Schützenfest Hebelermeer (Twist)

Hebelermeer and Twister Shooting Culture

The municipality of Twist in southwestern Emsland consists of several historically developed districts, each with its own club and festival culture. Hebelermeer is one of these districts and maintains a vibrant shooting tradition. As in many places in Emsland, the shooting club is a central pillar of village community life, and the annual Schützenfest is the undisputed highlight of the year.

Setup Week and Festival Weekend

As early as Wednesday before the festival weekend, the setup of the festival tent begins on the Hebelermeer festival grounds — a clear sign that the big celebration is imminent. On Saturday, May 16th, 2026, the marksmen will open the festival with a solemn muster. A dance band will play for the Schützenball in the festival tent, and the village community will come together for a lively festival evening. Sunday, May 17th, is dedicated to the king's shooting, the king's proclamation, and the king's dance.

King's Shooting and Tradition

As with all Emsland Schützenfeste, the king's shooting is the central sporting highlight. During the shooting at the wooden bird, the marksmen compete for the honor of King, who will represent the club for a year. Whoever shoots down the last splinter of the bird will be proclaimed King, choose his Queen, and lead the shooting community through the coming club year. The King's proclamation is a solemn act that is followed with great interest by the entire village community.

Embedded in the Twister Schützenfeste

The municipality of Twist has its own shooting clubs in its various districts — Twist-Mitte, Rütenbrock, Hebelermeer, Schöninghsdorf — each celebrating their festivals throughout the season. With the Hebelermeer festival on May 16th and 17th, the Twister shooting season opens after the Pentecost festivals in early May, and the festival seamlessly fits into the region's dense festival calendar.