Hirsebreifahrt in Strasbourg: 570 Years of Friendship Between Strasbourg and Zurich

On 22 and 23 August 2026, Strasbourg will celebrate 570 years of friendship with Zurich through the Hirsebreifahrt, a historic tradition that has been kept alive for centuries. This cross-border event is a reminder of the deep ties between the two cities and of Strasbourg’s role today as a key destination for European and international encounters.

A tradition dating back to 1456

The story began in 1456, when Strasbourg and Zurich entered into a mutual defence pact. To celebrate this alliance, a group of young people from Zurich took on an impressive challenge: reaching Strasbourg by boat along the Rhine in less than 24 hours.

Their journey had a very special cargo on board: a pot of millet porridge, or Hirsebrei in German, which had to remain hot until their arrival in Strasbourg.

They succeeded. Since then, the journey has become a long-standing tradition celebrating the friendship between Strasbourg and Zurich.

Today, the Hirsebreifahrt remains one of the most vibrant reminders of this shared history.

Strasbourg celebrates the Hirsebreifahrt on 22 and 23 August

For this year’s edition, Strasbourg will welcome boats from Zurich for a weekend dedicated to history, culture and cross-border friendship.

The programme includes:

• ⛵ the arrival of the Zurich boats along Strasbourg’s quays;
• 🥣 the traditional distribution of millet porridge;
• 🎺 a brass band from Zurich;
• 👗 a historical procession in period costumes;
• 👀 guided tours, offering visitors the opportunity to discover Strasbourg from a different perspective.

For two days, Strasbourg will become the stage for a tradition that has been bringing people together for almost six centuries.

A story that reflects Strasbourg’s European identity

Beyond its historical and festive character, the Hirsebreifahrt tells a story that is deeply connected to Strasbourg’s identity: its ability to build bridges between cultures and regions.

Located at the heart of Europe and directly on the border with Germany, Strasbourg has maintained close relationships with its European neighbours for centuries.

The Hirsebreifahrt is a wonderful example: a tradition born from an alliance between two cities, passed down from generation to generation and still alive today.

This cross-border dimension is also one of Strasbourg’s key strengths as a MICE destination for international congresses, conferences, seminars and business events.

A MICE destination where history becomes an experience

For event planners, Strasbourg offers much more than a venue for meetings and conferences.

The city’s rich historical and cultural heritage provides countless opportunities to create authentic and memorable experiences that can give a seminar or congress an extra dimension.

A tradition such as the Hirsebreifahrt can, for example, become the starting point for discovering Strasbourg through its European history, its relationships with neighbouring regions or its Rhine heritage.

History, European culture and cross-border openness make Strasbourg an ideal destination for events that combine business with meaningful experiences.

Strasbourg – a city built around encounters

Since 1456, Strasbourg and Zurich have shared a friendship that transcends borders. 570 years later, this story continues through the Hirsebreifahrt.

This is also what makes Strasbourg such a unique MICE destination: a European city where professional encounters meet a rich cultural heritage, a strong identity and a natural openness to its European neighbours.

Because organising an event in Strasbourg is also about bringing people together through shared experiences, telling stories and creating new connections between regions and cultures.

Hirsebreifahrt 2026: Practical information

📅 22 and 23 August 2026
📍 Strasbourg
🇨🇭 Cross-border event between Strasbourg and Zurich

Visitors wishing to discover Strasbourg from a different perspective during the Hirsebreifahrt can take part in the guided tours organised by Strasbourg Tourisme, Loisirs & Congrès.

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