Schützenfest Horn 2026

Schützenfest with almost 500 years of tradition

The Schützengesellschaft Horn in Lippe von 1544 e.V. is one of the oldest marksmen's associations in Germany — founded in the year 1544, almost 500 years ago. During the Reformation, at a time when the Lower Lippe town of Horn was still a modest market town in the shadow of Lippe Castle, the citizens' militia formed a marksmen's association. 482 years later, the tradition is alive: From September 4th to 6th, 2026, the association will celebrate its next Schützenfest.

The Program

Friday, September 4th, 2026 — Opening

Opening parade, welcome by the board and friendly associations. Opening of the marquee with beer tapping, first evening celebration.

Saturday, September 5th, 2026 — King's Shoot

The traditional king's shoot at the king's bird — whoever shoots off the last piece of wood becomes the marksmen's king. Followed by the marquee program and crowning ball with a live band or DJ.

Sunday, September 6th, 2026 — Parade

The grand parade on Sunday afternoon through historic Horn — the marksmen in uniform with standards, music bands, the royal couple in a decorated carriage. Follow-up morning pint in the marquee.

Horn — the historic district

Horn is now a district of the town of Horn-Bad Meinberg in the Lippe district (North Rhine-Westphalia), but was an independent town for centuries. Horn's significance is known beyond the region through the Externsteine — the famous rock formation in the Teutoburg Forest, one of Germany's most famous natural monuments. Historic Horn, with its former town center, castle ruins, and parish church, is the parade route. The marksmen's tradition dates back to the medieval citizens' militia — at the time of its founding in 1544, Horn was an important market town in the Lippe region.

Horn-Bad Meinberg in the Teutoburg Forest

Horn-Bad Meinberg is a town in the Lippe district (North Rhine-Westphalia) with about 17,000 inhabitants. Characterized by two historic centers: Horn (medieval town) and Bad Meinberg (spa town). The town is located in the Teutoburg Forest, one of Germany's most beautiful low mountain range regions. Tourist magnets include the Externsteine, the Hermann Monument (in the neighboring town of Detmold), and the Vogelpark Heiligenkirchen (bird park). The Horn Schützenfest is one of the region's most important traditional events — tradition with depth.

Marksmen's Tradition in the Lippe Region

The Lippeland (today's Lippe district) has one of the densest networks of marksmen's associations in Germany. Almost every village, every district has its own association that cultivates the marksmen's tradition — a living heritage of medieval citizens' militias and religious brotherhoods. The Schützengesellschaft Horn 1544 holds a prominent position among them due to its great age.