Schützenfest St. Achatius-Nikolai Wolbeck 2026

An Old Münster Brotherhood

The St. Achatius-Nikolai Brotherhood in Münster-Wolbeck is one of the most traditional shooting associations in the Münsterland region. The patron saints are Saints Achatius and Nicholas – a rare double patronage that has been maintained in Wolbeck for centuries. The annual Schützenfest traditionally falls on the second weekend in June – in 2026, this is from June 12th to 16th.

Program – Five Days of Tradition

Unlike many associations that condense their festival into three days, the Wolbeck Brotherhood adheres to a five-day format – Thursday to Monday or similar. This is a typical characteristic of Catholic brotherhoods in southern Münsterland.

• Religious Opening: A church service for "the living, deceased, and fallen" of the brotherhood – a remarkably direct liturgical element that visibly demonstrates the brotherhood's religious roots.
• Torchlight Procession to the von Merveldt Family: One of Wolbeck's oldest traditions – the marksmen pay their respects to the noble von Merveldt family, who are historically closely linked to Wolbeck (Merveldt Castle in the neighboring town of Lembeck).
• Bird Shooting at the bird-shooting stand near the festival tent – the highlight with the king's shot and coronation.
• Büschken Ceremonies – Wolbeck's variation of shooting rituals (Büschken = small bouquets of shooting feathers).
• King's Balls and Festive Kommers in the festival tent or at Sültemeyer Krug.
• Festival Parade through Wolbeck.

Musical Accompaniment

The brotherhood is accompanied by two music corps: the Münster-Wolbeck Fire Brigade Marching Band and the Ascheberg Brass Band. Both ensembles have developed a close bond with the Wolbeck Brotherhood over the years.

Sültemeyer Krug – The Club House

The Sültemeyer Krug is the traditional club house of the St. Achatius-Nikolai Brotherhood. Festive kommers, king's dinners, and meetings take place here. The inn is one of Wolbeck's gastronomic landmarks – a classic Münsterland guesthouse with a long history.

Wolbeck – A Münster District with Castle Heritage

Wolbeck is a historic district of Münster in the southeast of the city – around 8,000 inhabitants, located near the Wolbeck Tiergarten (animal park). The Drostenhaus (bailiff's house) and the former castle shape the townscape. The brotherhood is deeply interwoven with Wolbeck's identity.