59th Gauschießen Schützengau Hesselberg in Sammenheim
Three weeks of shooting tradition in the Middle Franconian Hesselberg region
About Gauschießen Hesselberg
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Shooting Tradition in the Hesselberg Region
The Gauschießen is the largest sporting competition of the Schützengau Hesselberg and brings together around 50 shooting clubs from southern Middle Franconia once a year. The shooting association is named after the Hesselberg (689 m), the highest mountain in Middle Franconia, which shapes the area between Wassertrüdingen, Gunzenhausen, and Dinkelsbühl. The 59th edition in 2026 will be hosted by SV Gelber Berg e.V. Sammenheim – a local shooting club with its own shooting house in the municipality of Dittenheim, Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district (Bavaria).
Three Weeks of Competition
From March 1st to 22nd, 2026 – over three weeks – the competitions will take place in the shooting house. This multi-week event allows all teams and individual shooters to schedule their competition times flexibly. Shooting takes place in the classic disciplines of the Bavarian Sports Shooters Association:
- Air Rifle 10 m (LG)
- Air Pistol 10 m (LP)
- Small-caliber Rifle 50 m (KK)
- Small-caliber Pistol 25/50 m
- Youth classes and senior classifications
Team and Individual Rankings
A Gauschießen features both team competitions (3–4 shooters per club) and individual rankings in various classes (pupils, juniors, ladies, gentlemen, veteran classes, seniors). Winners receive trophies, honorary targets, and prizes. The Gau winner also qualifies for supra-regional competitions of the Bavarian Sports Shooters Association.
Festival Tavern and Socializing
On each shooting day, the festival tavern of SV Gelber Berg provides catering. The menu includes Franconian classics such as bratwurst with sauerkraut, Schäuferla (pork shoulder), schnitzel variations, and coffee with homemade cake. The communal meal after the competitions is an integral part of shooting traditions and strengthens the camaraderie between the clubs of the Hesselberg Gau.
Shooting Fraternity in Bavaria
The organized shooting fraternity is deeply rooted in Bavaria – almost every village has a shooting club that preserves tradition, customs, and sporting discipline. The Gauschießen is both a sporting highlight and a social event: club delegations meet, friendships are maintained, and new shooting kings are honored. SV Gelber Berg Sammenheim, as the host club, has organized district events multiple times and is known as a reliable host.
Gauschießen Hesselberg — edition 2026
The 59th edition of the Gauschießen runs for three weeks, from March 1st to 22nd, 2026. On several shooting days per week, the shooting clubs of the Hesselberg Gau gather at the Sammenheim shooting house to compete in team and individual events. Shooting takes place at 10 m with air rifle and air pistol, and at 50 m with small-caliber firearms. Several age classes – from pupils to juniors, ladies, gentlemen, and seniors – ensure fair rankings. The festival tavern operates concurrently on the shooting days. The grand finale on March 22nd will feature the award ceremony and trophy presentation for team and individual winners.
Programme Gauschießen Hesselberg 2026
Opening (March 1st, 2026)
- Solemn opening of the 59th Gauschießen
- First competition day with team matches
Shooting Days (March 2026)
- Several dates per week for competitions in LG, LP, KK
- Festival tavern open on all shooting days
- Rankings in multiple age classes
Closing Festival (March 22nd, 2026)
- Last competition day
- Award ceremony for team and individual rankings
- Trophy presentation and awards
- Festive evening with the Gau Shooting Master and club delegations
Highlights Gauschießen Hesselberg 2026
- 59th edition – important tradition of the Hesselberg shooting association
- Three weeks of competition in multiple disciplines
- Team and individual rankings
- Festival tavern with traditional Franconian home cooking
- Event held in the modern SV Gelber Berg shooting house
- Shooting days spread flexibly over three weeks
Prices Gauschießen Hesselberg 2026
Participation fees are set by the Gau regulations and typically range between €2 and €6 per discipline, depending on the competition. Admission for spectators is free. Festival tavern prices: Bratwurst roll approx. €3.50, liter of beer approx. €8, coffee and cake €3–€4.
Practical information — Gauschießen Hesselberg
Getting There
Sammenheim is located in the municipality of Dittenheim in the western Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district, south of Gunzenhausen on the Brombachsee lake. Accessible via the B2 from Gunzenhausen, or by train to Gunzenhausen with a bus connection to Dittenheim. Parking is available directly at the SV Gelber Berg shooting house.
Participation
Participation in the competition is through the respective shooting clubs of the Hesselberg Gau. Spectators are most welcome; admission is free. Food and drinks are available at the shooting house's festival tavern at club prices.
Tip
Sammenheim and Dittenheim are located in the heart of the Franconian Lake District, near Altmühlsee, Hahnenkammsee, and Brombachsee. Combining a visit to the Gauschießen with a walk by the lake or a hike up the Hesselberg is worthwhile. The Franconian half-timbered towns of Gunzenhausen and Wassertrüdingen are also nearby.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Gauschießen Hesselberg al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Gauschießen Hesselberg
Schützenhaus SV Gelber Berg, Sammenheim (Gemeinde Dittenheim)