Püntenmarsch Leer
Edition 2026 Hiking Folk traditions Family

Püntenmarsch Leer

Traditional spring march by the Bundeswehr and citizens around the Pünte Wiltshausen

Leer (Ostfriesland) — Landkreis Leer (03457)
Dates 31 May — 31 May 2026
Venue Leer (Ostfriesland) (03457)
Prices Free
Status

About Püntenmarsch Leer

The Püntenmarsch is one of Leer's most distinctive traditional events. Soldiers of the Bundeswehr from the Evenburg barracks march together with citizens of the city through the Leer countryside, crossing the historic hand-cranked ferry Pünte Wiltshausen over the Leda river. The march combines military tradition, the East Frisian landscape, and a lively spring festival, marking the start of the Pünte's season.

Travel to this festival

Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Püntenmarsch Leer al mejor precio.

Book a trip on Trainline

Sponsored link

The Pünte as a Symbol of Leer

The Pünte Wiltshausen is a hand-operated cable ferry across the Leda river and has been a traffic and symbolic point in southern East Frisia for centuries. It connects Wiltshausen and Amdorf, is now a tourist landmark, and hosts numerous events. The Püntenmarsch builds on this special connection: the marching route and ferry operation are closely coordinated.

Tradition between the Community and the Bundeswehr

The event is organized and supported by the city of Leer in close cooperation with the Bundeswehr unit stationed at the Evenburg barracks. The march is intended as an annual symbol of the connection between the local community and the troops. Civilian participants from Leer, Rheiderland, and southern East Frisia march side-by-side with the soldiers. The route alternates between well-marked sections, refreshment stops, and short break stations.

Spring Festival by the Water

The date at the end of May traditionally coincides with the Pünte season opening in early May. This creates a small water and hiking festival around the ferry with catering, music, and social gatherings. Those who want to get to know rural East Frisia, characterized by marshland, dikes, and waterways, will find the Püntenmarsch the perfect setting.

Integration into Leer's Event Calendar

The Püntenmarsch is a permanent fixture in Leer's event calendar, maintained by the city and tourism authorities. It complements the series of traditional spring festivals in the region and is also a welcome occasion for hiking enthusiasts from the Netherlands, Emsland, and Friesland to take a day trip to East Frisia.

Püntenmarsch Leer — edition 2026

On May 31, 2026, the traditional Püntenmarsch of the city of Leer will take place in cooperation with the Bundeswehr unit from the Evenburg barracks. Citizens will march together with soldiers along the Leer countryside routes and cross the historic hand-cranked ferry Pünte Wiltshausen. The season's opening will be marked by the inauguration of the Pünte on May 1, 2026.

The 2026 Püntenmarsch continues a tradition that makes the connection between the community, the Bundeswehr, and the landscape of southern East Frisia visible. The march takes place in groups, led by unit members who coordinate the route sections and refreshment points.

At the beginning of May, the Pünte Wiltshausen opens its new season. By the time of the march, the historic hand-cranked ferry across the Leda will be fully operational and an integral part of the route.

Programme Püntenmarsch Leer 2026

Program Structure 2026

The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the spring. The structure will follow the proven key points of previous years:

  • May 1, 2026 — Season opening of the Pünte Wiltshausen with a small ceremony at the ferry landing
  • May 31, 2026 — Muster at the Evenburg barracks in the early morning hours
  • Welcome address by the city of Leer and unit leadership
  • March in groups through fields and paths in the Leer countryside
  • Crossing the Leda with the hand-cranked Pünte Wiltshausen
  • Refreshment points along the route and socializing at the ferry landing
  • Joint conclusion in the afternoon

The route map, start time, and participation details will be published by the city of Leer shortly before the event.

Highlights Püntenmarsch Leer 2026

  • Traditional march with citizens and Bundeswehr
  • Crossing the historic Pünte Wiltshausen
  • Season opening of the hand-cranked ferry on May 1
  • Experience the marshland landscape of Leer

Prices Püntenmarsch Leer 2026

Participation upon registration; free entry.

Practical information — Püntenmarsch Leer

Date 2026

Sunday, May 31, 2026. Pünte Wiltshausen season opening: May 1, 2026.

Route and Meeting Point

Traditionally starts at the Evenburg barracks, route leads through fields and paths in the Leer countryside, crossing the Pünte Wiltshausen. The exact marching route and start time will be published by the city of Leer on its event page.

Participation

Registration via the city of Leer or the Bundeswehr unit. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing recommended.

Getting There

Leer train station; then by car to Evenburg or the ferry landing. Parking is limited; early arrival recommended.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Spotted an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Contact Püntenmarsch Leer

Püntenmarsch Leer at a glance

Hiking Folk traditions Family Outdoor Multidisciplinary Landkreis Leer