Schützenfest BSG 1546 Ibbenbüren

One of Germany's Oldest Schützenfeste

When the drums roll through Ibbenbüren's city centre on the last weekend of June 2026, history echoes within: The Bürgerschützen-Gesellschaft von 1546 zu Ibbenbüren e.V. (BSG 1546) is one of Westphalia's oldest documented shooting societies — its roots can be traced back to 1546. This makes the Ibbenbüren Schützenfest part of a select group of German civic shooting traditions that have maintained their continuous identity for almost five centuries.

The Festival Schedule from 26 to 28 June 2026

As every year, the festival begins on Saturday with the companies assembling at 3 PM on the Oberer Markt. From there, the marksmen in uniform, complete with hats, flags, and brass bands, march towards the Hotel Gasthaus Brügge, a traditional club venue for the BSG. A wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial for fallen club members is a fixed part of the programme — it also makes the Schützenfest an act of remembrance culture. Afterwards, the procession leads to the Hotel Leugermann, where the King's Shoot takes place, followed by the proclamation of the King and Queen.

The Theo-Röttger-Memorial Cup

An Ibbenbüren speciality is the Theo-Röttger-Memorial Cup, awarded during the King's Shoot — an honour for special merits within the shooting society. The tradition of the King and Queen themselves dates back to 1841 and has been continuously documented since then. In 2025, André Ahmann and Meike Herkenhoff held the honour; in 2026, a new King and Queen will be chosen.

Board and Club Life

Since 2024, Sören Jung has led the BSG 1546 as chairman. Ignatz Mohrmann is the honorary chairman; in the club's history, Gustav Deiters (chairman from 1931) is among the prominent figures. The society maintains club life, social gatherings, shooting competitions, and joint appearances at the Schützenfeste of neighbouring clubs throughout the year. However, the highlight remains its own Schützenfest on the last weekend of June.

Shooting Tradition Between Münsterland and Tecklenburger Land

Ibbenbüren is located in the northern Tecklenburger Land, about 30 kilometres north of Münster, on the edge of the Teutoburg Forest. The region is the heartland of a dense shooting tradition, combining a diverse range of Catholic-influenced customs with civic club life. A visit to the BSG Schützenfest also offers insight into a form of communal identity that has remained surprisingly stable over five centuries.

What Visitors Can Expect

Schützenfeste in Westphalia are not museum events — they are lively folk festivals with a beer tent, music, dance evenings, and a mix of formal tradition (parades, King's proclamation) and exuberant conviviality. Both are cherished in Ibbenbüren. Those who want to experience the entire event should plan from Saturday afternoon (assembly at 3 PM) to Sunday evening. Those who just want to drop by should consider the assembly on the Oberer Markt or the subsequent procession — the most visually spectacular part.