Schützenfest Dötlingen
Grand Schützenfest of the Dötlingen Marksmen's Association over two festival days around Ascension Day
About Schützenfest Dötlingen
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Marksmen Tradition in the Wildeshauser Geest Nature Park
Dötlingen, picturesquely located in the Wildeshauser Geest Nature Park, cultivates a vibrant piece of local culture with the Dötlingen Marksmen's Association. The annual Schützenfest is one of the most important social events in the village, uniting generations around the competitions, the festival tent, and the traditional parade. It is embedded in a region known for its farmsteads, its hedgerows, and its characteristic geest landscape.
Two Festival Days with Different Characters
In 2026, the Schützenfest will be spread over two dates: The kick-off is on Saturday, May 20, when the ladies of the association will set the marksmen's targets in motion in their own competitions starting at 11:30 AM and the ladies' dignities will be awarded. The actual Schützenfest day follows on Thursday, May 25 – Ascension Day – with the traditional program of assembly, festival parade, King's Shoot, proclamation, and dance evening. This division honors both the historical form of the festival and the growing importance of the ladies' company.
Festival Grounds at Landhotel Dötlingen
The venue is the festival grounds at the Landhotel Dötlingen on Huntepadd, a traditional inn on the outskirts of the village. Here, the Marksmen's Association sets up the festival tent, awards the royal dignities, and celebrates with families and guests on their big day. The rural location on the edge of the Hunte valley contributes to the special charm of the festival.
Tradition with a Future
The Schützenfest Dötlingen is more than just a Volksfest (popular festival); it is an expression of village identity in a community that is forging its own path between historical substance, natural space, and modern quality of life. The Marksmen's Association invests in the next generation, opens the festival to new residents, and ensures a program that involves all age groups.
Schützenfest Dötlingen — edition 2026
The Schützenfest Dötlingen 2026 opens on Saturday, May 20th, with the Ladies' Festival Day. Starting at 11:30 AM, the female marksmen will compete and award the dignities of the Ladies' King Shoot. The day is dedicated to the ladies' company of the Marksmen's Association and ends with a convivial celebration in the festival tent.
The classic Schützenfest day follows on Thursday, May 25, 2026 – Ascension Day – the traditional date for North German marksmen culture. Starting at 1:00 PM, the assembly begins, followed by the festival parade, King's Shoot, proclamation, and festival ball.
Programme Schützenfest Dötlingen 2026
Saturday, May 20, 2026 – Ladies' Festival Day
- 11:30 AM: Opening of the Ladies' Festival Day on the festival grounds at Huntepadd
- Competitions for female marksmen, Ladies' King Shoot
- Awarding of ladies' dignities and proclamation
- Convivial conclusion in the festival tent
Thursday, May 25, 2026 – Grand Schützenfest Day (Ascension Day)
- 1:00 PM: Assembly of the marksmen on the festival grounds
- Festival parade through Dötlingen with music and flag escort
- 4:00 PM: King's Shoot at the shooting range
- Approx. 8:30 PM: Proclamation of the new Schützenkönig and dignitaries
- Evening: Festival ball in the tent with live music
Note
Detailed times for program items will be communicated by the Dötlingen Marksmen's Association and the Landhotel Huntepadd.
Highlights Schützenfest Dötlingen 2026
- Two festival days: Ladies on May 20th, grand celebration on Ascension Day
- King's Shoot, proclamation, and festival parade
- Festival ball in the tent at Landhotel Dötlingen
- Vibrant marksmen tradition in the Wildeshauser Geest
- Free entry to the festival grounds
Prices Schützenfest Dötlingen 2026
Practical information — Schützenfest Dötlingen
Dates 2026
- Saturday, May 20, 2026 – Ladies' Festival Day from 11:30 AM
- Thursday, May 25, 2026 (Ascension Day) – Grand Schützenfest Day from 1:00 PM
Location
Festival grounds at Landhotel Dötlingen (Huntepadd), 27801 Dötlingen.
Getting There
Accessible by car via the B 213 or the A 1 (exit Wildeshausen-Nord); signs to the festival grounds on site. By public transport via bus line from Wildeshausen.
Admission
Entry to the festival grounds is generally free. Admission fees may apply for individual dance events in the festival tent.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Schützenfest Dötlingen al mejor precio.
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