Middewinterhornblasen Gildehaus

Old Low German Winter Custom

The Middewinterhornblasen is one of the oldest customs in the Low German and Dutch border region. Even before Christianization, long, deep horn tones were blown across the landscape at the Winter Solstice to symbolically break through the cold and dark season and announce the return of the light.

Twente and Bentheim County

The custom has remained particularly alive in the Dutch Twente region and the adjacent Bentheim County. In Gildehaus, the VVV Gildehaus preserves this tradition with annual events around the Winter Solstice.

Long Wooden Horns Made of Birch Wood

The Middewinterhorns are long, straight wooden horns, traditionally made from birch wood. Their tone is deep, long, and resonant – a mournful sound that carries far across the landscape and enhances the winter atmosphere. Blowing them requires technical practice and breath control.

Winter Solstice

The traditional date is the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year, December 21st. On this day, the horns are blown in the darkness. In 2026, the date falls on a Monday, so the event might be moved to the preceding or following weekend.

VVV Gildehaus as Custodian of the Custom

As with many traditions in Bentheim County, the VVV Gildehaus is the central custodian of this custom, thereby preserving a cultural heritage that would otherwise be lost without volunteer efforts.