Questions and answers

It will be possible to put together an individual programme for the Kirchentag in Hanover in advance: In order to reduce paper consumption and save costs, the complete programme will not be sent out in printed form, but the complete programme can be viewed in advance on our website or in the Kirchentag app. It will be published in January 2025.

The programme booklet "Programme at a glance" provides an overview of the topics of the Kirchentag.

You can obtain it free of charge by showing your 5-day or day ticket during the Kirchentag at the service points in Hanover and for a fee in the store, probably from March 2025.

Visit our english page (kirchentag.de/en/) regularly – the information on this site is constantly updated. In spring, we will publish an English programme booklet on this page which contains all events that will take place in English during the Kirchentag.

It is planned that some events can also be experienced from home or will be made available for viewing online.

We are currently in the middle of planning the programme. It should be a colorful mix of all the topics of the Kirchentag.

You will receive detailed information when the programme is published in January 2025.

The services will not be held in a stadium; at present, the venues are planned to be central squares in downtown Hanover. You will find out the exact locations at the latest when the programme is published in January 2025.

The services will be broadcast. At the moment, the channels and times have not yet been determined. As soon as they are known, at the latest in January 2025 when the programme appears, you will find out the broadcast dates here.

There are many different ways to get involved, with different application deadlines.

You can find all the information you need in the Take Part section of our website.

Here is what you need to know to apply for your visa: 

1. Make an Appointment Early: Contact the embassy or consulate in your country as soon as possible, preferably right after you get your invitation letter. 
2. Ask for Required Documents: Check with the embassy or consulate to find out what documents you need. You can find the contact details of the embassy responsible for your country here: German Embassies. The embassy in your country of residence is in charge of your application. 
3. Submit a Complete Application: Make sure to submit all required documents with your visa application. Incomplete applications may be rejected. 
4. Get an Invitation Letter: To receive an invitation letter from the Kirchentag, you need to create an account on the ‘My Kirchentag’ website. Remember, the invitation letter does not guarantee a visa. 
5. Deadline for Invitation Letters: You must request your invitation letter before January 15, 2025. No letters will be issued after this date. 
6. Correct Travel Dates: When filling out the visa application, include the full dates of your stay, from the day you arrive to the day you leave, not just the event dates. 
7. Questions During the Visa Interview: During your visa interview, you might be asked: 
   - What is the Kirchentag? (Find more info here (https://www.kirchentag.de/en/about-kirchentag) 
   - Why do you want to attend the Kirchentag? 
   - What connects you to your home country? (Talk about your family, school, work, church, or volunteer activities. You may also need to bring documents like marriage or birth certificates, job contracts, or student ID cards.) 
8. Travel Health Insurance: You must have travel health insurance that covers the entire duration of your trip. 
9. Accommodation: You will need to arrange a place to stay, whether it's a hotel, private accommodation, or group accomodation. If you book group accomodation through Kirchentag, make sure you have this information ready when you apply. 
10. Cover Your Own Costs: You are responsible for covering all expenses, including: 
    - Your ticket (and group accommodation, if applicable) 
    - Travel costs 
    - Accommodation and meals 
    - Visa application fees 

For more details on visas, visit the Federal Foreign Office website. 

If you are worried about covering the costs of attending the Kirchentag, you can contact us for possible assistance at international(at)kirchentag.de. 

Hanovers central station is a major transportation hub for the south of Germany and easily accessible by train. Check out possible train connections via www.bahn.com/en

You can drive to Hanover by car via Autobahn A3, A6, A9 or A 73. The city also has a Park+Ride System set up. However, the Kirchentag strongly encourages its participants to use public transportation instead of cars.

For our international guests who are travelling long distances to attend the Kirchentag, the only option is to travel by plane. Although Hanover Airport is international, it only has direct connections to other European countries. From Frankfurt International Airport (Frankfurt am Main) or Düsseldorf you have a very good train connection to Hanover mainstation.

The Kirchentag-App, together with the Mein Kirchentag-registration, offers a lot of handy features. You can store your ticket in the app and enter venues by showing a QR codes. Also, you can search the programme for topics, keywords and names that might interest you. Fave the events you want to attend to create your own schedule for the five Kirchentag days. Using GPS, you can see which events are taking place around you, and have the app navigate you to your destination. The app also allows to participate in digital surveys or ask questions in certain events, and sign up for events with limited capacity.

The Kirchentag app will be released in January 2025, as soon as the program is published.

In the app you will find the entire program and other extras. The app is required for obtaining your eTicket for the Kirchentag.

We will provide you with more information on the various functions when the app is released.

The new songbook is expected to be published in spring 2025. It will be available for purchase in our store at that time. With every 5-day ticket, you will receive a voucher for a free copy, which can be redeemed at the Kirchentag at the service points. If you would like to receive the song booklet in advance, you will have to order it in our store for a fee.

