One of the oldest Schützenfeste (marksmen's festivals) in Northern Germany with over 630 years of tradition
With a history dating back to the late 14th century, the Historisches Schützenfest Stadthagen is among the oldest documented Schützenfeste in Germany. The first official mention dates back to the year 1395. Over the centuries, the festival has evolved repeatedly, yet has preserved its central elements: the cultivation of community, the King's Shoot, assembling in uniform, and the ceremonial self-representation of the town to guests from the Schaumburg region and all of Lower Saxony.
A hallmark of the Stadthagen Schützenfest are the so-called Rotts. These are traditional brotherhoods and companies that perform under their own flags, with their own traditional attire, and their own music. Each Rott cultivates its own customs and its own history; together, they form the colorful diversity of the festival. The parades of the Rotts are among the most impressive moments of the festival days and imbue Stadthagen's city center with a festive, special atmosphere.
The 2026 Schützenfest runs from Wednesday, June 17th, to Sunday, June 21st. The program includes the traditional King's Shoot, grand parades with all the Rotts, festive receptions, balls in the town's halls, communal meals, and a festival tent with live music. Over the decades, the festival days have become a firm fixture in the Schaumburg festival calendar and are celebrated each year with great participation from the citizens and many out-of-town guests.
Stadthagen is the district capital of the Schaumburg district and is located in northern Lower Saxony, between Hanover and Minden. The historic city center, with its town hall, St. Martini Church, and numerous half-timbered houses, provides the ideal backdrop for the traditional Schützenfest. During the festival days, the town presents itself in festive decorations and invites residents and visitors to celebrate together.
The 2026 edition continues the unbroken tradition that has shaped Stadthagen's social life since the 14th century. The five festival days are divided into a festive opening, competitions for the royal title, the grand parades with all Rotts, the balls, and the concluding festival Sunday. Throughout the week, the city center is festively decorated; marksmen's music, fanfares, and marches accompany the events.
Stadthagen presents itself in its most beautiful form during these days. Cafés, restaurants, and festival tents provide food and drinks to guests and participants; the festival tent offers live music and dancing in the evenings.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring 2026. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
Schützenbund Stadthagen, all Stadthagen Rotts (brotherhoods and companies), regional music groups, guest clubs from the Schaumburg region.
Wednesday, June 17th to Sunday, June 21st, 2026.
Stadthagen city center and Schützenplatz (Marksmen's Square), 31655 Stadthagen.
Admission to the public events in the city center is free. Entrance fees may apply for balls and individual events.
City of Stadthagen, contact person [email protected]. Further information is available on the Stadthagen town website and from the Schützenbund Stadthagen.
By car via the A2 (exit Bad Nenndorf or Bad Eilsen) and the B65. By train from Hanover or Minden to Stadthagen station.
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