Eißendorfer Vogelschießen

Marksmen tradition for 147 years

The Eißendorfer Schützenverein was founded in 1878, making it one of the oldest marksmen's clubs in the current Hamburg area. Its headquarters are the Schützenheim (marksmen's club house) on Strucksbarg in the Eißendorf district of Hamburg, part of the Harburg borough in southern Hamburg, bordering Lower Saxony. The Eißendorfer Vogelschießen is the club's main annual event – a fixture in the district's calendar for over 147 years.

Vogelschießen, Beer Tent, and Family Program

The Vogelschießen itself – the traditional shooting competition to hit and bring down the wooden "bird" from the pole – takes place on the festival weekend. Whoever makes the final shot becomes the Schützenkönig (marksmen's king) or Schützenkönigin (marksmen's queen) of the season. Surrounding this is a three-day Volksfest with a beer tent, live music, carousels for children, a raffle, and a parade on Sunday.

Three Days of Volksfest 2026

• Friday, May 29, 2026: Opening of the festival tent, evening celebration
• Saturday, May 30, 2026: Vogelschießen competition, live music in the evening
• Sunday, May 31, 2026: Festive parade, crowning of the new marksmen's royalty, family program

Preliminary Shooting and Award Ceremony

As is tradition in marksmen's clubs, the shooting competition begins beforehand: The members' preliminary shooting runs from May 4th to 20th, 2026, with a ladies' cup competition on May 16th at 3 PM. The official award ceremony with a barbecue and "king's proclamation" follows on June 13th, 2026, from 4 PM. The event concludes with a traditional Matjesessen (herring meal) on June 26th, hosted by the "Knopfsergeanten" (button sergeants).

Members, Ladies, Youth Department, and Drum Corps

The club is divided into four departments: Marksmen, Ladies' Marksmen, Youth Marksmen, and a drum corps founded in 1920. The club has modern shooting facilities for air rifles and small-caliber firearms. The Schützenheim, with a hall for up to 120 people, is also available for private rental.