Schützenfest Vrees

Vrees in the Werlte Municipality

Vrees is a municipality within the Werlte collective municipality, located in the western Hümmling region, nestled within the Geest landscape of northwestern Emsland. Like many villages in Hümmling, Vrees possesses a distinct village identity and a vibrant club life. The Vrees shooting club is a central pillar of this identity, organizing the annual Schützenfest as a key event for the village community.

Two Festival Days in Vrees

The 2026 festival is expected to span two days, on the weekend of June 20th and 21st. Saturday is dedicated to the ceremonial opening with the assembly of the marksmen, a festive parade through Vrees, and a grand Schützenball in the evening. Sunday focuses on the King's Shoot, the proclamation of the new king, the King's Dinner, and the King's Dance. Refreshments will be served in the festival tent, and local brass bands will provide festive musical accompaniment.

King's Shoot and Tradition

In Vrees, as elsewhere, the King's Shoot is the central sporting and symbolic highlight of the Schützenfest. During the shoot at the wooden bird effigy, marksmen compete for the title of King. Whoever shoots off the last splinter is proclaimed King and chooses their Queen. The new royal couple will represent the club for one year at guest festivals of friendly clubs in the Werlte municipality and the wider Hümmling area.

Festival Calendar of the Werlte Municipality

The Werlte municipality is home to numerous active shooting clubs in its various communities and districts. The Vrees festival is part of a busy festival calendar that also includes festivals in Werlte (main town, July) and Wieste (Pentecost weekend). The reciprocal visits and joint activities of the clubs create a lively festival scene that significantly shapes the municipality.