Schützenfest Wittingen
Traditional festival of the Wittingen marksmen's association from 1617
About Schützenfest Wittingen
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1617 – A Tradition from the Thirty Years' War
The Wittingen marksmen's association looks back on a history that began in 1617 – shortly before the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War. At that time, marksmen's clubs primarily served to protect the town; over the centuries, this function evolved into the sporting and social customs we know today. With over 400 years, the Wittingen association is one of the oldest marksmen's associations in Lower Saxony.
Wittingen as a District Town
Wittingen is the northeasternmost town in the Gifhorn district and the center of a predominantly rural region. With around 11,000 inhabitants, the town offers urban amenities and rural roots equally. The market square, the town hall, and St. Stephanus Church form the historic center, where the Schützenfest also has its roots.
Four Days of Whitsun
Like many large marksmen's festivals in the region, Wittingen also uses the Whitsun period. Shooting competitions, a festive parade, the proclamation of the king, dance evenings, and a family program extend over four days. The festive parade, with marksmen in historical uniforms, marching bands, and festively decorated floats, winds its way through the town center.
Proclamation of the King and King's Banquet
The competition for the royal title is the sporting and symbolic heart of the festival. The proclamation of the new monarch takes place on a grand scale, accompanied by festive music and the handover of the king's chain – a valuable piece of jewelry that bears the list of all Wittingen marksmen kings since the Middle Ages. The King's Banquet on Whitsun Sunday brings together marksmen and distinguished guests.
Connection to the Town Society
The Schützenfest in Wittingen is not just a club festival behind closed doors, but a town festival that involves all residents. Friendly clubs, the Wittingen community, families from the surrounding area, and guests from the entire Altmark and Heide region make the festival a regional event.
Schützenfest Wittingen — edition 2026
The 2026 edition follows the proven four-day structure. Shooting competitions, the festive parade, and the proclamation of the king form the framework; dance evenings and the family program ensure the festive atmosphere. Friendly clubs from the Gifhorn district, Altmark, and the Lüneburg Heath travel to participate and strengthen the procession.
The King's Banquet on Whitsun Sunday brings together marksmen and distinguished guests in a festive atmosphere – the handover of the historic king's chain is one of the most symbolically significant moments.
Programme Schützenfest Wittingen 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the marksmen's association in the spring. The structure follows the established key points:
Friday, May 22nd (Whitsun Eve)
- Opening of the festival grounds
- Dance evening in the festival tent
- Start of the fairground attractions
Saturday, May 23rd (Whitsun Eve)
- Assembly of the marksmen
- Shooting competitions for the royal title
- Proclamation of the new monarch
- King's Ball in the evening
Sunday, May 24th (Whitsun)
- Morning pint with brass band music
- Grand festive parade through Wittingen
- King's Banquet
- Festival evening in the tent
Monday, May 25th (Whitsun Monday)
- Family Day
- Children's program and carousels
- Winding down in the late afternoon
Highlights Schützenfest Wittingen 2026
- Marksmen's association since 1617 – over 400 years of tradition
- Four-day Whitsun festival with a classic structure
- Festive parade through Wittingen's old town
- Handover of the historic king's chain
- Free admission to the festival grounds
Prices Schützenfest Wittingen 2026
Practical information — Schützenfest Wittingen
Venue
Schützenplatz Wittingen, 29378 Wittingen (Gifhorn district).
Getting There
By car via the A39 (Wolfsburg-Lüneburg), Wittingen exit. Wittingen train station in the town center. Parking available at the festival grounds.
Date 2026
Friday, May 22nd to Monday, May 25th, 2026.
Admission
Admission to the festival grounds is traditionally free. Food, drinks, and carousel rides are subject to a charge.
Tip
The festive parade on Whitsun Sunday through Wittingen's old town is a visually impressive experience. Current information at sg-wittingen.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Schützenfest Wittingen al mejor precio.
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