June 29, 2026
- 13,100 visitors from 59 countries attend Ham Radio and the inaugural Astro 2026
- Dual trade fair impresses exhibitors and visitors from both highly engaged communities
- Germany’s first woman in space, Rabea Rogge, highlights the connection between modern spaceflight and amateur radio
Friedrichshafen – Visitors from 59 countries made Friedrichshafen a meeting place for the amateur radio and astronomy communities. From June 26 to 28, 2026, 13,100 visitors attended Ham Radio and Astro, which was held in parallel at the exhibition grounds for the first time. The trade fair for astronomy, astrophotography, and observation technology complemented the 49th International Amateur Radio Exhibition and forged new links between the two communities. “The strong response to both events confirms that we have embarked on the right path with this combination,” says Klaus Wellmann, Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen. Around 400 exhibitors from industry and associations presented the full spectrum of the amateur radio and astronomy sectors.
“What has distinguished Ham Radio for decades was also clearly palpable at this year’s edition: people came together, shared their knowledge, and discovered new topics together. The fact that Astro enriched this sense of community right from the start is especially gratifying,” summarizes Project Manager Petra Rathgeber. Rabea Rogge’s appearances attracted interested visitors from both specialist fields.
A meeting place for business and an avid community
In 2026, Ham Radio once again confirmed its position as Europe’s largest exhibition for amateur radio. Exhibitors reported high visitor numbers, in-depth technical discussions, and strong business results. “Above all, it’s the friendly visitors and the personal interaction with them that make this trade fair so special. We had many great and interesting conversations at our booth and enjoyed strong sales right from the very first day,” says Kristin Hanisch, Assistant to the Management Board of Aaronia AG. Jan Hauschildt, Managing Director of Hilberling GmbH, also draws a positive conclusion following his company’s 20th appearance at the trade fair in Friedrichshafen: “We had the opportunity to reconnect with many existing customers while also establishing valuable new contacts.” For him, Ham Radio is, above all, an international meeting place: “For radio enthusiasts, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get together and meet fellow operators from other countries.”
Stephanie Heine, Press Spokesperson for the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC), agrees: “What makes Ham Radio so special to me is that it’s much more than a trade fair. It’s Europe’s largest exhibition for amateur radio, of course, but above all, it’s a place where people come together.” She also highlights the strong participation in the Ham Rally by children and young people, as well as the excellent response to formats such as the teacher training course and Contest University. “Summer, sunshine, and Lake Constance have simply become part of the Ham Radio experience for many visitors,” Stephanie Heine concludes.
Successful premiere whets the appetite for more
The premiere of Astro was a great success with both exhibitors and visitors. “You could see the strong interest right from the start, with long queues at the ticket counters and a constant flow of visitors to our booth,” reports Berthold Wassmuth, Chairman of the Astronomical Association Bodensee (Astronomische Vereinigung Bodensee). What impressed him most was the interaction between the two communities: “We experienced a fascinating mix of amateur radio operators and astronomy enthusiasts. Both groups found plenty to enjoy.”
Melanie Huber, Head of Marketing at Baader Planetarium GmbH, also looks back on the weekend with great satisfaction: “We’re extremely pleased. To be honest, we never expected such a positive response. As this was the first Astro event, we’re absolutely delighted.” Products for solar observation and astrophotography were particularly popular. “The quality of the visitors was excellent. Many people already knew us and had traveled here specifically to meet us.” Kai von Schauroth, Managing Director of “astronomie – das Magazin” and Athos Centro Astronómico SL, also considers the premiere a great success: “There were far more amateur astronomers here than we had expected, and many Ham Radio visitors also showed great interest in our topics and products.” His conclusion is unequivocal: “Having been involved with Astro from the very beginning, it goes without saying that I’d be delighted to take part again next year.”
Tickets and opening hours
The next Ham Radio will take place again from 25 to 27 June 2027 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Astro will once again be held alongside Ham Radio.
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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