Bamberger Sandkerwa: Is there a similar vehicular restriction seen as that observed during the Fishing Rally?
The historic city of Bamberg, Germany, is gearing up for its 75th annual Sandkerwa folk festival, scheduled to take place from August 21 to 25, 2025. This year's event promises to be a special one, with a popular highlight returning after more than ten years.
In light of the large expected attendance of over 200,000 visitors, the responsible security services have developed an extensive security concept for the Sandkerwa. This concept has been developed in collaboration with the city of Bamberg, the police, the fire department, the rescue services, and the involved security services.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, the security concept includes road closures and traffic restrictions around the festival area. This will prevent unauthorized vehicle access and help maintain crowd control. The city bus lines, which were previously used to block access roads during the Bamberg Fasching parade, will not be utilised as roadblocks at the Sandkerwa.
Instead, the security services will set up vehicle barriers with their deployment vehicles at key points. Additionally, some streets will be closed off or secured with barriers to prevent vehicles from passing at high speed. These measures are designed to react flexibly to different scenarios while preserving the character of the Sandkerwa as a traditional folk festival.
Tighter security measures have been implemented this year, with extended access controls and technical extensions such as permanently installed or mobile barriers. The organisers have referred to an "abstract danger situation" regarding road closures, aiming to exclude all possibilities that such a situation could occur. Vehicle barriers will be set up at other relevant access roads to completely prevent access.
The Bamberg Sandkerwa takes place in the old town of Bamberg, and the organisers are committed to ensuring the event's safety while maintaining its traditional spirit. For accurate and detailed security plans, it is best to consult official Bamberg city or event organiser communications closer to or during the event period.
[1] Bamberg Sandkerwa Official Website [2] Bamberg City Official Website [3] German Federal Police Website
