Schützenfest Alt- und Bollhorst Ochtrup

Schützenfest in Ochtrup's Rural Outskirts

While the districts of Ochtrup have their own Schützenfeste, the Alt- und Bollhorst Marksman Club, as a rural hamlet club, celebrates one of the most traditional Münsterland Schützenfeste in the western Münsterland region. From May 8th to 10th, 2026, the hamlet's marksman grounds will transform into a festival meadow with a marquee, shooting range, and traditional costume parade.

Friday — Church Service and Veterans' Evening

The festival's opening on Friday, May 8th, 2026, is classically Münsterland-style: during the day, a church service with the marksmen in uniform at the local church, and in the evening, the veterans' evening in the festival marquee. At the veterans' evening, former marksmen kings, club members, and distinguished guests gather for a dance evening that keeps the club's history alive. Former residents of the hamlet often come from far away to not miss this evening.

Saturday — Star March and King's Shooting

Saturday, May 9th, 2026, is the main highlight: in the morning, the star march begins — the marksmen gather from different directions of the hamlet, converging like a star at the marksman grounds. This is followed by the king's shooting: the traditional shooting competition for the title of king, held at a wooden bird or eagle figure. Whoever shoots off the last piece wins the title of the new marksman king. In the evening, the festival ceremony takes place — the official ceremony with speeches, honors, and the crowning of the new royal couple.

Sunday — Morning Pint and King's Ball

Sunday, May 10th, 2026, concludes in classic Münsterland style: a morning pint with the marksmen in the morning, and in the evening, the king's ball — the social highlight of the marksman year, where the new royal couple makes their official debut dance.

Münsterland and the Marksman Tradition

In the Münsterland, the marksman tradition is deeply rooted — almost every hamlet has its own club, and the title of king is passed down through generations. Unlike the Rhineland Carnival, the Münsterland is more disciplined: uniforms and traditional attire are more important than festive revelry, and the festival ceremony has the character of a solemn assembly. Those who want to experience the real Münsterland will find it at a Schützenfest like this.

Ochtrup — Town in Western Münsterland

Ochtrup is located in the Steinfurt district near the Dutch border and is known for its textile industry past (brands: Ochtrup-Outlet). The rural character of hamlets like Alt- und Bollhorst shows another side of the town: vast fields, farms, old family associations, and a vibrant club life. Visitors to the Schützenfest come not only to celebrate but also to connect with a region that has preserved its identity.