"My Kirchentag" is our special service to you, allowing you to stay on top of all things Kirchentag.

After creating a “My Kirchentag” account you can register yourself as well as your group as participants. "My Kirchentag" allows you to enter your own details, as well as your group's, in the most convenient way. You can save and edit or change your information as much as you like before finally submitting your completed registration.
You can use "My Kirchentag" to put together your own, personalised Kirchentag programme via our programme database. You can access this programme wherever you log on to "My Kirchentag" or in the Kirchentag app. You can also download it and store it in your digital calendar.
Please note that both programme database and app are in German.

This is how it works:
Sign up with "My Kirchentag" by entering your e-mail address, contact details and choosing a password.
An e-mail containing a confirmation link will then be sent to you. In order to verify your account information and complete the process of creating your "My Kirchentag" account, please click on the link. Only then will you be able to begin your registration.

This page will help. Enter your e-mail address and we will send you an e-mail that contains both your username and a link that will help you reset your password.

When you enter your e-mail address to request a new password, the e-mail we send you will also contain your username.

You can order the programme booklet ‘Programm im Überblick’ (german version) and the song booklet in advance for a lump sum of 8 euros. Please note that we only ship within the EU and Switzerland. 

Dispatch will take place after completion of the programme and printing of the booklets, i.e. probably in mid-March 2025. 

When ordering tickets, several people with different needs can be registered for the Kirchentag. We call the person who places the ticket order the ‘main registrant’. The ‘main registrant’ receives the invoice for the entire group as well as the delivery of ordered paper tickets, programme and song booklets. 

The ordering process takes some time. However, it can be interrupted and saved at any time. It is best to collect all the information about your group first and then enter the data in the registration form. 

Firstly, take a look at the further information here. There you will find everything you need to know about tickets, prices, accommodation and more. This will also take you to the ticket order form.

Please note: You must make the group order online yourself. The participation service cannot enter the data for you, but will be happy to assist you if any questions arise during the ordering process. 

You have the option of returning your ticket (including accommodation) free of charge up to and including 31 March 2025. Please return printed tickets that have been sent to you (only valid for the EU and Switzerland) at your own expense.

Cancellations in case of illness are possible until 28 April 2025 upon presentation of a medical certificate. In this case, the costs for participation and the contribution cards will be refunded. A corresponding certificate must be sent to international(at)kirchentag.de by 28 April 2025 at the latest. Registrations received after this date will not be processed.

The services for the organisation of the accommodation must be provided in full by 31 March 2025, after which there will be no reimbursement of the accommodation fee.

Shipping costs will not be refunded if the package has already been dispatched.

For the Kirchentag in Hanover, it will be possible to book pitches near the Deutsche Messe for motorhomes, caravans or self-organised vehicles. The organisation of this camping offer is in the hands of the Kirchentag and is carried out in cooperation with volunteers.

We are unable to offer a camping service organised by the Kirchentag in Hanover. We would therefore like to refer you to the portal of Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH as early as possible.

• It is not possible to organise your own events on the camping site.
• Pitches can be booked when registering for the Kirchentag in connection with the booking of a participation or contributor ticket.
• It is necessary to purchase one of the 5-day tickets or the day ticket.
• The pitches are always booked and paid for the entire period from Wednesday to Sunday (including day tickets).
• Arrival and departure can be organised individually within the specified times (see below).

Current information for camping enthusiasts

• The pitches are located on the corner of Kronsbergstraße and Karlsruher Straße.
• The pitches can be used for all residential vehicles up to 12 metres in length and a maximum height of 4 metres.
• It is not possible to set up marquees, party tents or awnings due to the ground and the limited space available.
• A separate power connection (usually 230 V / 16 A connections) is provided for each pitch.
• Open fires (campfires, fire bowls, etc.) are prohibited and will be extinguished immediately by the accommodation team in the event of offences.
• For fire safety reasons, barbecues on your own pitch are only permitted with electric barbecues. Numerous public barbecue areas in the Hanover region and the surrounding area invite you to enjoy a barbecue.
• Fresh water refuelling, waste water and waste disposal stations are available on the camping site.
• Toilets, showers and washrooms are unfortunately not suitable for wheelchair users.
• With the exception of assistance dogs and assistance animals, no pets are permitted - these must be kept on a lead within the caravan site without exception.

Arrival date: Wednesday, 30 April 2025 from 12 noon to 10 p.m.
 Departure: Sunday, 04 May 2025 until 2 pm

The prices

Prices are per pitch and include accommodation tax, use of sanitary facilities, fresh water refuelling and waste disposal station. Each pitch is equipped with an electricity connection.

