Ham Radio Friedrichshafen – Leading international trade fair for amateur radio

Technology, community, and global communication on the same wavelength

Ham Radio in Friedrichshafen is the most important trade fair for radio amateurs in Europe and one of the most important worldwide. It is considered the meeting place for the international amateur radio community – a place where technology, enthusiasm, and decades of radio tradition combine with modern communication culture. Radio operators, technology enthusiasts, young talent groups, and exhibitors from over 40 countries meet annually at Lake Constance to present technology, exchange knowledge, and cultivate friendships across all frequency boundaries. Organized in close cooperation with the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC), the trade fair offers an extensive program of exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. From classic shortwave stations to digital modes of operation, from antenna technology to satellite radio—Ham Radio thrives on its diversity and the technical depth it offers its specialist audience.

Experience radio technology live – products, accessories, special solutions

Manufacturers, dealers, and associations present a wide range of products at Ham Radio: radio equipment, antennas, measuring instruments, kits, accessories for all frequency ranges, SDR systems (software-defined radio), digital radio solutions, emergency radio components, and DIY kits. Power supplies, cables, filters, baluns, interfaces, and control software are also part of the extensive range on offer. Particularly popular are the many suppliers who focus on special applications – from portable operation and QRP radio to the setup of HamNet nodes (amateur radio data networks).

The Ham Radio flea market – a treasure hunt for technology enthusiasts

A unique feature of the trade fair is the large flea market area. Covering several thousand square meters, private radio amateurs, collectors, and hobbyists offer used equipment, rarities, individual parts, and accessories. Whether it's a historic transceiver, tube device, rare handheld radio, or spare parts for DIY projects, for many, the flea market is the heart of Ham Radio and an El Dorado for technology nostalgics.

Expert-level knowledge transfer – the DARC Forum

The DARC Forum, which takes place parallel to the trade show, offers a high-caliber lecture program. Topics range from radio wave physics and new digital modes (e.g., FT8, JS8Call, VARA) to legal aspects, training, antenna design, software integration, emergency radio, and IARU guidelines. The international exchange is particularly strong: radio operators from Europe, North America, and Asia discuss technical standards and share experiences on major events, DXpeditions, or emergency communications.

Friedrichshafen as the gateway to the world of radio

For many years, Friedrichshafen has established itself as the ideal venue for Ham Radio – with its modern trade fair infrastructure, its location in the heart of Europe, and its direct connection to radio tradition through Zeppelin and aviation history. Many international guests take the opportunity to combine their visit to the trade fair with a stay at Lake Constance. Anyone interested in other technical or specialized trade fairs in Friedrichshafen – for example, in the fields of communication, electronics, or hobby technology – will find a comprehensive overview of what the region has to offer at Messe Friedrichshafen.

Youth, training, and promoting young talent

An important concern of Ham Radio is promoting young talent. The youth area offers young people practical insights into radio technology, electronics, and communication. Workshops, license preparation, soldering stations, and small construction projects bring technology to life. Many youth groups from the DARC and international associations use the trade fair for networking. There are also special events for educators and trainers, with a focus on practical technology education and extracurricular learning opportunities in the STEM field.

Amateur radio as a cultural technique – communication without the internet

Amateur radio is gaining new relevance, especially in an increasingly digitalized world. As an independent form of communication, it enables worldwide connections without a central infrastructure – important in natural disasters, in remote areas, or in security-critical areas. Ham Radio impressively illustrates this value and shows how radio can be not only a hobby, but also a contribution to society.

Ham Radio – Technology with heart, globally networked

Ham Radio is more than a trade fair – it is a way of life. It combines classic enthusiasm for technology with a passion for innovation, connects generations and countries, and creates space for exchange, friendship, and further development. Whether you're a DXer, CW fan, contester, emergency radio operator, maker, or QRP enthusiast – everyone will find their place on the frequency here. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de