Traditional marksmen's and folk festival in the Allgäu region
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The detailed festival program for 2026 with bands and times will be published by the Schützenverein Guntia.
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.
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.
The main Sunday with the grand historical parade is the busiest day – arriving early ensures good spots along the parade route.
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Festplatz Obergünzburg / Marktplatz