Junggesellen-Schützenfest Alpen 1680

346 Years of Schützen Tradition on the Lower Rhine

The Junggesellen-Schützenverein 1680 Alpen e.V. is one of the oldest marksmen's associations on the Lower Rhine. Founded in the year 1680 — 346 years ago, in the late phase of the Thirty Years' War recovery — the club looks back on an unbroken tradition. With over 600 members, it is also one of the largest marksmen's clubs in the region between Wesel and Rheinberg.

What is a "Junggesellen-Schützenverein"?

In the Rhineland and on the Lower Rhine, there is a tradition of Junggesellen-Schützenvereine (bachelor marksmen's clubs): associations historically run by young, unmarried men. Today, membership is more open — married men are also welcome — but the name and the youthful, festive orientation remain defining. The JSV Alpen 1680 celebrates "Tradition & Community".

When: May 22–31, 2026 (Whitsun Week)

The 2026 Schützenfest extends over Whitsun week — Whit Sunday in 2026 falls on May 24. The program spans ten days with clearly structured highlights:

• Friday, May 22, 2026 — 7:00 PM: Biwak (festive opening)
• Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM: Schützenmesse in the Catholic Church
• Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:00 PM: Commemoration ceremony at the war memorial
• Friday, May 29, 2026: ZeltBeatz — Schützen Party
• Sunday, May 31, 2026: Youth Day — Festival finale with younger members

Where: Eicken Bongard Festival Grounds

The venue is the "Eicken Bongard" festival grounds in Alpen. A traditional festival site on the outskirts of town with a large festival tent — the central meeting place for the Schützenfest week.

Highlights of the Schützenfest

Biwak — The Opening

The Biwak on the evening of May 22 is the festive opening. Marksmen gather in full uniform, torches are lit, traditional marches are played. An atmospherically special opening — anyone who has never experienced a Biwak should not miss this atmosphere.

Schützenmesse and Commemoration Ceremony

On Whit Saturday (May 23), a Schützenmesse is celebrated in the Catholic parish church of Alpen. Afterwards, the club proceeds to the war memorial for the commemoration ceremony for deceased club members.

ZeltBeatz — Party Highlight

The ZeltBeatz party on May 29 is the musical highlight of the festival week: DJ sets in the festival tent, Schlager, party music, dance floor. A Schützenfest party without a fixed liturgical character, but pure festive joy.

Youth Day

Youth Day on May 31 concludes the festival week — with games, competitions, and activities for the younger members. A conscious signal: tradition is not only maintained but also passed on to the next generation.

Alpen am Niederrhein

Alpen is a municipality in the Wesel district on the western Lower Rhine, with around 12,800 inhabitants. Despite its resonant name, it has nothing to do with the actual Alps — the name derives from the old word "Alpa" (high moor). The municipality is characterized by meadows, fields, and small forests — a typical Lower Rhine idyll. Alpen Castle, now partially restored, is a historical landmark.