Schützenfest BSG Holten 1308

Oberhausen-Holten — Ruhr Area district with medieval heritage

Holten is now a district in northern Oberhausen (Sterkrade borough), which was an independent town until 1929. Characteristic features: the medieval water castle Kastell Holten, one of the oldest preserved castle complexes on the Lower Rhine, and the Holten Church. While Oberhausen as a whole is shaped by the industrial image of the Ruhr area (Gasometer, Centro, industrial architecture), Holten preserves a historical core that dates far back into the Middle Ages — and with it, the Bürger-Schützen-Gilde 1308 as a living piece of city history.

Bürger-Schützen-Gilde Holten 1308 — one of Germany's oldest shooting guilds

The Bürger-Schützen-Gilde Holten 1308 e.V. was founded — as the name suggests — in 1308. This makes it one of the oldest documented shooting associations in Germany and it celebrates its 718th anniversary in 2026. Originally founded as a citizens' militia to protect the medieval town walls of Holten, the guild has transformed over more than seven centuries: from a defense force to a shooting club, a social meeting point, and a traditional customs organization. The annual Schützenfest at the Kastell is the highlight of the club's year and, at the same time, one of the showcases of Holten's identity.

Kastell Holten as a festival backdrop

The Kastell Holten at Kastellstraße 58 is the historical water castle of the town — one of the earliest documented fortifications on the Lower Rhine. Partially rebuilt today, the area serves as the event and club location for the BSG. The Schützenfest at the Kastell thus has a backdrop that hardly any other shooting venue in Germany can offer: medieval castle walls, a courtyard, old trees — the historical setting underscores the guild's tradition.

Program 2026 — four days of events

Friday, June 19, 2026 — Midsummer Rock

Opening with the Midsummer Rock Festival on the Kastell grounds — Headliner: the band REDLINE. The rock concert has been a crossover event for years: classic Schützenfest and rock open-air merge into a format that appeals to a younger audience. Tickets available at midsummer-rock.com.

Saturday, June 20, 2026 — Service and King's Shoot

Ecumenical service as the opening — one of the few ecumenically designed shooting masses in the region. Followed by the Prince's shoot and Children's King's shoot, where young shooters compete for their titles. In the evening, the Holten Evening with DJ Curlysound — the biggest dance party of the Schützenfest weekend.

Sunday, June 21, 2026 — Family Day

The Family Day offers Guest shoot (for members of friendly clubs), Children's shoot, bouncy castle, tombola, and an afternoon coffee with accordionist Michel Müller — the quieter side of the festival, relaxed and intergenerational.

Monday, June 22, 2026 — King's Shoot and Coronation Ball

The Schützenfest Monday is the highlight: the King's shoot for adult shooters — the classic shooting competition for the royal title. In the evening, the Coronation Ball with DJ Curlysound — the official crowning of the new King and Queen and the exuberant end of the festival late into the night.

Shooting culture and Holten identity

The Holten Schützenfest is not just a club event — it is a declaration of district identity. The people of Holten strongly identify with the guild; the festival days shape the district's summer calendar. Anyone who wants to experience Holten should visit during the Schützenfest weekend — here, district patriotism is real, beyond any folklore.

Oberhausen and the northern Ruhr area

Visitors to the festival can get to know Oberhausen comprehensively: Gasometer Oberhausen (Europe's tallest industrial building, impressive exhibitions), CentrO (one of Germany's largest shopping centers), Slinky Springs to Fame (curved bridge by artist Tobias Rehberger), Schloss Oberhausen with the Ludwiggalerie. Holten itself is worth a stroll through the historic town center and a look at the old church and the Kastell, even outside the Schützenfest week.