Amtsfeuerwehrfest Steinburg

A Rich Tradition of the Trittau District

The Amtsfeuerwehrfest is a fixed summer date in the fire brigade culture of the Trittau district (to which the municipality of Steinburg belongs). It is more than just a meeting of the 'Floriansjünger' (St. Florian's followers, a term for firefighters): it is a public festival where the volunteer fire brigades present their work to the public, compete amongst themselves, and foster camaraderie in a social setting. The district rotates the hosting duties annually – in 2026, the Mollhagen Volunteer Fire Brigade (FF Mollhagen) will be in charge.

Steinburg in the Stormarn District

The municipality of Steinburg in the Stormarn district (not to be confused with the Steinburg district in West Holstein) is located about 30 km east of Hamburg, nestled in the hilly Sachsenwald-Geest landscape. It consists of several districts, including Mollhagen, where the municipality's central fire station is located and where the 2026 district festival will take place. The Steinburg-Mollhagen School Centre, with its large outdoor area, provides a suitable venue.

What to Expect

The day typically starts with the assembly of the district's fire brigades, followed by drills and demonstration events where the individual brigades showcase their operational skills – such as simulated traffic accident rescues, firefighting drills, or competitions (e.g., suction hose race, nozzle race, junior firefighter skills demonstration). In the afternoon, a classic festival program complements the events: bratwurst, beer, coffee and cake, live music or a DJ, and children's activities.

Parade

A traditional highlight of many district fire brigade festivals is the parade, where participating brigades march through the village with their water tender trucks, ladder trucks, personnel carriers, and in full uniform. The musical accompaniment is often provided by a bugle corps from one of the brigades.

The Importance of Volunteer Fire Brigades in Schleswig-Holstein

In Schleswig-Holstein, the Volunteer Fire Brigade is an essential part of rural community life. It not only handles fire protection and rescue but also serves as a social hub, a preserver of culture, and a guarantor of an active village life. Events like the Amtsfeuerwehrfest make this social function visible.