Bamberger Sandkerwa 2025 marks a decade-long hiatus for its special event.
The historic city of Bamberg is gearing up for a special edition of its Sandkerwa festival, celebrating its 75th anniversary from 21 to 25 August 2025. This much-anticipated event, a significant part of Bamberg's identity and calendar, will see the return of the popular duck race after a decade's pause.
For those eager to participate in the duck race, tickets are available for purchase at various advance sales points throughout the city. BMW Sperber car dealership on Ohmstraße 10a, Gewürzhelden Store/K & K Gewürzladen on Jäckstraße 58, Papeterie im Sand on Obere Sandstraße 14, Spielwarengigant im Ertl-Zentrum on Emil-Kemmer-Str. 19, Maedla on Obstmarkt 4, and Spies office on Laubanger 17b are all selling tickets.
The festival will take place in the historic Sand area in the old town of Bamberg, where traditional program points such as processions and the fisherman's fight on the Regnitz will be part of the celebration.
Besides the duck race, this year's Sandkerwa will feature special program highlights, according to Simone Franke, chairwoman of the organizing citizens' association. The highlight of the special program is the revival of the "Steinernes Paradies" (Stone Paradise) exhibition area, where over 300 stone carvers, potters, and woodturners will showcase their artistry. This artisan showcase had not been part of the festival for over ten years and is now back to celebrate the milestone anniversary with a vibrant craft market.
On Sandkerwa Saturday (23 August 2025), hundreds of little yellow rubber ducks will race from the Lower Bridge to the Markus Bridge. The race will start after a short framework program at 2:30 pm, and the "owners" of the fastest 50 ducks in the race will have the opportunity to win prizes.
The duck race is organised by the Round Table Bamberg association. So, if you're in Bamberg during the Sandkerwa festival, be sure to grab a duck race ticket and join in the fun!
Prepare to immerse yourself in the artisan showcase of over 300 stone carvers, potters, and woodturners at the revived "Steinernes Paradies" (Stone Paradise) during the Sandkerwa festival from 21 to 25 August 2025 in Bamberg's historic Sand area. Moreover, don't miss the opportunity to participate in the lively home-and-garden section of the festival, where you can purchase tickets for the home-and-garden-themed lifestyle market in the Sand area.
