International Hunting and Shooting Days: Grünau Launches

<p>Today Schloss Grünau near Neuburg a.d. Danube opens its doors for the <strong>International Hunting and Shooting Days</strong>. From October 9-11, 2026, the historic hunting castle of the Wittelsbachs transforms once again into Germany's largest outdoor trade fair for hunters and shooters – attracting specialist visitors and hunting enthusiasts from across Germany and abroad to Upper Bavaria.</p><h2>Twelfth Edition with Further Growth</h2><p>For the twelfth edition, the trade fair presents itself in its customary impressive format: More than <strong>520 renowned exhibitors</strong> from Germany and abroad showcase their innovations across now <strong>11,000 square meters</strong> of weatherproof and heated tent halls as well as the extensive outdoor grounds surrounding the castle. The event thus continues its growth trajectory and underscores its position as the central meeting point of the industry in southern Germany.</p><p>The offering covers the entire spectrum of modern hunting equipment: from weapons to optics, thermal imaging and night vision technology, to hunting clothing and accessories. The portfolio is complemented by vehicles, travel, art, specialist publishing, and traditional craftsmanship – a mix that, according to organizers, is precisely what distinguishes Grünau from other trade fairs.</p><h2>More Than a Sales Fair</h2><p>With approximately <strong>33,000 visitors</strong> recently, Grünau is now Germany's largest outdoor trade fair for hunters and shooters. Yet according to industry observers, its particular strength lies not solely in visitor numbers. It is the combination of high-quality exhibitors, family atmosphere, historic ambiance, and authentically lived hunting culture that attracts thousands of people to Upper Bavaria each year.</p><h3>The Castle as Backdrop</h3><p>The hunting castle setting gives the event a character that pure indoor trade fairs can hardly offer. Between historic walls and the expansive park emerges an atmosphere that combines tradition with modern hunting practice – an aspect that many exhibitors and visitors highlight as a unique selling point compared to other hunting fairs.</p><h2>Hunting Fairs in Comparison: Dortmund and Grünau</h2><p>While Schloss Grünau positions itself as Germany's largest outdoor trade fair for hunters and shooters, the "Jagd & Hund" (Hunting & Dogs) fair in Dortmund is considered, according to organizers, Europe's largest hunting fair overall and one of the most significant meeting points of the international hunting industry. There, organizers expect tens of thousands of visitors across approximately 27,000 square meters, with up to 1,300 dogs from 59 breeds present on the grounds daily. Both events thus serve different facets of the same growing target audience: According to current figures from the German Hunting Association, with almost <strong>468,000 hunters</strong>, more people in Germany hold a hunting license than ever before.</p><h3>Program and Accompanying Offerings</h3><p>In addition to the extensive exhibition offerings, Grünau traditionally focuses on accompanying lecture and experience programs centered on hunting practice and game meat processing. Specialist media are also on site: the hunting magazine PIRSCH is represented with its own stand in Hall 3, including a mobile butchering station and editorial contacts.</p><h2>Critical Voices on the Industry</h2><p>It should not go unmentioned that hunting fairs in Germany regularly stand in the public discourse. At comparable events such as in Dortmund, criticism from animal welfare organizations is primarily directed at the promotion of controversial trophy hunts for African big game. Representatives of affected countries argue instead with regulated, sustainable wildlife management concepts and economic effects for local populations – a debate that accompanies the industry as a whole and is repeatedly addressed at fairs like Grünau.</p><h2>Conclusion and Outlook</h2><p>With its twelfth edition, Schloss Grünau confirms itself as a fixture in the calendar of the German hunting and outdoor industry. The growth in exhibitor numbers and hall space shows that demand for a fair with special ambiance remains strong. Given the continuing rise in the number of hunting license holders in Germany, this trend is likely to continue beyond this weekend in Neuburg a.d. Danube – and Grünau remains an essential date for all who wish to experience hunting culture, equipment, and professional exchange in a special setting.</p>