HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen 2026: Europe’s Largest Amateur Radio Exhibition

From June 26 to 28, 2026, Europe’s largest and most significant amateur radio exhibition will take place in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance – HAM RADIO. For Austrian radio amateurs, it’s the must-attend event of the year: marvel at the latest equipment, meet manufacturers, discuss technical topics, and browse the largest radio flea market in Europe.

What is HAM RADIO?

HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen has been Europe’s most important amateur radio trade fair since 1976 and, alongside Hamvention Dayton (USA) and Ham Fair Tokyo, is one of the three major worldwide ham events. In 2026, it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

• Date: June 26–28, 2026 (Friday to Sunday)
• Location: Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany (directly on Lake Constance)
• Exhibition space: 27,400 m² across 4 halls plus Foyer West
• Attendance: Around 11,600 visitors from 52 countries (2025)
• Exhibitors: Over 150 commercial exhibitors + 230 flea market vendors

From its beginnings in 1976 with 62 exhibitors, the fair has become the central product launch platform for the European market. What manufacturers like Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, or Elecraft show here often doesn’t reach stores for months.

What to Expect

Exhibitors and New Products

Major manufacturers use HAM RADIO as a launchpad for new products:

• Transceivers: Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft, FlexRadio – often with world premieres
• Antennas: Diamond, Cushcraft, Mosley, Force 12
• SDR Equipment: FlexRadio Aurora, Expert Electronics, hybrid devices
• Test Equipment: NanoVNA, professional RF analyzers
• Accessories: Cables, connectors, power supplies, amplifiers

You can touch the devices, try them out, and speak directly with engineers. Karl Brazier (Yaesu UK) emphasizes that personal customer contact at trade fairs is indispensable for manufacturers – and that’s exactly what makes Friedrichshafen special.

Interested in QRP? Check out our comparison Yaesu FTX-1 vs. Icom IC-705. For SDR fans: FlexRadio Aurora and SDR Receivers Compared 2026.

The Flea Market – Europe’s Largest!

Halls A3 and A4 host Europe’s largest radio flea market. Over 230 sellers offer:

• Historic radios and transistors
• Modern used equipment at bargain prices
• Maker materials for electronics enthusiasts
• Tubes, capacitors, cables, connectors – everything your heart desires

Tip: Bring a shopping list and arrive early – the best bargains disappear quickly. Don’t forget cash (Euros)!

Innovation Zone

A dedicated area for forward-looking technologies:

• Open-source innovations
• Live demonstrations of digital modes
• Remote radio operation
• Hands-on experiences with new technology

Lectures and Workshops

DARC (German Amateur Radio Club) organizes over 110 lectures and workshops:

• Expert talks on current topics (propagation, digital modes, antenna construction)
• Hands-on workshops
• License exams (including the new entry-level Class N in Germany)
• Teacher training
• Youth activities

Topics range from SOTA and POTA to DXCC awards and AI-assisted operating modes.

Special Programs 2026

• Astro Exhibition on June 27 (astronomy and astrophotography)
• Live radio contacts and demonstrations
• Children and youth program
• Launch of DARC’s nationwide remote radio project

Travel from Austria

From Salzburg (Closest!)

• Distance: 401 km
• Car: 3 hours 9 minutes (approx. 212 miles driving distance)
• Train: 4 hours 24 minutes via Neu-Ulm (ÖBB, no direct connection)
• Rail price: from €55

From Vienna

• Distance: 517 km
• Car: 6–7 hours via A1/A8
• Train: 6 hours 48 minutes (fastest), avg 7 hours 54 minutes
• Operator: ÖBB, 5 direct connections daily
• Rail price: from €27 (book early!)

From Graz

• Distance: 690 km
• Car: 5 hours 47 minutes (approx. 358 miles)
• Train: 8 hours 38 minutes (no direct connection)
• Rail price: €110–210

On-Site

• Free MesseExpress (MX): Shuttle bus from Friedrichshafen Stadt and Hafen stations directly to the fair
• City bus line 5: From city center to fairgrounds
• Important: The fairgrounds are NOT within walking distance of the train station or airport!

