the streets.

Responsible care should be exercised when traveling throughout Germany. There is a normal level of crime, but it varies by district. In the higher-income areas frequented by tourists, petty theft is the most common concern.

Travelers should keep valuables out of sight and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark. It is recommended to only use a trusted taxi or an app-based taxi service. Do not hail a taxi on the street.

ATMs and Credit Cards

Assailants usually target victims for their smartphones, wallets, or purses. If confronted by someone with a weapon, it is best not to resist.

It is best to use ATMs inside banks instead of ATMs that are more accessible to passers-by and all banks advise customers to cover ATM keypads with their hands when entering codes. When making credit card transactions, travelers should expect the vendor to use a credit card reader in their presence.

Safety List

  • Make a copy of your passport or real ID and travel documents and leave the original in a safe place.
  • Always travel in groups.
  • Do not overtly wear expensive jewelry.
  • Keep your phone hidden.
  • Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or credit cards if you do not need them.
  • If you are in a vehicle in standstill traffic with the windows rolled down, keep phones and other possessions low and away from windows and be mindful of people walking through the traffic.
  • Do not approach unattended bags, cases or packages – report them.
  • Do not accept packages from anyone, the contents of which are unclear.
  • Do not advertise where you are staying.

Local Business Hours

Office hours are Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Banks are typically open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays with the exception of Thursday when most are open until 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.

Shopping centers are open Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays except for some types of stores such as bakeries, and cafes. The hours of operation can widely range depending on store type.

Currency and Exchange

The euro (EUR) is the official currency of Germany. The symbol for the euro is €. There are different currency exchange services available in Lüneburg such as Volksbank Lüneburger Heide eG – Filiale Salzhausen and Sparkasse Lüneburg – ATM.

Money can be exchanged at the airport, exchange houses or banks.

Currency slang includes but is not limited to:

  • Money – “Kohle”
  • €5.00 – “Fünfer”
  • €10.00 – “Zehner”
  • €20.00 – “Zwanni”
  • €50.00 – “Fuffi”
  • €100.00 – “Hunni”

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted. Use of debit cards is widespread, although many stores impose a minimum per debit card purchase, and service charges may apply. 

Travelers Checks

Very few places will accept travelers checks in Germany. It is best to use an ATM card at the many ATM locations available in Lüneburg in the absence of cash.

Tipping

Restaurants: Tipping is customary at sit-down restaurants in Germany at a 10% – 15% rate.
Transport: Tipping taxi drivers is not required but considered a kind gesture. A common tip is 10%.
Hotels: Tipping in hotels is customary but not required at a 10% – 20% rate.

STEP

When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

U.S. citizens with emergencies can call: (030)8305-0

Outside of office hours, call: 01149(30)8305-0

Outside of Germany: 01149(30)8305-0

Consulate

Should you need to contact the U.S. Consulate while traveling, the nearest one to the event is located in Hamburg.

U.S. Consulate in Hamburg
Kehrwieder 8
20457 Hamburg
Federal Republic of Germany
Tel.: +49-30-8305-0

To search other consulate locations, CLICK HERE.

Language

German is the official language and most widely spoken language in Germany, which over 95% of the population speak. About 56% of the German population speak English as a second language.

Communications (phone, WiFi, and internet)

Cellphone reception is typically good. Most of the country is covered with 5G systems. Contact your phone provider for more information on Sim Cards and International Data Plans.

Electrical

Power in Germany operates on a 230-volt current and a 50 hertz frequency. Electricity will be supplied through a Type C (two round pins), and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips).

Universal Power Adapters can easily be purchased before travel.

Food

German cuisine is known for hearty meals with many different flavors. A large amount of their cuisine includes multiple different types of meats, sausages, and sides.

Local Restaurants

There are many local restaurant options. This list below is a sample of some local restaurants close to the venue. There are many more from which to choose.

Some popular dishes include:

  • Sauerbraten (pot roast)
  • Schnitzel (meat cutlet breaded and pan-fried)
  • Bratwurst (ground pork sausage)
  • Currywurst (fried pork sausage)
  • Bavarian Potato Salad
  • Pretzel
  • German Beef Rouladen (rolled meat)
RESTAURANTADDRESSDISTANCE
KalescheAlte Dorfstraße 3, 21376 Salzhausen, Germany1.3 mi
Zum Peerkieker Bruchweg 5, 21376 Salzhausen, Germany1.4 mi
Lieblingscafe und RestaurantHauptstraße 5, 21376 Salzhausen, Germany4.5 mi
Restaurant 24 Lüneburger Str. 12, 21394 Kirchgellersen, Germany4.5 mi