Ringreiten Nordermeldorf

What is Ringreiten?

In Ringreiten, participants ride at full gallop with a wooden lance under a crossbar stretched over the track, attempting to spear a small metal ring from the bar. Whoever hits the most rings wins the competition. The equestrian game is common in Schleswig-Holstein, the Netherlands, and Denmark and dates back to the 19th century in the region.

UNESCO Cultural Heritage since 2021

In 2021, Ringreiten was added to the national register of intangible cultural heritage by the German UNESCO Commission. The custom combines tradition, equestrian skill, and community experience, and is carried on in the villages of Dithmarschen and North Friesland by small clubs — the Nordermeldorf Riding Club is among the traditional organizers of this practice.

The Schedule in Nordermeldorf

The riding day begins with a festive procession from Hof Boie in Barsfleth — an old marshland farm near Nordermeldorf. Riders form up in traditional costume and lead their horses in a parade to the Nordermeldorf village square, where the Ringreiten structure was erected two days prior. Afterward, participants compete against each other, with the most skilled riders awarded traditional honors (King's title, People's King).

In the Dithmarschen District

Nordermeldorf is a small municipality in the marsh landscape of Middle Dithmarschen in the state of Schleswig-Holstein — characterized by agriculture, with traditional farms and active club life. Ringreiten is one of the summer highlights here, involving the entire village community beyond just the riders.