Schützenfest Heinsberg — 120th Anniversary

Marksmanship in the Westernmost Tip of NRW

Heinsberg, with around 42,000 inhabitants, is the district town of Heinsberg (Cologne administrative district), located in the westernmost part of North Rhine-Westphalia — right on the Dutch border. The region was historically shaped by Limburgish for a long time, but has belonged to Germany again since the 18th century. The Heinsberg Marksmen's Association 1906 e.V., founded in 1906, celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2026 with the traditional Schützenfest from July 17th to 19th.

Friday: Children's Marksmen's Festival from 4 PM

The festival kicks off on Friday, July 17th, 2026, from 4:00 PM, dedicated to the youngest marksmen: the Children's Marksmen's Festival with its own bird shooting (on the air lever bow instead of the shooting post), crowning of the children's king, games, and refreshments with children's punch and bratwurst. This tradition is part of the association's integrated marksmen's concept: introducing the next generation to the tradition.

Saturday: Bird Shooting at 12:45 PM

Saturday, July 18th, 2026, is the main festival day with the traditional bird shooting at 12:45 PM. During bird shooting (also known as king shooting), the members of the marksmen's association aim at a wooden eagle (or bird) attached to a high pole on the shooting post. Whoever shoots down the last splinter is crowned Marksmen's King 2026/2027. The act is sporty and ceremonial and is at the core of the Schützenfest. Afterwards, a festival tent program with live music until late.

Sunday: Grand Festive Parade

Sunday, July 19th, 2026, brings the festive highlight: the traditional parade through Heinsberg, led by the new Marksmen's King and his royal couple. Marksmen's formations from neighboring municipalities (Hückelhoven, Erkelenz, Selfkant), flags, brass bands, and festively dressed club members march through the city. Afterwards, a royal reception in the festival tent and the conclusion of the festival.

120th Anniversary — Special Features

For the 120th anniversary, the Marksmen's Association is planning additional highlights: a commemorative publication with the association's history since 1906, an invitation to former Marksmen's Kings from recent decades for an evening of honor, and possibly a grand fireworks display on Saturday evening (in addition to the usual festival tent program). The detailed program will be published by the association on its website and in the daily newspapers shortly before the event.

Marksmanship in the Lower Rhine and Rhineland Region

Heinsberg belongs to the Rhenish marksmen's tradition — one of the densest marksmen's landscapes in Germany. The Heinsberg district unites over 50 marksmen's associations, each organizing its own Schützenfeste. The Heinsberg festival is one of the largest in the region, with three days of celebration and a 120-year tradition. Anyone who wants to experience the Rhenish marksmen's spirit — traditional costumes, shooting competitions, camaraderie, king's proclamation — will find it here.

Getting There

Heinsberg is easily accessible by car via the A46 (Heinsberg exit). Approximately 35 minutes from Aachen, about 1 hour's drive from Düsseldorf. Public transport: AVV bus from Aachen, RVK bus from Erkelenz. Heinsberg does not have a direct train connection — the nearest station is Erkelenz on the Aachen-Mönchengladbach line.