The conditions apply for the entire event period (Wednesday to Sunday):

Motorhome up to 7 metres: 199 euros
Motorhome from 7 metres (up to max. 12 metres): 209 euros
Car with caravan (up to max. 12 metres): 209 euros

The Kirchentag is not the established church, but an independent lay movement, a registered association: "Verein zur Förderung des Deutschen Evangelischen Kirchentages e.V." . The privately supported, non-profit association has its headquarters in Fulda.

Hundreds of full-time and voluntary workers then organize a church congress every two years in a larger city in Germany - with many creative offers, actions and events.

The host city and the regional church invite the Kirchentag to join them.

There are different ways to be part of the Kirchentag:

The Kirchentag stands for community and everyone is welcome to participate. Completely regardless of religion, world view, origin, age or other characteristics. Many people visit the Kirchentag not only to enjoy the varied program, they also actively contribute to the program. The Kirchentag lives from people who join in. Still other people get involved on a voluntary and hands-on basis as helpers. They contribute significantly to the success and the unique atmosphere of the Kirchentag.

Next to the "normal" participation and the nationwide participation opportunities, there are additional opportunities for people from the host region to participate. For example, people from Hanover can invite people to a Celebratory community service, organize overnight accommodations, or present themselves at the Evening of Encounter. Join in - as a congregation, group or individual!

Great, we are very happy to have helpers from Hanover and the region and all over world to make the Kirchentag possible together for everyone. If you are interested in helping at the Kirchentag (alone or with a group of peers), please send an email to helfen(at)kirchentag.de.

Yes, absolutely! The Kirchentag sees itself as a movement. Kirchentag brings people together to strengthen their faith and exchange ideas about the issues of the day: How can we shape the world of tomorrow together? What contribution can we make as courageous Christians?
In the volunteer committees of the Kirchentag, people are often involved for several years, sometimes even decades. The youth committee represents young people's interests at the Kirchentag. It brings the concerns of young people into the program and the organization of the Kirchentag. International contact persons work together in the International Committee of the Kirchentag.

Support the Kirchentag by becoming a member of the "Freundeskreis Kirchentag e. V." (Link to german page).

The Kirchentag essentially stands on three pillars financially: public sponsors (city, state and federal government) and the host regional church together finance around two-thirds of the total costs. The remainder is provided by the third pillar, admission fees, donations and sponsorships.

The Kirchentag aims to contribute to the responsible community of global Christianity and everyone at the Kirchentag is committed to ensuring that accessibility, inclusion and participation are not just empty words!

The Kirchentag takes the needs of people with disabilities into consideration when planning the venues and designing the programme. In principle, all events at the Kirchentag should be accessible.

At Hannover Experience barrier-free - Visit Hannover  (visit-hannover.com) you can discover a wealth of information, practical tips and advice - as well as overview maps of accessible public toilets - and download them for your stay during the Kirchentag in Hanover.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact us for further information at international(at)kirchentag.de.

The Kirchentag strengthens cohesion and solidarity in our society through the high level of voluntary commitment and the breadth of the topics. They demonstrably and positively show how people from the most diverse social and geographical backgrounds can live together considerately and respectfully.
The Kirchentag is international, interreligious and ecumenical: about 5,000 guests from all over the world, from more than 100 countries around the globe enrich the Kirchentag and establish contacts in the city and the region.
The Kirchentag embodies principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. Notably, it became the first significant event to receive EMAS certification in 2007, maintaining this prestigious certification since and serving as a beacon of inspiration for numerous other large-scale gatherings.
Furthermore, the Kirchentag actively supports urban initiatives aimed at fostering community cohesion and promoting civic engagement. It highlights the substantial social contributions made by congregations and individual Christians within their communities.
With a considerable media presence, the Kirchentag garners widespread attention, generating over 15,000 online and print articles during its duration and enjoying coverage across major radio and television news programs.
Last but not least, many participants discover the region as a (future) vacation destination. More than 100,000 participants who come to a city for five days - and return - revitalize the cityscape, trade and gastronomy.

The German Protestant Kirchentag is an open and public event to which all people are invited, regardless of religion or origin. The Kirchentag is a non-profit organization that depends on donations and support.
Whether large or small, every amount helps! Please help maintain the participatory nature of this unique movement and event.

The protection and care concept of the Kirchentag includes strategies for the prevention of sexualized discrimination and violence.
At the German Protestant Kirchentag, all people should...

• be treated fairly. No one has the right to threaten or scare. No matter whether with looks, words, pictures or deeds. No one may be blackmailed, excluded, treated in a derogatory manner or beaten.
• decide for themselves when, where and by whom they are photographed or filmed.
• decide for themselves how close they come to someone, when, how and where. No one may be touched, massaged, caressed or kissed against their will. Or be pressured to do so with someone else.
• Have the right to say "NO" and fight back when someone hurts their feelings or those of others. Saying "NO" is valid with looks, words, or through body posture.
• not join in if something scares them, makes them feel icky, or makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Get support from others. If someone is uncomfortable or feeling bad, getting help is important!