Schützenfest BSV Dreierwalde (Hörstel)

Dreierwalde — Schützen Tradition since 1623

Dreierwalde is one of the four districts of the town of Hörstel in the northern Münsterland region (Steinfurt district), located east of the Dutch border. With around 4,000 inhabitants, Dreierwalde is manageable, but it possesses an exceptional treasure: the Bürgerschützenverein Dreierwalde 1623 e.V. — founded in 1623, during the Thirty Years' War. With over 400 years of uninterrupted (or nearly uninterrupted) club history, the BSV Dreierwalde is one of the oldest Schützenvereine in Germany. Its annual Schützenfest is the most important event of the village year — in 2026 from May 13th to 15th, traditionally around Ascension Day.

Three Days of Schützenfest 2026

The three-day program follows the proven dramaturgy of Westphalian Schützenfeste, with a Dreierwalde-specific touch:

• Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 — Festival kickoff with Börsenparty in the festival tent. A Dreierwalde specialty: Instead of classic terms like "Schützenball," the festival starts with a party in the style of a "Börse" (stock market) — energetic, young, party-ready. An idea that works particularly well in Dreierwalde and appeals to teenagers and young adults.
• Thursday, May 14th, 2026 (Ascension Day) — Muster of the marksmen in the early morning, High Mass in honor of the club's patron saint and commemoration of fallen comrades. Grand parade through Dreierwalde with music corps, marching band, and friendly clubs from the Tecklenburger Land and Münsterland regions. Reception and festival tent activities in the afternoon.
• Friday, May 15th, 2026 — joint breakfast in the festival tent, followed by a march to the bird pole. King's shooting — the new King is determined by the final shot. Proclamation of the new King and Queen with a ceremonial coronation. Closing celebration in the festival tent with dancing and live music.

The Bürgerschützenverein Dreierwalde 1623 e.V.

The Bürgerschützenverein Dreierwalde 1623 e.V. has an extraordinary history: Founded during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), it survived plague epidemics, wars, secularizations, and political upheavals. Today, it is one of the most important pillars of village life — with its own clubhouse, regular shooting competitions, youth department, participation in Harvest Thanksgiving, Volkstrauertag (Remembrance Day), and the observance of St. Sebastian's Day in January. The club motto "Tradition, Community, and Sociable Gathering" is not a platitude but practiced daily club life.

Hörstel and the Northern Münsterland

Hörstel as a whole comprises the districts of Hörstel, Riesenbeck, Dreierwalde, and Bevergern. Characterized by the Dortmund-Ems Canal, Surenburg Castle, and the TERRA.vita Nature Park, the region is popular for cycling and hiking tours. Those who combine the Schützenfest with a visit can also explore the Canoe Base on the Canal, the nearby Bentheimer Wald area, or the climb to Tecklenburg Castle.