In a charming annual tradition, the streets of Nuremberg, Germany, were transformed into a pastoral scene on Sunday as hundreds of sheep paraded through the city center. The flock, led by shepherd Thomas Gackstatter, comprised approximately 600 sheep, drawing curious onlookers who eagerly captured the spectacle on their cellphones. The event marks the sheep’s journey from their summer grazing grounds in Nuremberg’s meadows to their winter pastures located west of the city. The 10-kilometer (6-mile) route took the flock through the iconic Hauptmarkt, the central market square, making Nuremberg the only known German city where sheep traverse such a prominent urban space. City authorities ensured a smooth passage by urging residents to keep the route clear and keep dogs away. Drones were also prohibited during the event. This practice of using sheep as natural lawnmowers is not unique to Nuremberg; cities like Berlin, Potsdam, and Augsburg also employ sheep for eco-friendly grass maintenance. The slow grazing process supports biodiversity by creating insect-friendly environments and reduces municipal mowing costs. For shepherds like Gackstatter, this arrangement provides a valuable solution to the scarcity of open grazing spaces.
Make way for the flock! Hundreds of sheep head through German city to their winter pastures
