Tonnenabschlagen Born a. Darß
A horse-mounted tradition on the first Sunday of August
About Tonnenabschlagen Born
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A Tradition from Bodden Times
The Tonnenabschlagen is a North German tradition, primarily rooted in Fischland-Darß-Zingst and Rügen, with origins in the harvest time of old farming and fishing villages. In Born a. Darß, the custom is celebrated every year on the first Sunday in August — and has been part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Germany since 2017. It is equally a riding tournament, village festival, and family afternoon.
How the Day Unfolds
As early as the morning, the reigning kings from the previous year are awakened by the Captain and the rider group with fanfares and trumpets. Afterwards, the Barrel King invites everyone to a festive breakfast. At midday, the decorated rider procession forms and rides to the festival grounds, where the actual spectacle begins. On the meadow, a wooden herring barrel — the 'Tonne' — hangs between two tall posts. Participants ride under it at a gallop in turns, striking the barrel with a wooden stick. The tradition is clearly regulated: The one who smashes the bottom of the barrel becomes Bottom King; the one who removes the last connecting staves becomes Stave King; the one who breaks off the last piece becomes Barrel King.
Folk Festival and Tonnenball
Surrounding the equestrian event is a classic folk festival with food stalls, drinks, a cake bazaar, and music. In the evening, the Tonnenball follows with live music and dancing, where the new kings are ceremoniously crowned. The festival is organized by the local Tonnenverein (Barrel Association) in close cooperation with the municipality of Born. Born a. Darß is located in the Vorpommern-Rügen district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is one of the most traditional villages in the Bodden landscape.
Tonnenabschlagen Born — edition 2026
The 2026 edition follows the traditional course of the Born Tonnenabschlagen, passed down through generations. As early as the morning, the kings from the previous year are ceremoniously awakened; at midday, the rider procession moves through the village to the festival grounds, where the actual tournament takes place. Three titles are awarded: Bottom King, Stave King, and Barrel King.
The equestrian game is framed by a folk festival with regional food — bratwurst, smoked fish, homemade cakes — and a musical entertainment program. The highlight is the Tonnenball in the evening, where the new kings are crowned and live bands provide a lively atmosphere for dancing. The event is open to everyone and a true highlight of the village's summer calendar.
Programme Tonnenabschlagen Born 2026
Sunday, August 2, 2026
- 7:00 AM — Awakening of the reigning kings by the Captain and rider troop with fanfares
- Morning — King's breakfast at the Barrel King's
- approx. 12:00 PM — Assembly of the rider procession, parade through the village
- approx. 1:00 PM — Start of the Tonnenabschlagen on the festival grounds: riders at a gallop against the herring barrel
- Afternoon — Crowning of Bottom King, Stave King, and Barrel King
- from 5:00 PM — Folk festival with regional food, live music, dancing
- from evening until approx. 11:00 PM — Tonnenball with crowning ceremony and dance music
Exact times and program details will be published in the weeks before the festival on ostsee.de as well as on notice boards in Born.
Highlights Tonnenabschlagen Born 2026
- Awakening of the reigning kings in the early morning with fanfares
- Parade of the decorated rider troop through Born a. Darß
- Equestrian game for Bottom King, Stave King, and Barrel King
- Folk festival with regional food in the afternoon
- Tonnenball with crowning and live music in the evening
Prices Tonnenabschlagen Born 2026
Access to the festival grounds and the equestrian game is free. Food at the stalls is paid for individually. For the evening Tonnenball, a moderate entrance fee or consumption voucher may be charged depending on the setup — details will be announced on-site and by the Tonnenverein.
Practical information — Tonnenabschlagen Born
Getting There
By car via the L21 to Born a. Darß, parking is available on the outskirts of the village. By train to Ribnitz-Damgarten West, then by bus towards Prerow. The festival grounds are within walking distance of the village center.
Admission
The Tonnenabschlagen is an open village event; admission to the festival grounds is traditionally free. Food and the Tonnenball in the evening are subject to charges.
Tip
To experience the festival in its full depth, arrive early in the morning for the kings' awakening and stay until the Tonnenball in the evening.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Tonnenabschlagen Born al mejor precio.
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