Schützenfest Lohne

Over 400 Years of Schützen Tradition

The Schützenverein Lohne 1608 is one of the oldest documented marksmen's associations in the Oldenburger Münsterland. Founded in the early 17th century, it has witnessed over four centuries of club history and shapes public life in Lohne like hardly any other institution. The 418th Schützenfest 2026 is a highlight that impressively documents the historical depth of the association's tradition.

Over 60 Companies

An impressive number: over 60 companies participate in the Lohne Schützenfest. This strong turnout makes the festival one of the largest marksmen's events in the region. Friendly associations from Münsterland, Emsland, and Oldenburger Land travel with their traditional costumes, banners, and marching bands. The parade through Lohne is a colorful spectacle showcasing the Schützen tradition in all its diversity.

Saturday — Reception, Mass, Ceremony

The program kicks off on Saturday, July 11th, with a packed schedule:

• 10:30 AM: Reception of companies and guests at Lohne Town Hall
• 2:00 PM: Festive mass in the Catholic St. Gertrud Church — spiritual highlight with flag consecration
• Parade: Grand march through the city center with all companies
• 5:30 PM: Kommers — festive evening with speeches, honors, and songs

Sunday — Grand Parade

Sunday, July 12th, is the main festival day:

• 2:00 PM: Muster of the over 60 companies
• Grand Parade through Lohne — the most spectacular sight of the weekend
• Participation of marching bands, traditional costume groups, king's carriage
• Followed by a joint celebration in the festival tent

Monday — Proclamation of the Schützenkönig

The celebration concludes on Monday, July 13th, at 7:00 PM with the ceremonial proclamation of the new Schützenkönig. Whoever fired the decisive shot in the king's competition is officially declared the king of the Lohne marksmen. It is a moment full of pride and emotion — for the king, his family, and the association community.

Lohne as a Schützen Town

Lohne is a Schützen town with a living tradition. The Schützenfest is not just an association festival but a city festival in which the population participates broadly. Shops decorate their windows, residents stand in front of their houses applauding the parade, and families plan their summer holidays around the festival days. A tradition that fosters identity and shapes the city's self-image.

Religious Dimension

The mass in St. Gertrud Church points to the religious dimension of the marksmen's associations in the predominantly Catholic Oldenburger Münsterland. Marksmen traditionally see themselves as guardians and protectors of the community — a commitment emphasized by the festival's religious integration. The consecration of the flags is a central act with centuries-old roots.