Eintracht-Schützenfest Warendorf

Warendorf — Capital of Horses and Marksmanship

Warendorf, the district town in eastern Münsterland and seat of the North Rhine-Westphalian State Stud, is primarily remembered as the "City of Horses". But anyone who has spent Whitsun in the city knows: Warendorf is also a Schützenstadt (marksmen's town). Several marksmen's clubs here cultivate a tradition deeply rooted in Westphalian identity — and the Eintracht-Schützenfest on the Oberer Lohwall opens the season every year.

The Eintracht — 177 Years of Club History

The Schützengesellschaft Eintracht Warendorf 1849 e.V. was founded in 1849, boasting an uninterrupted history of 177 years. The current royal couple Reinhard and Angelika Budde, crowned in 2025 after the 317th shot at 3:32 PM, represent the club until the next bird shooting. The Eintracht is one of the most traditional marksmen's associations in the Warendorf district and is involved far beyond its own Schützenfest in traditions, youth development, and the city's club life. For this commitment, the board was recently awarded the NRW-Ehrenplakette (NRW honorary plaque), presented by MdL Daniel Hagemeier.

Whitsun Weekend on the Oberer Lohwall

The traditional venue is the Oberer Lohwall, a central festival meadow on the edge of Warendorf's old town. The Schützenfest runs for three days — Saturday, Sunday, and Whit Monday — with a festival tent, king's shooting, a parade through the city center, and a tattoo. Club members, friendly marksmen's clubs, and thousands of visitors from the city and surrounding areas come together. The festival is considered the kick-off of the shooting season in the Warendorf district — followed by the other clubs in the city and surrounding villages.

Westphalian Traditions in the Heart of the Old Town

What sets the Eintracht apart from many other Schützenfeste is its location in the middle of Warendorf. The parade winds through the historic old town with its gabled houses, past the market square and the old town hall — a backdrop that places the tradition within its architectural context. The procession is accompanied by music bands, the marksmen's battalion in uniform, delegations from friendly clubs, and the royal couple with their insignia.

Admission, Festival Tent, and Atmosphere

Admission to the festival is free. The large festival tent offers beer, Westphalian specialties (ham, sausage, fried potatoes), live music, and dancing on the festival evening. Families are just as welcome as marksmen's friends from the surrounding area — the Eintracht sees itself as an open club with a folk festival character, not a closed society.

Warendorf as a Travel Destination

A Whitsun weekend in Warendorf can be combined with visits to the State Stud with its stallions, the Westphalian Horse Museum, the Ems meadows with cycling paths, and the medieval townscape around the market and St. Mary's Church. Those familiar with the Münsterland cycle route can plan the Schützenfest as a stage destination — Warendorf is a 30-minute train ride from Münster.