Schützenfest Eltern (Haselünne)

Eltern — District of the 'Hasestadt' Haselünne

Eltern is a district of the town of Haselünne in southern Emsland and has retained its village identity despite being incorporated. With the Eltern shooting club (Schützenverein Eltern e.V.), the district has an active customs club that significantly shapes social life. The annual shooting festival is the central event of the club's year and the undisputed highlight of the district's festival calendar.

Three Days of Celebration in Eltern

The 2026 festival spans three days, from Saturday, June 13th, to Monday, June 15th. Saturday marks the festive opening with the assembly of the shooters, a parade through the district, and a grand shooting ball in the evening. Sunday is dedicated to the king's shooting, the king's proclamation, and the king's dance. Monday concludes the festival weekend with the king's dinner and a festive closing.

King's Shooting and Tradition

The king's shooting is the central sporting and symbolic highlight of every Emsland shooting festival. During the shooting at the wooden bird, the shooters vie for the title of king. Whoever shoots down the last splinter is proclaimed king and chooses his queen. The new royal couple will represent the Eltern shooting club for one year at guest festivals and events.

Embedded in Haselünne's Shooting Culture

Haselünne is home to several independent shooting clubs in its various districts and in the town itself. In addition to the Eltern shooting club, the Schützenbruderschaft in Stadtmark (Pentecost festival), the Schützenverein Stadtmark-Siedlung West (second weekend in July), and others are particularly active. The mutual visits and joint activities of the clubs create a vibrant festival life that significantly shapes the 'Hasestadt'.