Schützenfest Schützenverein Rhynern 1837

Schützenverein Rhynern 1837 — almost 190 years of tradition

The Schützenverein Rhynern 1837 is one of the oldest marksmen's clubs in Hamm — founded in the year immortalized in its name. Hamm-Rhynern is a district in the south of the large Westphalian city of Hamm (North Rhine-Westphalia, independent city) — historically an independent village, incorporated into the city of Hamm in 1975. The village structure has been preserved — and with it, the marksmen's tradition, which is firmly anchored here to this day.

The Blaukittelallee as the Schützen address

The Schützenfest is celebrated at the Schützenplatz on Blaukittelallee — the club's traditional address. The festival tent has stood here for decades, and the grounds are equipped with their own bird pole for the king's shooting. Its location on the outskirts of the district provides ample space and parking — and a relaxed festival tent atmosphere without noise conflicts with residents.

Four days of Schützenfest — the festival calendar

The Schützenfest in Rhynern spans four days, from Thursday to Sunday. Thursday (Corpus Christi) Festival opening. Friday traditional marksmen's mass and assembly. Saturday main festival day with king's shooting — the central ceremony where the new marksmen's king (or queen) is determined by shooting at the wooden bird on the bird pole. Sunday grand marksmen's parade through Rhynern and coronation of the new monarch, followed by the king's ball in the festival tent in the evening.

Musical accompaniment — Avantgarde and Blasmusik Hamm

The Schützenfest is accompanied by the Avantgarde Rhynern — the district's active fife and drum corps, which provides musical leadership during the parade and king's shooting — as well as the Blasmusik Hamm, which provides musical accompaniment in the festival tent and during the parade on June 5th, 6th, and 7th. This combination — fife and drum corps and brass band — gives the Rhynern Schützenfest its typical, traditional sound.

Marksmen's tradition in Westphalia

The marksmen's tradition is deeply rooted in the Westphalian region (Hochsauerland, Münsterland, Soester Börde, Hellweg). Unlike the Rhineland Carnival, the Schützenfest is the most important district and village festival of the year here — generations meet, old connections are maintained, and new ones are forged. In Hamm-Rhynern, with its approximately 8,000 inhabitants, the 1837 Schützenfest is the defining identity festival of the district.

Location and travel

Hamm-Rhynern is located about 6 kilometers south of Hamm city center, on the border with the Unna district. By car: A 2 exit Hamm-Rhynern, then follow signs to Blaukittelallee. By public transport: Bus line 4 or 5 from Hamm Hauptbahnhof to Rhynern. Hamm is easily accessible by regional express from the Rhine-Ruhr area.