Schützenfest Doberlug

Marksmanship Culture in the Niederlausitz

Doberlug-Kirchhain, a twin town in the Elbe-Elster district with around 9,000 inhabitants, is one of those Brandenburg towns where the tradition of marksmanship – dating back to the 15th/16th century – remains vibrant today. The Schützenfest during the Pentecost weekend is one of the most important city events of the year, organized by the local Schützengilde (marksmen's guild) together with the city administration.

The Festival Program

The three-day event begins on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM with the official opening. The classic schedule includes a marksmen's parade, the king's shooting competition, club competitions, and a festive procession. The folk festival with food stalls, carousels, and live music takes place on the Schützenplatz on Tiergartenstraße. On Pentecost Sunday, there is a traditional festive church service with the participation of the Schützengilde.

Schützengilde — More Than Just a Sports Club

As is the case everywhere in Germany, the Doberlug-Kirchhain Schützengilde is more than just a sports club. It serves as a social anchor, keeps traditional rites alive (Schützenkönig, Schützenfest, Vereinsfest), and connects generations. There are numerous marksmen's clubs in the Elbe-Elster district — Doberlug-Kirchhain, as a city with a history of the Reformation (seat of the former Bishopric of Meißen), boasts a particularly long club history.

Doberlug-Kirchhain — City of the Reformation and Elbe-Elster Land

For those already traveling in the Niederlausitz region, the Schützenfest can be combined with a visit to the historic Doberlug Castle Church or a tour through the Elbe-Elster Land — a part of the Niederlausitz with a history of coal mining, the Elsterauenpark, and Bad Liebenwerda not far away.