Keď sa medzi rádioamatérmi v Európe vysloví názov Friedrichshafen, väčšina operátorov okamžite vie, o čom je reč. HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen totiž už desaťročia patrí medzi najvýznamnejšie rádioamatérske podujatia sveta and pre mnohých predstavuje doslova sviatok amatérskeho rádia. Každoročne sa pri Bodamskom jazere stretávajú tisíce rádioamatérov, výrobcov techniky, DX-manov, contestových tímov, konštruktérov, satelitných nadšencov aj začínajúcich operátorov, aby spoločne oslávili hobby, ktoré spája techniku, komunikáciu and medzinárodné priateľstvá.
The year 2026 will be no exception. The organizers have already officially confirmed the date of the HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen 2026 exhibition, which will take place from June 26 to 28, 2026 at the traditional Messe Friedrichshafen exhibition center in Germany. This time too, it will be the largest amateur radio meeting in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
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A tradition that goes beyond the borders of Europe
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen has built up a unique position over the years. The event is often described as the European version of the American Dayton Hamvention and for many radio amateurs it is a mandatory stop every summer.
According to official figures, the exhibition regularly attracts visitors from more than 50 countries around the world. The exhibition area exceeds 27,000 m² and the organizers register hundreds of exhibitors, clubs, associations and vendors every year.
Práve medzinárodný charakter robí z Friedrichshafenu unikátne miesto. Na jednom mieste možno stretnúť operátorov z Japonska, USA, Južnej Ameriky, škandinávskych krajín či z východnej Európy. Rádioamatér tu často narazí na stanice and osobnosti, ktoré doteraz poznal len z DX clustra, contestových výsledkov alebo z QSL lístkov.
HAM RADIO 2026 will bring together amateur radio and astronomy
One of the biggest innovations for the 2026 edition will be the parallel event ASTRO, which the organizers will present for the first time. The new exhibition will focus on astronomy, astrophotography and modern observing technologies. The whole concept carries the motto "Discover the Sky: Amateur Radio meets Astronomy".
This connection is not accidental. Amateur radio and astronomy have traditionally been very close. Both fields are connected by technical creativity, work with the electromagnetic spectrum, interest in space, and a strong community of enthusiasts.
The organizers are planning a separate program of lectures, an astro exchange, and presentations by manufacturers of astronomical equipment. A great advantage will be that visitors to HAM RADIO will be able to visit the ASTRO section with one ticket.
What makes Friedrichshafen special?

Huge amateur radio flea market
One of the main reasons why radio amateurs travel to Friedrichshafen every year is the legendary amateur radio flea market. It is the largest amateur radio exchange area in Europe.
You can find practically everything on hundreds of tables:
- historical tube devices,
- military equipment,
- vintage receivers,
- measurement technology,
- SDR equipment,
- antenna components,
- PA transistors,
- coaxial cables,
- microwave components,
- old QSL cards and magazines.
Many radio amateurs say that the flea market is the heart of the entire exhibition. Experienced visitors therefore arrive early in the morning to have a chance to discover rare components or bargain pieces of equipment before they disappear from the vendors' tables.
Unlike classic online shops, the Friedrichshafen exchange has a unique atmosphere of personal contact. Here, radio amateurs discuss equipment repairs, share experiences, and technical debates often develop spontaneously, lasting tens of minutes.
The latest technologies and world premieres
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen is also a place where manufacturers regularly present new products. The exhibition is therefore also extremely important for the commercial sector of the amateur radio industry.
Visitors can expect presentations from major brands such as:
- Icom,
- yaesu,
- Kenwood,
- Elecraft,
- FlexRadio,
- WiMo,
- Acom,
- Expert Electronics,
- RF Power,
- Diamond Antenna.
Výrobcovia často práve vo Friedrichshafene uvádzajú nové SDR transceivery, výkonové zosilňovače, anténne analyzátory či contestové príslušenstvo.
For a radio amateur, the opportunity to not only see the equipment, but also try it out in person is a huge advantage. Direct comparison of equipment is one of the main reasons why many operators plan to purchase more expensive equipment during HAM RADIO.
Lectures and professional program
However, the exhibition is not just about shopping. An important part of the event is the extensive professional program organized in cooperation with DARC – Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Dozens of technical lectures and workshops are held annually in the areas of:
- HF contestingu,
- DX expeditions,
- EME operations,
- microwave,
- SDR technologies,
- digital modes,
- antenna systems,
- meteor scatter prevádzky,
- amateur radio satellites.
Mnohé prednášky vedú známe osobnosti rádioamatérskeho sveta. Návštevníci tak majú možnosť vypočuť si skúsenosti popredných DX-manov, contestových operátorov alebo konštruktérov priamo From zdroja.
Veľkej popularite sa tešia aj prezentácie veľkých DX expedícií. Operátori tu rozoberajú logistiku expedícií na vzdialené ostrovy, anténne systémy, generátory, napájanie či zvládanie extrémnych podmienok.
