International Night Watchmen and Tower Keepers Guild Meeting

Night Watchmen and Tower Keepers as Historical Professions

Until the 19th century, night watchmen and tower keepers were important professions in medieval towns. The night watchman walked through the alleys with a lantern and horn, announced the hours, and oversaw fire safety, morality, and security. The tower keeper observed the surroundings from towers and sounded the alarm in case of fire or danger.

Today's Guild Tradition

Today, these professions have been revived as tourist and historical reenactments. In many medieval towns in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy, there are night watchmen and tower keepers who lead tours through the city in historical costume, tell stories, and convey a piece of medieval city life to tourists.

International Guild Meeting in Bad Bentheim

The international guild meeting brings these professional representatives together for a multi-day program in one city. In 2026, Bad Bentheim will be the host. The town, with its distinctive castle, historic old town, and spa park setting, offers a perfect backdrop for the event.

Program in the Castle and Old Town

The program typically consists of parades in full costume, joint city walks, demonstrations of historical duties (hour announcements, horn blowing, lantern procession), evening gatherings around a campfire, and a festive event. The exact program details will be published by the organizer.

Tourist Highlight

For the town of Bad Bentheim, hosting such an international meeting is an opportunity to position itself as a tourist destination while simultaneously preserving the customs of this castle and medieval town.