♟️ About the Organizer

GesundLand Vulkaneifel GmbH is the regional tourism and destination organization for the Vulkaneifel area in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It promotes Bad Bertrich, Daun, Manderscheid, Ulmen, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

The company provides visitor information, accommodation assistance, event services, destination marketing, and regional tourism development. It also manages tourist information offices in several local communities.

Bad Bertrich forms an important part of the organization’s work. The spa town is known for its natural thermal spring, health facilities, walking routes, cultural program, and location near the Moselle and the Vulkaneifel region.

The local Tourist Information office supports visitors with accommodation, regional activities, event tickets, and practical travel information. Moreover, it works with local venues and specialist organizers to deliver recurring public events.

🏆 Bad Bertricher Schachtage

GesundLand Vulkaneifel GmbH hosts the annual Bad Bertricher Schachtage at KulturRaum Bad Bertrich. The tournament has developed into a long-running international senior chess event.

Dr. Matthias Kleifges manages the chess organization and serves as chief arbiter. He coordinates registrations, regulations, pairings, rating submissions, participant communication, and the tournament schedule.

The event attracts senior players from Germany and other national federations. Participants compete in a nine-round classical tournament, while games count toward FIDE Elo and German DWZ ratings.

The 32nd Bad Bertricher Schachtage takes place from September 7 to 15, 2026. The tournament is open to players aged 50 and above. In addition, an evening blitz competition may form part of the program when sufficient players register.

The organization holds the tournament in the Großer Kursaal of KulturRaum Bad Bertrich. This central venue provides a dedicated playing hall close to hotels, restaurants, the thermal spa, and the town’s tourist facilities.

🌋 Tourism, Culture and Regional Events

Chess forms part of GesundLand Vulkaneifel’s wider program of cultural, sporting, and recreational events. The organization promotes concerts, festivals, guided walks, outdoor activities, health programs, and community events across the region.

Its team also supports visitors who combine tournament participation with a holiday. Players and accompanying family members can receive information about accommodation, walking routes, local attractions, and transport options.

The Vulkaneifel region offers volcanic crater lakes, forests, castles, cycling routes, thermal facilities, and the UNESCO Global Geopark. Meanwhile, Bad Bertrich provides a compact spa-town setting that suits a multi-day chess tournament.

Through its cooperation with Dr. Matthias Kleifges, GesundLand Vulkaneifel GmbH maintains an established international chess tradition. The partnership combines professional tournament management with local visitor services and regional tourism support.