1.08.2026Bayer 04

Start of preseason training camp: Werkself arrive in Weimarer Land

A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.

Werkself bezieht Quartier im Weimarer Land

For the Werkself, Saturday began with the fourth friendly of the current preseason. Following victories against Sportfreunde Baumberg (7-0), Kickers Offenbach (3-1) and Belgian first-division side KRC Genk (4-0 ), third-division side Rot-Weiss Essen were the visitors to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium this morning. Once again, Leverkusen put in an enthusiastic and dominant performance – and secured an impressive 3–0 victory in front of their own fans in glorious summer weather (the match report ).

Following a communal lunch, the Bayer 04 squad set off for Thuringia, and in the evening the Werkself finally arrived at the Spa & GolfResort Weimarer Land in Blankenhain. There, the team was welcomed by fans, hotel staff and the mascot Brian the Lion, who ensured the training camp got off to a flying start.

Information for Fans on site

For the Werkself, tomorrow – Sunday – will initially be all about recovery, before open training sessions take place each morning from Monday to Thursday at around 11:00 CEST on the pitches just a few hundred metres from the team hotel. Only the final training session on Friday, ahead of the friendly against Sevilla the following day, will not be open to the public.

In addition to training sessions, there is a varied programme for travelling fans. It all kicks off on Sunday at 15:00 CEST with a coffee and chat with managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes at the team hotel (registration required!).

An overview of all the fan activities taking place at the venue – featuring, amongst others, club legend and World Cup winner Paulo Sergio – can be found HERE. Are you there in person and want to stay up to date? Then sign up to the WhatsApp channel set up by the fan support team specifically for the training camp.

Of course, we will be following the Werkself closely over the next few days too: Look forward to exclusive insights, interviews, photos and videos straight from Blankenhain. Do check in regularly on our media channels – it’s well worth it. Until then, enjoy the rest of your Saturday evening!

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