Schützenfest Uelzen
Whitsun Schützenfest of the Gilde Uelzen 1270 e.V. — over 750 years of tradition with a march to the Fischerhof
2026
About Schützenfest Uelzen
Schützenfest Uelzen — edition 2026
2026 without a marching band
The 2026 edition will take place without the traditional Gilde marching band — external music groups will provide the musical accompaniment.
Detailed schedule published
The schedule with all detailed times was published by the Gilde Uelzen on May 19, 2026, as a PDF (see gilde-uelzen.de).
Highlights Schützenfest Uelzen 2026
- Over 750 years of marksmen's tradition since 1270
- Whitsun Schützenfest with four festival days
- March to the Fischerhof in the city forest
- King's shooting and King's proclamation
- 2026 without marching band — novel musical accompaniment
- Detailed march plan published by the club
Programme Schützenfest Uelzen 2026
Program May 15-18, 2026
Friday, May 15 — Festival start with march
- Veerßer Straße closed 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Gilde assembly in the city center
- March to the Fischerhof in the city forest
- King's dinner for the reigning monarchs
- Festival evening
Saturday, May 16 — King's shooting
- Bird shooting / King's shooting at the Fischerhof
- Determination of the new monarchs
- King's proclamation
- Grand festival ball
Whitsun Sunday, May 17 — Festival day
- Morning pint in the festival marquee
- Whitsun festival program
- Performances by external music groups
- Festival evening
Whit Monday, May 18 — Return march and conclusion
- Veerßer Straße closed 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- Gilde's return march to the city center
- Festival conclusion
- Family day
Overarching elements
- Over 750 years of Gilde tradition since 1270
- Fischerhof in the city forest as the location for the King's shooting
- Traffic closures for the march out and back
- 2026 without Gilde marching band — external musical accompaniment
- Whitsun festival culture as a profile
Prices Schützenfest Uelzen 2026
Practical information — Schützenfest Uelzen
Date 2026
- Friday, May 15th to Monday, May 18th, 2026 (Whitsun)
- Four festival days
- 2026 without the Gilde's marching band
Location
- Uelzen city center and Fischerhof in the city forest
- 29525 Uelzen
Organizer
- Gilde Uelzen 1270 e.V.
- One of Germany's oldest marksmen's guilds
- Website: gilde-uelzen.de
Traffic information
- Veerßer Straße closed: Fri, May 15th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Whit Monday, May 18th from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Getting there
- Uelzen train station (ICE, IC, Metronom, EVB)
- By car via B4, B71, or B191
- Parking available in Uelzen city center
Admission
- Free access to the march and public program
- Festival marquee and events at separate rates
Gilde Uelzen 1270 e.V. — one of Germany's oldest marksmen's guilds
The Gilde Uelzen was founded in 1270, making it one of the oldest marksmen's guilds in Germany. With over 750 years of uninterrupted club tradition, it represents an extraordinary continuity of civic club life. Originally founded for the military defense of the city of Uelzen — a typical function of medieval marksmen's guilds — the Gilde has transformed its role over the centuries and is now a central pillar of the city's festival culture.
Whitsun Schützenfest — Tradition around the Whitsun festival
The Schützenfest traditionally takes place around the Whitsun festival. In 2026, Whitsun falls on the weekend of May 16th/17th, and the Schützenfest runs from May 15th to 18th. This timing is deeply rooted in tradition and allows Uelzen families to firmly incorporate the festival into their annual planning.
March to the Fischerhof in the city forest
A special tradition of the Uelzen Schützenfest is the march to the Fischerhof in the city forest. The Gilde marches from the city center out into the surrounding city forest to the Fischerhof, where the King's shooting takes place. The ceremonial form of the march with uniforms and marching formations is a visual highlight of the festival weekend.
Traffic restrictions in Veerßer Straße
For 2026, traffic restrictions are announced for Veerßer Straße: Friday, May 15th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and on Whit Monday, May 18th from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. These closures allow the march out and back without traffic disruption. Residents and road users will be informed about these closures.
2026 without a marching band
An unusual feature of the 2026 edition: the Schützenfest will take place without the traditional Gilde marching band. The bandleader's resignation and the ongoing reorganization of the marching band lead to this break. Musical accompaniment will be provided by external music groups. The Gilde will address the reorganization of the marching band in the coming years.
King's shooting and King's proclamation
As with all Schützenfeste of this tradition, the King's shooting is at the center. Whoever shoots off the last piece of the bird becomes the new Schützenkönig (King) of the Gilde Uelzen — an honorable title worn for one year. The King's proclamation, with the handover of the King's chain and the historical club regalia, is the emotional climax of the festival weekend.
Festival marquee and social program
The festival marquee forms the social center with dance evenings, morning pint gatherings, balls, and the King's reception. The schedule PDF with all detailed times has been published by the club.
Where it takes place Schützenfest Uelzen
Schützenfest Uelzen at a glance
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .