Sheep Parade Through Nuremberg's City Center in Beloved Annual Tradition

On November 16, 2025, the city of Nuremberg, Germany, witnessed a captivating annual tradition as hundreds of sheep were herded through the downtown area. Shepherd Thomas Gackstatter's flock of approximately 600 animals was making its way to winter pastures west of the city, a journey of over 10 kilometers.

The sheep had spent the summer grazing in various meadows around Nuremberg, helping to keep the grass neat and tidy. This yearly migration has become a popular spectacle, with curious bystanders lining the streets to capture the sight with their cellphones. The flock passed through the central market square, the Hauptmarkt, a route that Gackstatter says is unique to Nuremberg among German cities.

Ahead of the sheep's passage, local authorities had asked people to keep the route clear and to keep dogs away from the animals, which were a mixture of various breeds. The slow, methodical munching of the sheep is an eco-friendly way to maintain the city's green spaces, helping to preserve biodiversity while also saving the authorities the cost of mowing.

For the shepherds, the arrangement provides a valuable place to house their flocks during the summer months when open spaces have become increasingly scarce. The annual sheep migration has become a beloved tradition in Nuremberg, drawing crowds each year to witness this unique spectacle.