Sonneberger Vogelschießen 2026
One of Thuringia's oldest folk festivals — a nine-day shooting festival on the Schießhausplatz with amusement rides, a festival tent, bird shooting, and fireworks
About Sonneberger Vogelschießen
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175 Years of Schießhausgesellschaft Sonneberg
The Sonneberger Vogelschießen is one of the oldest folk festivals in Thuringia and at the same time one of the largest shooting festivals in Southern Thuringia. It is traditionally organized by the Privileged Shooting Society Schießhaus Sonneberg 1851 e. V. in cooperation with the city of Sonneberg. In 2026, the festival runs from July 4th to 12th — nine days of folk festival, shooting tradition, and city life at Schießhausplatz.
Bird Shooting as the Highlight
A characteristic element is the bird shooting: a wooden bird that must be shot down from a high pole by marksmen with rifles. Whoever hits the last splinter becomes the Bird King or Bird Queen. In addition, there is shooting for everyone (open shooting ranges for festival guests), award ceremonies of the shooting society, and daily highlights with a program.
Folk Festival Celebrating 175 Years of Tradition
In addition to the shooting program, the classic folk festival dominates: amusement rides (from Ferris wheel to bumper cars to roller coaster), a large festival tent with live music and DJ sets, food stalls with bratwurst, sweets, gingerbread, candied almonds, shooting galleries, and spectacular fireworks as the crowning glory. The Privileged Shooting Society, founded in 1851 (with roots in the 18th century), preserves its traditional heritage through readings from the club's chronicle and festive ceremonies — a rare combination of modern entertainment and 175 years of shooting identity.
Sonneberg — World Toy City in the Southern Thuringian Slate Mountains
The district town of Sonneberg in the Sonneberg district (state of Thuringia) is known as the historic World Toy City — in the 19th century, about two-thirds of all toys sold worldwide came from Sonneberg and its surroundings. The German Toy Museum documents this history. The Schießhausplatz with the historic Schützenhaus has always been the venue for the city's largest festival. Arrival via A73 exit Sonneberg, train to Sonneberg main station.
Sonneberger Vogelschießen — edition 2026
2026 Season — Nine Days of Folk Festival
The festival grounds at Schießhausplatz are in festival mode for nine days: family entertainment during the day, shooting for everyone, and market activities; in the evening, live music in the festival tent, DJ sets, and the large amusement ride area. The Privileged Shooting Society is organizing shooting competitions, festive parades, and the bird shooting alongside.
Programme Sonneberger Vogelschießen 2026
Opening
- Saturday, July 4th, 2026 — Festive parade, opening ceremony at Schießhausplatz
- Barrel tapping in the festival tent
Festival Tent Program (Daily)
- Live bands from the region and beyond
- DJ sets late at night
- Schlager afternoons, rock nights, family programs
Shooting Program
- Bird shooting by the Privileged Shooting Society Schießhaus Sonneberg 1851
- Crowning of the Bird Queen / Bird King
- Shooting for everyone at the open ranges
- Readings from the club chronicle (175 years of the Shooting Society)
Festive Finale Highlight
- Grand fireworks display at Schießhausplatz
- Closing concert in the festival tent
Detailed program and daily stage schedule available on sonneberg.de.
Highlights Sonneberger Vogelschießen 2026
- One of the oldest folk festivals in Thuringia
- 9 days of Vogelschießen at Schießhausplatz
- Bird shooting by the Privileged Shooting Society Sonneberg 1851
- Crowning of the Bird King / Bird Queen
- Large festival tent with live bands and DJ sets
- Amusement rides, shooting galleries, food stalls
- Fireworks to conclude the festival
- Free admission
Prices Sonneberger Vogelschießen 2026
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Amusement rides cost €2-6 each, food/drinks in the festival tent and shooting are charged separately. Applications for showmen and vendors via sonneberg.de with a deadline of May 15th, 2026.
Practical information — Sonneberger Vogelschießen
Date 2026
July 4th to 12th, 2026 (9 days).
Location
Schießhausplatz, 96515 Sonneberg.
Getting There
Car: A73 exit Sonneberg. Train: Sonneberg Hauptbahnhof, approx. 15 min walk. Park-and-Ride recommended.
Admission
Free. Amusement rides, shooting, and food/drinks in the festival tent are charged separately.
Application as Showman/Vendor
Deadline May 15th, 2026. Apply via sonneberg.de.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Sonneberg, Neuhaus am Rennweg, Coburg (15 min).
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Sonneberger Vogelschießen al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Sonneberger Vogelschießen
Schießhausplatz Sonneberg
Schießhausplatz, 96515 Sonneberg