Schützenfest Altena (Friedrich-Wilhelms-Gesellschaft)

A 170-Year Tradition in the Lenne Valley

The Friedrich-Wilhelms-Gesellschaft Altena (FWG) is one of the largest and most traditional marksmen's associations in the Märkischer Kreis. With over 2,000 members, five companies — Rahmede, Freiheit, Mühlendorf, Nette, and Kelleramt — and 22 platoons, the FWG has shaped the social life of the city since the 19th century. Every three years, it celebrates its grand district Schützenfest, which always falls on the Corpus Christi weekend — a deeply rooted tradition in the Sauerland.

Four Days of Schützenfest, Funfair, and Parade

From Thursday to Sunday, the focus is on ceremonies, the king's shooting competition, parades in full uniform, and the preservation of customs. The funfair, with its rides, food stalls, and beer tent, provides a folk festival atmosphere in parallel. Highlights include the grand parade with all companies and the traditional coronation ball.

First Time: An Altena Band on the Festival Stage

A small sensation for the 2026 edition: For the first time in the history of the FWG, Lenniac, an Altena band, will perform on the central festival stage. This is a conscious commitment by the marksmen's association to the regional cultural scene and has already generated significant attention in the local press in the run-up to the event.

Altena in the Märkischer Kreis

Altena is located in the Lenne valley, in the heart of the Sauerland, dominated by the medieval Altena Castle high above the town. In the shadow of the castle, nestled between the Lenne river and steep valley slopes, the Schützenfest has always had an identity-forming function. In 2026, the festival falls on the Corpus Christi weekend — a public holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia, making it easier for many visitors from outside the region to travel.

Sauerland Marksmen's Culture

Schützenfeste in the Sauerland are not just folk festivals with a beer tent — they are club festivals, church festivals, and village festivals all rolled into one. The Friedrich-Wilhelms-Gesellschaft, with its five companies, maintains a social structure that connects generations: Young marksmen join the platoons of their grandfathers, women are now represented in almost all associations, and the festival itself is an open platform for the entire community.

Tips for Visitors

Anyone wishing to experience the Schützenfest should ideally plan to attend the parade on Saturday or Sunday. Altena Castle, as a place of remembrance and a museum, is worth visiting anyway when you're in town — with its world-famous youth hostel concept (the very first youth hostel building was established in Altena Castle in 1909). A combination of the Schützenfest and a castle visit makes the trip a perfect Sauerland cultural tour.