May 26, 2026
- Amateur radio meets astronomy: Trade fair theme highlights the connections between the two worlds
- One ticket, two events: Ham Radio admission also includes access to Astro
- Rabea Rogge live on stage: First German woman in space shares insights from the “Fram2 Mission"
Friedrichshafen – From June 26 to 28, 2026, the international amateur radio exhibition Ham Radio will return to Friedrichshafen for its 49th edition, opening its doors to around 380 commercial exhibitors as well as associations, flea market participants, and radio enthusiasts from around the world. Under the slogan “Discover the Sky: Amateur Radio Meets Astronomy,” Ham Radio 2026 will highlight the connections between radio technology and exploration of the night sky. A new addition this year: for the first time, the new specialist trade fair Astro will complement the event on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Astro will showcase astronomy, astrophotography, and state-of-the-art observation technology in Hall B1. “With Astro, we are expanding our portfolio to include a topic area that has much in common with amateur radio and appeals to entirely new target groups. At the same time, Ham Radio remains the heart of the event and the central platform for innovation and exchange within the international amateur radio community,” says Project Manager Petra Rathgeber.
Ham Radio itself will continue to occupy Halls A1 to A4, with a strong focus on both purchasing opportunities and knowledge sharing. Through a range of workshops and training sessions organized by the event’s non-profit partner, the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC), visitors will be able to expand their expertise and directly put it to the test.
Spaceflight up close and personal: Rabea Rogge reports on the “Fram2 Mission”
As the pilot of the “Fram2 Mission,” electrical engineer, roboticist, polar researcher, and astronaut Rabea Rogge became the first German woman in space. The first crewed polar-orbit mission featuring flyovers of the North and South Poles, “Fram2,” took place last year. Its aim was to observe and document Earth’s polar regions from low orbit for the first time and to generate new scientific findings for future space missions. Ham Radio will welcome Rabea Rogge as a special guest speaker on the Saturday of the fair. Appearing on stage in the West Foyer, she will discuss her mission and its connection to amateur radio. She will also be supporting ARISS radio contacts with the ISS and will be available to sign copies of her newly released book.
New specialist trade fair Astro celebrates its debut
Hall B1 will become a dedicated hub for astronomy, astrophotography, and modern observation technology on June 27, 2026. Admission to Ham Radio will also include entry to Astro on that day. The first program highlights have already been confirmed, including a guided tour of the Planetary Trail in Kluftern, where astronomical concepts will be presented in an engaging and accessible way. Astro will also host the first-ever presentation of the “Readers’ Choice Award” by the trade magazine “astronomie – Das Magazin.”
The award is based on a reader vote and recognizes outstanding products from a range of astronomy-related fields.
In the exhibition area, the new specialist trade fair will showcase the latest developments in modern astronomy technology. Exhibitors will include Baader Planetarium GmbH, which offers optical and mechanical accessories, filter technology, and system solutions for astronomical observation, astrophotography, and permanent observatory installations. One of the highlights of the exhibition will be a fully equipped 2.3-meter all-sky observatory dome, giving visitors hands-on insight into permanent observation solutions.
Educational formats bridge theory and practical application
Once again this year, a hands-on, tech-themed challenge by the name of the Ham Rallye invites participants to think and explore while solving clever technical puzzles along the way. Many of the overnight spots at the popular HamCamp have already been booked by young radio enthusiasts. In Hall A6, participants will be able to connect with like-minded peers and expand their knowledge under the supervision of experienced mentors during the trade fair days. Information and online registration for HamCamp are available at https://www.darc.de/ajw/hamcamp.
This year’s popular teacher training sessions at Ham Radio will focus on the overlap between radio technology and astronomical applications. Organized by the Amateur Radio and Telecommunications in Schools Working Group (AATiS), the courses offer practical examples of how both fields can be combined in classroom teaching.
Ham Radio offers something for everyone
Under the supervision of Germany’s Federal Network Agency, amateur radio examinations for license classes N, E, and A will take place on Friday and Saturday in the Rom room of the East Conference Center. Both first-time and additional examinations are on the program, and FCC amateur radio examinations for all U.S. license classes will also be offered. On the Saturday of the fair, the AJW department of DARC will hold an SWL listener examination in the Lake Constance room of the West Conference Center. The assignment of a German call sign, including a certificate, costs five euros and can be paid on site either in cash or via bank transfer. Membership in DARC is required for the allocation of a German call sign, and the necessary membership application forms will be available on site.
Tickets and opening hours
Ham Radio will take place from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28, 2026. Opening hours will be 9 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday. The Ham Radio day ticket also entitles you to admission to Astro on the Saturday of the trade fair. Parking on the fairgrounds is free of charge. Day tickets cost 24 euros at the box office and 17 euros when purchased online at https://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de/besuchen/oeffnungszeiten-tickets
Press contact:
Mona Dimitrow, Manager of Media Relations
Tel.: +49 7541 708-328
E-mail: mona.dimitrow@messe-fn.de
About Ham Radio
Europe’s largest amateur radio exhibition offers a comprehensive range of products and educational opportunities related to radio technology, providing a platform for radio enthusiasts worldwide to connect and share ideas. What sets Ham Radio apart is its unique mix of commercial exhibitors, globally networked associations, and Europe’s largest radio flea market. Expert talks, a diverse supporting program organized by the event’s non-commercial partner, the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC), activities for children and young people, live radio contacts, various license exams, career days, and teacher training sessions round out the extensive range of offerings.
About Astro
Astro is the new specialist trade fair for astronomy, astrophotography, and modern observation technology. As a new addition to Ham Radio, Astro expands the event to include an additional thematic focus. Exhibiting companies, observatories, and institutions will showcase a wide range of telescopes, instruments, cameras, filters, and accessories in Friedrichshafen. Expert lectures, workshops, and a flea market for astronomy supplies will round out the Astro exhibition, providing a platform for knowledge transfer, exchange, and purchasing opportunities.
About Messe Friedrichshafen
Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH is one of Germany’s leading trade fair companies and is located at the scenic meeting point of four countries along the shores of Lake Constance. Founded in 1950 to bolster the region’s economy, it has made a name for itself worldwide as an organizer and marketer of leisure and trade exhibitions. Its extensive portfolio includes congresses, corporate and sporting events, television productions, and live concerts. Each year, Messe Friedrichshafen attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries to Lake Constance. With a total of 87,500 m² of exhibition space, the venue features twelve exhibition halls, two multifunctional foyers, and two outdoor areas in the inner courtyard measuring 15,500 m². Additionally, the Static Display area spans 20,000 m² and provides exceptional opportunities for engaging and dynamic trade fair experiences. The exhibition grounds, which are compact in design and include the Fair Lake adjacent to the airport as well as halls equipped with hangar doors, can accommodate a wide range of possible uses.
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