Schützenfest des Schützenverein Lehe

Marksmen's Tradition in the Seaside City

The tradition of marksmen's clubs has a long history in the Bremerhaven district of Lehe: The Schützen Verein Lehe was founded as early as 1848, making it one of the oldest clubs in the state of Bremen. Its marksmen's festival is the highlight of the club year. Members and guests meet at the shooting range on Siebenbergensweg for the King's shooting, the proclamation of the new King and Queen, and a convivial afternoon that strengthens the club's community throughout the year. The Schützenfest is one of the oldest folk festival traditions in Germany: Over centuries, medieval guilds formed to protect the city evolved into social festivals, the highlight of which is still the election of the marksmen's king.

Four Disciplines Under One Roof

The club unites four shooting sports disciplines: archery, pistol, rifle, and muzzleloader. This diversity also characterizes the marksmen's festival, where sporting competition and festive tradition go hand in hand. In addition to the Schützenfest, the annual family festival in August is one of the club's fixed dates—a sign that marksmen's clubs in Lehe are not just about sport, but about lived community.

Lehe — A Vibrant District of Bremerhaven

Lehe is one of the oldest and most populous districts of the 'Seestadt' Bremerhaven: As early as 1273/78, the place was documented as 'Lee' in the income register of the Counts of Oldenburg; after joining the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen in 1947, Lehe became a district of Bremerhaven. In the midst of this urban, diverse environment, the marksmen's club preserves a piece of North German tradition and, with its festival, creates a meeting point for the neighborhood and families — down-to-earth, cordial, and open to guests from all over the state of Bremen.