Schützenfest Ostwig

Sauerland Shooting Tradition Since 1873

The Schützenfest Ostwig is a classic Sauerland citizens' marksmen's festival, organized annually in June by the St. Antonius Schützenbruderschaft 1873 e.V. Ostwig. Ostwig is one of the districts of the municipality of Bestwig in the Hochsauerlandkreis – a region where the shooting tradition is as deeply rooted as almost anywhere else in Germany. Almost every village in the Sauerland has its own marksmen's brotherhood, its own Schützenfest, and its own king and queen. In Ostwig, this tradition has been documented and unbroken since 1873.

June 13th to 15th, 2026 — The Festival Schedule

The festival runs for three days, from Saturday to Monday. As is customary in the Sauerland, the schedule follows a fixed pattern passed down through generations:

• Saturday, June 13th: Festival tent opening, king's shooting competition, king's ball
• Sunday, June 14th: Festival high mass in the Catholic parish church, grand parade through Ostwig, festival ceremony
• Monday, June 15th: Coronation brunch, festival conclusion

According to the board, the exact hourly schedule will be "announced again in due course" – either via written club notice, by email to the marksmen, or through the regional press. Visitors are best advised to inquire directly with the brotherhood beforehand or look out for announcements in the Westfalenpost and the Sauerland-Kurier.

St. Antonius as Patron Saint

The patronage of St. Antonius (Saint Anthony) gives the Ostwig brotherhood its name. Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the most popular folk saints in the Catholic Sauerland – his image appears prominently on the club's flags, the king's regalia, and in the liturgy of the festival high mass. Throughout the year, the brotherhood organizes club evenings, shooting competitions, and social events, but the Schützenfest in June remains the highlight.

King's Shooting Competition and King's Proclamation

The king's shooting competition on Saturday is the most exciting moment: whoever shoots the last piece of the wooden bird off the pole becomes the new king and chooses his queen. The king's proclamation, complete with royal dignity, the king's chain, and the king's eagle, follows immediately – and the newly crowned royal couple leads the grand parade through Ostwig on Sunday, cheered on by the brotherhood and the entire village community.

Ostwig and Bestwig — Hochsauerland Context

The Ostwig district of Bestwig is located in the southwestern Hochsauerlandkreis, between Meschede and Olsberg. The municipality of Bestwig has about 11,000 inhabitants, spread across several districts – Ostwig is one of the smaller but traditionally active ones. Visitors attending the Schützenfest can ideally combine it with a hike in the Rothaargebirge mountains, a visit to the Heinrichshöhle cave in Hemer, or a trip along the Ruhrtal railway line.

What to Expect as a Visitor

Sauerland Schützenfeste are very hospitable and attract the entire village community beyond the club members. There's a festival tent with a dance band, bratwurst, beer, and conviviality – everything is present. Those who want to experience the most visually striking element should plan for the grand parade on Sunday afternoon: uniforms, flags, marching music, the royal couple in full regalia – a living tradition deeply rooted in the Sauerland.