Pedestrians in the historic German city of Nuremberg were treated to an unusual sight on Sunday as a bleating, woolly river of hundreds of sheep flooded the city centre. The flock was on its annual journey to its winter quarters, turning the urban landscape into a temporary pastoral scene.
A Spectacle for the Digital Age
Curious onlookers, many with mobile phones held aloft to capture the moment, lined the streets to watch the spectacle. The event has become a popular fixture in the city's calendar. Approximately 600 animals belonging to shepherd Thomas Gackstatter hurried past the fascinated crowds.
The sheep were embarking on a trek of over 10 kilometres (just over 6 miles) from their summer grazing grounds in the city to their winter pastures located to the west. Their route took them directly through the heart of Nuremberg, including the central Hauptmarkt (main market square). According to Gackstatter, this makes Nuremberg unique in Germany, as it's the only place where sheep cross the central square of a major city.
More Than Just a Parade: The Logic Behind the Flock
This annual migration is not merely for show; it is the culmination of a practical and eco-friendly urban maintenance strategy. Over the summer, Gackstatter's flock, along with other herds, are deployed to various meadows within the city of 540,000 inhabitants. Their job is a simple one: to graze and keep the grass neatly trimmed.
This method of landscaping offers multiple benefits. The sheep's slow, natural grazing is an insect-friendly form of grass care, which helps to preserve local biodiversity. Furthermore, it saves city authorities the significant costs and emissions associated with mechanical mowing. For shepherds like Gackstatter, this arrangement provides invaluable grazing land in an era where open spaces are increasingly scarce.
Keeping the Peace for a Smooth Transition
To ensure the safety of both the animals and the public, city authorities took proactive measures ahead of the flock's passage. They asked residents to keep the designated route clear and, importantly, to keep their dogs away from the mixed-breed sheep. The use of drones was also prohibited for the event, ensuring a calm environment for the animals to pass through.
While Nuremberg's central sheep crossing is unique, the city is not alone in employing this natural lawn care solution. The practice of urban shepherding is also used in other German cities, including Berlin, Potsdam, Augsburg, and Ulm, demonstrating a growing trend towards sustainable municipal land management.
