What is the Nuremberg Sheep Parade?

The Nuremberg Sheep Parade is an annual tradition where hundreds of sheep are herded through the city's downtown area, making their way to winter pastures west of the city.

How often does the Nuremberg Sheep Parade take place?

The Nuremberg Sheep Parade is an annual event that occurs every year, with the most recent one taking place on November 16, 2025.

Why are the sheep herded through Nuremberg's city center?

The sheep are part of shepherd Thomas Gackstatter's flock and have spent the summer grazing in various meadows around Nuremberg to help keep the grass neat and tidy. The annual migration to their winter pastures has become a beloved tradition in the city.

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

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

16 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Hundreds of sheep herded through Nuremberg's downtown
Spectacle has become a popular annual event
Sheep used to keep grass neat in city meadows over summer

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.