Ringreiten Nordstrand

A Riding Tradition Since the Middle Ages

The Ringreiten on Nordstrand is one of the oldest documented riding traditions on the North Frisian coast. As early as the 14th century, written references can be found that horse attendants on the Halligen islands and Nordstrand island "practiced this art". Even though today's equestrian sport differs significantly from medieval horse training, the Ringreiten maintains an unbroken link to the region's riding tradition.

Two Associations, One Festival

The Ringreiten on Nordstrand is currently hosted by two associations that organize the festival in close cooperation: Alt-Nordstrand e.V. and Jung-Nordstrand e.V. — the names refer to the different generations and district divisions of the island's riding community. Each association has its own queen or king — thus, several majesties are crowned in total.

Course of Events and Royal Ride-Out

The Ringreiten begins on June 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Until the early afternoon, the riders complete several galloping passes under the ring gallows — speared rings are counted, and the best riders are crowned. The highlight follows around 4:30 PM: the ride-out for the royal title behind the fire station at Osterkoogstraße 53. The new majesties and their companions ride in a festive formation from Hüttenweg via Hamburger Deich to Osterkoog — an impressive procession that the audience follows along the route.

Nordstrand — Peninsula Instead of Island

Today, Nordstrand is no longer an island but is connected to the mainland by the Beltringharder Koog — formally a peninsula in the Wadden Sea of the North Sea, in the far west of Schleswig-Holstein. With around 2,000 inhabitants, Nordstrand is manageable but very well-known for tourism — due to its unusual history (the historic island was torn into several parts by the Burchardi Flood in 1634, of which the current peninsula is the largest), due to the shrimp cutters, the vast marsh landscapes, and the unbroken riding tradition. Besides excursions to the Halligen islands, the Ringreiten is one of the most important summer events.