If you’re driving and operating abroad: Read our article on CEPT regulations and operating abroad first.

Accommodation

Campsite Directly at the Fairgrounds

• Location: P-East 2 parking area directly at the site
• Cost: €25 per night (main occupant), €6 per night (additional persons)
• Facilities: Sanitary facilities, electrical and water connections
• Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, camper vans

Hotels

• Book early! The Lake Constance region is heavily booked during HAM RADIO
• Specialized booking services offer packages with airport transfer and car rental
• Prefer hotels with public transport connections to the fair
• Guesthouses and vacation rentals around Lake Constance also available

Ticket Prices

Exact prices for 2026 will be published at the beginning of the year. Discounts available for:

• Children (6–14 years)
• Students, pupils, apprentices
• Pensioners
• People with disabilities (valid ID required)

Current info at: hamradio-friedrichshafen.com

Tips for First-Time Visitors

What to Bring

• Notebook & camera: Product photos, exhibitor notes
• Backpack: For purchases and brochures
• Shopping list: Especially for the flea market (specific search terms!)
• Business cards/QSL cards: For networking
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk 27,400 m²!
• Cash (Euros): Many flea market stalls accept cash only

Planning

• Define 3–5 priorities before arrival to avoid losing focus
• Arrive early: Especially for flea market bargains
• Plan for all three days if possible – you can’t see everything in one day
• Check exhibitor list online from early June 2026

Weather & Clothing

• Late June at Lake Constance: Typically hot, but thunderstorms possible
• Pack layers and rain protection
• Good news: All halls and even the flea market are air-conditioned!

Food & Facilities

• Multiple cafeterias and food stands on-site
• Clean restroom facilities everywhere
• Meeting spaces for clubs and groups available

Why HAM RADIO is Worth It

Latest Equipment Before Everyone Else

See and test the newest transceivers before they go on sale. Compare models from different manufacturers side by side. Speak directly with company representatives and engineers. Typically, Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, and Elecraft present their innovations here first.

Network with 11,600 Like-Minded People

• Meet other Austrian OPs
• Make international contacts with DXers and contesters
• Join IOTA, SOTA, POTA, and other special activity groups
• Exchange ideas with enthusiasts from 52 countries

More on activities: Contests for Beginners, DXCC, WAZ, WPX Explained

Learning Opportunities

• 110+ lectures and workshops on all aspects of amateur radio
• Hands-on training with the latest digital modes
• License exams (primarily for CEPT licenses)
• Teacher training for educators

Bargain Hunting

Europe’s largest radio flea market with 230+ sellers. Find vintage equipment, rare components, and modern devices at reduced prices. Tip: Cash only at most flea market stalls (bring Euros!).

Looking to get started with SDR on a budget? RTL-SDR for Beginners, NanoVNA Antenna Analyzer

Comparison with Other Major Events

Event	Location	Attendance	Character
Ham Fair Tokyo	Tokyo, Japan	Largest worldwide	Asian market
Hamvention Dayton	Xenia, Ohio, USA	~28,000 (2018)	North American market
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen	Germany	~11,600 (2025)	European market, best organized

Friedrichshafen is described as:

• Large, clean, well-organized
• Very visitor-friendly, XYL-friendly, pet-friendly
• Air-conditioned (rare for trade fairs!)
• Excellent infrastructure with free shuttles, clean facilities, ample space

Conclusion

HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen is the must-visit event for European radio amateurs. Especially from Austria – particularly from Salzburg – it’s excellently accessible. Three days packed with the latest technology, networking, expert lectures, and bargains at Europe’s largest radio flea market.

Whether you’re a newcomer (then read Amateur Radio as a Hobby and First Steps After the Exam) or an old hand – Friedrichshafen offers something for everyone.

Tip: Mark June 26–28, 2026 in your calendar now and book accommodation and train tickets early. See you in Friedrichshafen! 73

---

Transparency Notice

This article was researched and written with the assistance of AI (Claude, Anthropic). The editorial team has reviewed and edited all content. Despite careful review, occasional inaccuracies may occur — we welcome corrections via email to [email protected].