Schützenfest Hollfeld

A Shooting Tradition Since 1891

The Schützengesellschaft 1891 Hollfeld e.V. is one of the most traditional clubs in the town of Hollfeld, located in the Upper Franconian district of Bayreuth. With around 240 members and over 130 years of history, it embodies what makes Bavaria's shooting tradition unique: preserving customs, sociability, and sporting competition in a single event. The annual Schützenfest is "the largest local festival of the year" and, according to the organizers, the largest and last of its kind in the greater Bayreuth-Kulmbach area.

Festival Tent, Parade, and Shooting Competition

The Schützenfest traditionally spans several days. At its center is the large festival tent at the Schützenfestplatz, where locals and guests from all over Franconian Switzerland and the Bayreuth-Kulmbach region gather. The highlight is the grand parade, which includes participating clubs, traditional costume groups, and music bands — usually starting at Marienplatz and proceeding to the festival grounds.

The King's Shot

During the festival days, the marksmen hold their competitions at the shooting range. The results remain secret until the Schützenkönig (King of Marksmen) — the most accurate shooter of the festival — is proclaimed in a festive ceremony. This element of suspense is at the core of Franconian shooting traditions and distinguishes the Hollfeld festival from a pure Volksfest.

Sociability, Music, Franconian Delicacies

In the festival tent, brass bands and dance bands provide the entertainment, accompanied by fresh regional beer, and Franconian classics are served on the tables — sausages, Schäufele (pork shoulder), steaks, fries, cakes, and pastries. For families, there are amusement rides and carousels during the day, and the stage comes alive with live music in the evening.

The Town of Hollfeld in Festive Spirit

Hollfeld is a small town on the southern edge of Franconian Switzerland, picturesquely situated in the valley of the Wiesent and Kainach rivers. During the Schützenfest, the town's appearance changes: flags, decorative wreaths, shooting club uniforms, traditional costumes, and the festival tent characterize the weekend. Anyone who has experienced how the entire town becomes a festive community understands the significance of this event in the region's annual calendar.