Traditional marksmen's festival on the Pentecost weekend with eagle shooting, parade, and proclamation of the king
In 2026, the Schützenverein Hambergen looks back on 115 Schützenfeste. Such continuity is remarkable, even in the traditional region of Lower Saxony. Generations of Hambergen residents have supported club life, shaped the festival weekend, and passed on customs to the next generation. The club combines sporting discipline at the shooting range with the active preservation of customs and community.
The sporting start to the festival weekend is the eagle shooting on Saturday afternoon. On the Schützenplatz at Ringstraße, the active members gather to shoot down the wooden eagle. Whoever hits the last piece of the trophy is proclaimed the new king. The eagle shooting is not only a sporting competition but also a public event that attracts many spectators from the Hambergen municipality.
On Pentecost Sunday, the focus is on the communal and solemn part. At 11:30 AM, the marksmen gather for an ecumenical church service and the traditional laying of wreaths at the war memorial, honouring deceased club members. Afterwards, the festive parade proceeds through the village, accompanied by marching bands and friendly clubs. Houses and streets are decorated, and the residents line the route.
During the festival weekend, the king shooting takes place to determine the new monarchs. The solemn coronation in the festival tent is the emotional highlight of the weekend. The new royal court will represent the club for the next year.
Throughout the three festival days, the festival tent is the centre of activity. With live music, DJ sets, catering, and amusement rides, the sporting club transforms into a large Volksfest (people's festival). Families, clubs, politicians, and businesses meet on the festival grounds and enjoy a weekend full of encounters.
From Saturday afternoon to Monday evening, the Schützenverein Hambergen offers a continuous festival programme. Tradition, competition, and Volksfest merge into one. The festival tent becomes the social centre of the municipality.
The highlight is the solemn proclamation and coronation of the new monarchs in the festival tent. The royal court will represent the club for the next twelve months at events, parades, and receptions.
The detailed programme will be published by the Schützenverein Hambergen in spring 2026. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years.
Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, 2026 (Pentecost weekend).
Schützenplatz at Ringstraße 16, 27729 Hambergen.
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Dancing events may have an admission fee.
Schützenverein Hambergen, Phone 04793 1485.
Hambergen is accessible via the B 74 between Bremen and Bremervörde. Parking is available at the Schützenplatz and in the surrounding area.
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