Sommerfest der Husumer Ringreitergilde — 200-year anniversary

200 Years of Husum Ringreiten

The Husumer Ringreitergilde was founded in 1826 and is one of the oldest and most important Ringreiten guilds in North Frisia. In 2026, it celebrates its 200-year anniversary — an occasion for a particularly festive summer festival that showcases the region's entire equestrian tradition. Ringreiterinnen (female riders) and Ringreiter (male riders) who crown new queens and kings each year will also be honored.

What is Ringreiten?

Ringreiten is a North German-North Frisian equestrian sport with roots in the Middle Ages: riders, men and women, gallop at full speed towards a suspended metal ring, which they must hit with a lance. Whoever tears the ring from its suspension wins — the rings get smaller throughout the day, increasing the difficulty. The one who has captured the most rings at the end is proclaimed King or Queen.

Living Intangible Cultural Heritage

Ringreiten is recognized as Living Intangible Cultural Heritage of North Frisia. Several active guilds exist in the region — from Husum to the islands of Föhr and Amrum, and Tönning — regularly holding their tournaments. Husum, as the seat of the North Frisia district administration, has the largest and oldest guild.

Program for the Two Days

The summer festival follows a precise schedule that has evolved over decades:

• Saturday 7:30 AM — Gathering at Schloss vor Husum
• 9:30 AM — Reception at the traditional guild house / inn
• 10:00 AM — Festive reception in the historic Town Hall of Husum
• 2:00 PM — Start of the Ringreiten competitions at the Alte Freiheit in the Schlosspark
• Sunday 9:45 AM — Continuation of the competitions
• 4:00 PM — Ceremonial proclamation of the new Queen / King

Schlosspark as the Venue

The Alte Freiheit is the historic riding arena in Husum's Schlosspark — directly in front of the Renaissance castle immortalized by Theodor Storm in his works. The park serves as a natural grandstand for spectators who can watch the riding for free from the sidelines. Against the backdrop of the castle, it forms one of Schleswig-Holstein's most beautiful traditional event venues.

Husum and its Ringreiten Identity

Husum is the main town of the North Frisia district, with around 24,000 inhabitants. Ringreiten is a natural part of the summer identity here — alongside Theodor Storm's "grey town by the sea," the crab cutters at the harbor, and the annually changing crocus blooms in the Schlosspark.