Seehasenfest Friedrichshafen

Seehasenfest — Tradition since 1949

The Seehasenfest Friedrichshafen was established in 1949 after the end of the war to give the destroyed city an event for identification. From these humble beginnings, it has become one of the largest folk and heritage festivals on Lake Constance — attracting around 200,000 visitors annually. The name comes from the "Seehasen" (Lake Hare), a mythical figure from Friedrichshafen legends — a symbol of childhood joy and the lake breeze. Uninterrupted since 1949, the 2026 edition marks the 76th year.

2026 Program — Five Days of Festivities

From Thursday, July 16, to Monday, July 20, 2026, the Seehasenfest Friedrichshafen will offer a packed program:

• Thursday, July 16 — Kick-off with beer tapping, opening of the festival tents, first live concert in the evening
• Friday, July 17 — School day with children's festival, schools march along, live music in the evening
• Saturday, July 18 — historical parade in the afternoon (fanfares, traditional costume groups, horse-drawn carriages, historical figures), water sports program, in the evening the grand Lake Constance fireworks around 10:30 PM
• Sunday, July 19 — Family day with reduced carousel prices, family water sports, live bands in the evening
• Monday, July 20 — Closing with a morning pint and a relaxed end

Grand Fireworks over Lake Constance — Saturday, July 18

The highlight of every Seehasenfest is the grand fireworks display on Saturday evening: Launched from the water, the fireworks shoot over Lake Constance, reflected in the water with the silhouette of the Swiss shore in the background. The pyrotechnics show lasts about 25 minutes and is often described as the most beautiful on the entire Lake Constance. Best viewing spots: Directly on the promenade, on the surrounding meadows, or on one of the excursion boats (paid special trips by BSB).

Parade and Historical Groups

The parade on Saturday afternoon is the thematic highlight: Traditional costume groups from Upper Swabia and Lake Constance, fanfare bands, historical riding groups, horse-drawn carriages, a representation of Friedrichshafen's history. The parade starts at the Sparkasse bank, runs along Friedrichstraße to the festival grounds on the promenade. Participating groups often comprise 1,500–2,000 people.

Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance

With around 64,000 inhabitants, Friedrichshafen is the second-largest city on the German shore of Lake Constance (an independent city in the Bodenseekreis district, AGS 08435). The city is home to the Zeppelin Corporation (now Friedrichshafen Aerospace, ZF Friedrichshafen) and houses the Zeppelin Museum. It is excellently connected by ferry, train, and bus: BSB ships to Konstanz, Lindau, and Switzerland, RB/RE connections to the hinterland.

Catering and Festival Atmosphere

Right on the promenade, festival tents, beer benches, food stalls, and cocktail bars line up. Lake Constance whitefish from a charcoal grill, Swabian Maultaschen, Bratwurst, fries, vegan burgers, cakes, regional beer (Saubuckwald, Schwarzwald breweries), cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Fair prices — the festival emphasizes family accessibility.