Woolly stars return: sheep parade across Nuremberg's main market!

Woolly stars return: sheep parade across Nuremberg's main market!

Today, November 16, 2025, it's that time again: around 600 sheep are moving across the main market in Nuremberg. This happens as part of the annual sheep parade, which is part of the city's customs. The spectacle is organized by shepherd Thomas Gackstatter, who, together with his team, accompanies the woolly stars that are popular with the audience. The sheep have spent the summer on pastures in the east and south of Nuremberg, such as in Pegnitztal Ost and Moorenbrunnfeld, and are now making their way to their winter pastures in the Fürth district.

The parade starts around 10 a.m. and leads over the Wöhrder Wiese and the island of Schütt to the main market. The sight of the flock of sheep, which includes different breeds of sheep, is not only a highlight for the spectators, but also crucial for landscape management. The sheep contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in the Nuremberg city area by eating grasses and herbs and loosening the soil. “This really makes a big difference for the environment,” says an environmental agency employee who is accompanying the move.

A contribution to biodiversity

Sheep have now become an integral part of Nuremberg and are used as natural landscape managers. In districts like Gebersdorf and Moorenbrunnfeld they are actively working to promote biodiversity and protect local flora. A brochure entitled “The Fascination of Sheep” explains the cultural and ecological background of sheep grazing, while the environmental office of the city of Nuremberg sees sheep farming as an important part of ecological balance.

However, there are challenges for shepherds and sheep. Above all, the lack of open space and off-leash dogs pose a danger. In order to protect the sheep, the city requires that dogs be kept on a leash in grazed areas. These measures help to secure long-term sheep farming in Nuremberg, which also supports rare breeds such as the “Rouge du Roussillon”.

An unforgettable sight for everyone

There are a few tips for spectators to make the event pleasant for everyone: Please keep the paths clear, keep dogs away and refrain from using drones. So nothing stands in the way of an impressive sheep parade experience. Whether big or small, the sheep captivate all spectators and give Nuremberg's main market a very special charm.

The sheep parade in Nuremberg not only maintains a tradition, but also makes a significant contribution to promoting biodiversity. Those interested can find more information on the website Northern Bavaria and Nuremberg.de. Don't miss this spectacle! It is a treat for families and a piece of Bavarian tradition that is kept alive.