Live amateur radio operation
One of the characteristic features of HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen is the live demonstrations of amateur radio operations. The exhibition is not just a static presentation of technology, but an active amateur radio space.
During the event, the following are regularly organized:
- connections via amateur satellites,
- contact with the ISS,
- balloon experiments,
- EME presentations,
- digital transmissions,
- demonstrations of SDR systems.
Live demonstrations often attract younger visitors, who can better imagine the practical possibilities of amateur radio.
Space for youth and the future of hobbies
The organizers have long placed emphasis on a youth program. HAM RADIO seeks to appeal not only to experienced radio amateurs, but also to a new generation of technically oriented enthusiasts.
The program includes:
- workshops for children,
- construction workshops,
- teaching Morse code,
- demonstrations of digital modes,
- HAMCamp for young radio amateurs.
HAMCamp has gained great popularity in recent years. It is a special space where young radio amateurs can camp right next to the exhibition center and create an international community of technically oriented people. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Friedrichshafen as a meeting place for the DX community
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen is an extremely important event for the DX community. Over the weekend, members of major DX clubs, expedition organizers and representatives of diploma programs meet here.
Mnohé kluby organizujú vlastné stretnutia a prezentácie. radio amateurs tak majú možnosť osobne diskutovať o pripravovaných expedíciách, contestových aktivitách alebo budúcich projektoch.
The exhibition is also an ideal place to exchange QSL cards, sign diplomas, or meet in person with operators you have only met on the bands.
Practical information for visitors
Event date
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen 2026 will take place:
- June 26-28, 2026
The exhibition center will be open:
- Friday: 09:00 – 18:00,
- Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00,
- Sunday: 09:00 – 15:00.
Tickets
The organizers recommend purchasing tickets online. A three-day ticket for HAM RADIO 2026 costs 37 euros online, with DARC members receiving preferential conditions.
| Ticket type | On-site checkout | Online |
|---|---|---|
| One-day ticket | €24.00 | €17.00 |
| ASTRO One-Day Ticket, valid on Saturday, June 27, 2026 | €24.00 | €17.00 |
| Discounted one-day ticket | €21.00 | €15.00 |
| Discounted ASTRO one-day ticket, valid on Saturday, June 27, 2026 | €21.00 | €15.00 |
| 3-day HAM RADIO ticket | €49.00 | €37.00 |
| Discounted 3-day HAM RADIO ticket | €44.00 | €33.00 |
| 3-day HAM RADIO ticket for DARC members | – | €33.00 |
One-day tickets and combination tickets including boat transport across Lake Constance will also be available.
Transportation

Friedrichshafen is located on Lake Constance, close to the borders with Austria and Switzerland. The location is easily accessible:
- by car,
- by Deutsche Bahn trains,
- by plane,
- by ferry across Lake Constance.
The organizers provide free MesseExpress transportation between the transport hubs and the exhibition center. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Why every radio amateur should visit Friedrichshafen
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen is not just an exhibition. It is an event that unites the entire amateur radio world. No video, livestream or photo can fully replace the atmosphere when you walk among hundreds of stands, listen to dozens of languages and meet amateur radio operators from all over the world.
Personal contacts are among the greatest values of this event. Amateur radio has been based on international cooperation since its inception, and Friedrichshafen perfectly embodies this philosophy.
Experienced visitors often say that the greatest experience is not the new transceivers or the flea market, but the spontaneous conversations with people who share the same passion for radio waves.
The importance of HAM RADIO for the future of amateur radio
V období digitalizácie a internetovej komunikácie zostáva Amateur radio stále unikátnym technickým koníčkom. HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen každoročne ukazuje, že amatérske rádio má aj v 21. storočí silnú komunitu a technologický potenciál.
The exhibition also confirms that amateur radio is not just a nostalgic memory of the past. Modern SDR systems, satellite technologies, digital modes and high-speed microwave connections prove that this is a dynamically developing field.
It is the combination of tradition and modern technology that makes Friedrichshafen one of the most important cities in the world of amateur radio.
Conclusion
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen 2026 bude opäť miestom, kde sa stretne celý rádioamatérsky svet. Od 26. do 28. júna 2026 sa Bodamské jazero znovu stane centrom amatérskeho rádia, DX expeditions, contestingu, technických noviniek a medzinárodných stretnutí.
For experienced radio amateurs, this is the traditional highlight of the season. For beginners, Friedrichshafen represents a unique opportunity to understand the true scope and strength of the radio amateur community.
Bez ohľadu na to, či vás zaujíma CW, DXing, contesting, SDR, satelity, mikrovlny alebo konštrukcia antén, HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen 2026 ponúkne množstvo inšpirácie, nových kontaktov and technických zážitkov.
More information can be found on the official website: https://www.hamradio-Friedrichshafen.com
