Kindervogelschießen Weede

Bird Shooting — A Children's Tradition Since the 19th Century

The Vogelschießen originated in the 19th century from adult marksmen's associations and was introduced in many North German villages as a children's festival to bring shooting culture and club life closer to the younger generation. Instead of the sharp ammunition used by adults, children are equipped with specially constructed wooden rifles with suction dart arrows or heavy bolts. The wooden bird on the pole is shot down piece by piece — the crown, the tail, the wings, the body — and whoever brings down the last part wins the king's title.

Weede — Over 50 Years of Tradition

In Weede, this tradition has been unbroken for over five decades. The competitions follow the established pattern: children are divided into age groups, and each group competes for its own king or queen. Parents, grandparents, and the entire village gather at the edge of the sports field, cheer, applaud, and host the participants.

Ascension Weekend

The festival traditionally takes place on the weekend around Christ's Ascension — a central festival and Father's Day weekend in Northern Germany. In 2026, Ascension Day is on May 14th; the event is therefore likely to take place on one of the days between May 14th and 17th, 2026 (the exact date will be announced by the municipality of Weede).

Weede in the Segeberg District

Weede is a small municipality with around 1,000 inhabitants in the Segeberg district (Schleswig-Holstein), part of the Amt Trave-Land. The municipality is located between Bad Segeberg and Lübeck, in a hilly terminal moraine landscape on the edge of Holstein Switzerland. Agriculture, commuting to Lübeck and Bad Segeberg, and a lively club life characterize the village.