Name: Obergünzburger Freischießen 2026
Start: 2026-08-28T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-06T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Festplatz Obergünzburg / Marktplatz

Freischießen Obergünzburg

About Freischießen Obergünzburg

The Obergünzburger Freischießen is one of the oldest and largest marksmen's and folk festivals in the Allgäu region. Its roots date back to 1525, celebrating a visit by Prince-Abbot Wolfgang von Grünenstein. For over a week, competitive shooting, a large festival tent with Bavarian brass and party music, amusement rides, and a colorful historical parade combine to form a highlight of the event calendar in the Oberallgäu district. The traditional Schützenverein Guntia Obergünzburg is the organizer.

Dates 28 Aug — 06 Sep 2026

Venue Obergünzburg (09777)

Prices Free

Status —

Edition 2026

Freischießen Obergünzburg — edition 2026

The 102nd Obergünzburger Freischießen is scheduled for late August / early September 2026. As every year, visitors can expect a program lasting over a week with competitive shooting, a large festival tent, an amusement park, and the traditional historical parade on the main Sunday. The exact dates and festival program will be announced by the Schützenverein Guntia in due time.

Following the 101st Freischießen in 2025, the next edition of the Obergünzburger Freischießen will take place in 2026. The traditional date falls at the end of August to early September. A nine-day folk festival is expected again, featuring the competitive shooting by the Schützenverein Guntia, a festival tent with daily changing brass and party music, an amusement park, and days for clubs and businesses.

The grand historical parade on the main Sunday, with traditional costumes, floats, and marksmen from surrounding clubs, remains the highlight, followed by the grand closing fireworks. The detailed festival program for 2026 will be published on the Schützenverein's website.

Highlights Freischießen Obergünzburg 2026

Grand historical parade on the main Sunday, competitive shooting by the Schützenverein Guntia, festival tent with brass and party music, amusement park, and grand closing fireworks.

Programme Freischießen Obergünzburg 2026

Proven Schedule (Structure based on previous years)

Opening Friday: Reception at the market square, historical reenactment, festival tent with 'Day of Businesses' and brass music
Saturday: Start of competitive shooting, amusement rides, festival tent with party band
Main Sunday: Morning church service, from approx. 1:30 PM the grand historical parade with traditional costumes and marksmen from the region, followed by festival activities with music bands
Following Days: Senior citizens' afternoon, card game tournament, further music programs in the festival tent
Conclusion: Grand fireworks in the evening, on the final day a memorial service for deceased club members

The detailed festival program for 2026 with bands and times will be published by the Schützenverein Guntia.

Prices Freischießen Obergünzburg 2026

Entry to the festival grounds and tent is generally free; amusement rides and individual attractions are subject to a fee. Prices for 2026 not yet published.

Practical information

Practical information — Freischießen Obergünzburg

Getting There

Obergünzburg is located in the Oberallgäu region, easily accessible via the A7 motorway (Dietmannsried exit) and federal roads from Kempten or Kaufbeuren. Rail connections are available via the Kempten–Pfronten/Reutte line (Günzach station nearby), as well as bus services within the district.

Admission

Entry to the festival grounds and tent is generally free; individual program items and rides are charged separately. The exact date and program for 2026 will be published by the Schützenverein Guntia on the club's website in due time.

Tip

The main Sunday with the grand historical parade is the busiest day – arriving early ensures good spots along the parade route.

A Tradition Since 1525

The Obergünzburger Freischießen is one of Bavaria's most traditional folk festivals. Its history dates back to 1525: at that time, a visit by Prince-Abbot Wolfgang von Grünenstein to Obergünzburg was celebrated with a shooting competition. Over the centuries, this occasion evolved into the annual Freischießen, organized by the Schützenverein Guntia Obergünzburg e.V. The 100th Freischießen was celebrated on a grand scale in 2024, followed by the 101st edition in 2025.

A Festival Lasting Over a Week

The Freischießen spans about nine days. While the competitive shooting by the marksmen's club is central, the festival offers much more: a large festival tent with a daily changing music program, an amusement park with rides, days for clubs and businesses, an afternoon for seniors, and a card game tournament. The grand finale is traditionally a spectacular fireworks display.

The Historical Parade

The highlight is the grand parade on the main Sunday: with traditional costumes, floral decorations, floats, music bands, and marksmen from surrounding clubs, the procession winds through Obergünzburg, attracting thousands of spectators to the streets. The parade is a showcase of the Franconian-Swabian marksmen's tradition and a commitment to preserving Allgäu customs.

Location in the Allgäu

Obergünzburg is located in the Oberallgäu district in the state of Bavaria, nestled in the gentle hilly landscape between Kempten and Kaufbeuren. The Freischießen is the social event of late summer for the market town of Obergünzburg and the surrounding communities.