Schützenfest Sundern with Kaiserschießen

What is a Schützenfest?

Schützenfeste have been a lived identity in Westphalia for centuries. They combine civic-Protestant and Catholic tradition, paramilitary reminiscence, and folk festival character — and have been recognized as intangible UNESCO cultural heritage since 2015. The Sundern Schützenfest of the St. Hubertus Schützenbruderschaft is one of the traditional examples in the Sauerland.

2026 — The Year of the Emperor

A normal Schützenfest has a King's shot — the marksman who brings the eagle down from the mast becomes Schützenkönig for one year. At the Kaiserschießen, which only takes place every few years, all former Schützenkönige compete against each other — the goal is to crown the Emperor, who holds the highest dignity of the brotherhood for a longer period. 2026 is the Year of the Emperor in Sundern, the decisive shot will be fired on Saturday, July 4th.

Program — Three Days of Tradition

• Saturday: Festive entry, church service, traditional shooting ceremonies. Kaiserschießen as the central program item. Evening: Großer Zapfenstreich at 9 PM — a military-ceremonial ritual with marching bands and torchbearers.
• Sunday: Brunch from 10:30 AM, followed by a grand parade at 3 PM through the town. Children's program and family dance. Sunday is traditionally Family Day — free admission all day.
• Monday: Bird shooting at 8:15 AM, to crown the new Schützenkönig (and possibly the new Queen). Parade at approx. 4 PM, free beer distribution, and an evening closing party in the Hubertushalle.

The Hubertushalle — Festival Hall

The Hubertushalle is the festival hall of the Schützenbruderschaft. With six beer taps ready for Pils, a dance floor for hundreds of marksmen and bands of all genres, it is the pulsating heart of the festival. The current reigning Schützenkönig is Jonas Kampmann, Queen Felizitas Naumann; Jungschützenkönig (Youth King) Colin Mester.

Sundern and the Sauerland

Sundern is located in the western Sauerland, in the Hochsauerlandkreis district, on the Sorpe reservoir. With just under 30,000 inhabitants, it is a typical Sauerland medium-sized town: predominantly Catholic, an industrial location (forging industry), a recreational area for the Ruhr region. The Schützenfest here is not folklore, but a matter of course — those who belong are there. The brotherhood actively recruits new members to keep the UNESCO-recognized tradition alive.