Schützenfest Altenhundem

Lennestadt-Altenhundem — Industrial District in the Sauerland

Altenhundem is a district of Lennestadt in the Olpe district (Arnsberg administrative region), southern Sauerland. With around 27,000 inhabitants in the entire city of Lennestadt, it is part of the High Sauerland/Sauerland tourism corridor. Altenhundem is the industrial and commercial center of the region — and one of the most traditional Schützenfest locations in the Sauerland.

Schützenverein Altenhundem von 1861 e.V.

The Schützenverein Altenhundem von 1861 e.V. was founded in 1861 — making it one of the oldest Schützenvereine in the Sauerland today, with over 165 years of history. Over 800 members belong to the association — an astonishing number for a community of Altenhundem's size and an expression of the vibrant Schützenfest culture in North Rhine-Westphalia. The motto "Heimat – Kult(ur) – Gemeinsamkeit" summarizes its values.

Volksbank-Arena Sauerlandhalle as the Festival Venue

The festival venue is the Volksbank-Arena Sauerlandhalle at Helmut-Kumpf-Straße 42, Lennestadt-Altenhundem. This multifunctional hall offers space for dance evenings, king's balls, and a marquee atmosphere — typical infrastructure for a large Sauerland club festival with several thousand visitors over the weekend.

Four-Day Program — Thursday to Sunday

The 2026 Schützenfest runs for four days from Friday, July 10, to Monday, July 13. Key elements of the Sauerland Schützenfest format include:

• Assembly and march of the Schützen companies to the festival tent
• Festival church service
• Grand parade through Altenhundem with the royal couple, Schützen companies, and marching bands
• King's ball with a live band
• Bird shooting and proclamation of the king
• Club celebration with awards
• Closing brunch on Monday

Current Royal Dynasty (as of 2025)

The reigning royal dynasty in 2025: King Peter Becker, Young King Christian Thöne, Emperor Martin „Putt" Schneider. The new royal title will be contested at the 2026 bird shooting.

Pre- and Side Events

As is customary with Sauerland clubs, there are several pre-festival events: Pea soup eating by the Jungschützen (young marksmen) on July 4, 2026, neighborhood festival of the 1st Corporalschaft on June 27, 2026, and other club events. These pre-festivals contribute to the preparation of the festival week and also serve as meeting points for club members' families and friends.

Schützenfest Culture Sauerland

The Sauerland is one of Germany's Schützenfest strongholds. Practically every village has its own festival — the Schützenfeste of Olpe, Schmallenberg, Meschede, Brilon, and Bestwig are legendary in the region. The Altenhundem festival ranks among them as one of the oldest and most well-attended. Anyone who wants to experience Sauerland club life will find it here.