Vogelschießen Grönwohld

Vogelschießen — a North German Tradition

The Vogelschießen is one of the oldest school and village customs in Northern Germany. Originally from the marksmen's tradition, the task of young marksmen was to shoot down a wooden bird on a pole with a crossbow. Whoever brought down the last splinter was crowned Schützenkönig (king of marksmen). Today, the game is played symbolically in Schleswig-Holstein schools with soft projectiles and child-friendly targets — but the title of king remains a matter of honor.

The Grönwohld Variant

In Grönwohld, a community of just under 1,000 inhabitants in the Trittau district in southern Stormarn, the Vogelschießen is primarily a school festival for the primary school, which the entire village community supports. Teachers, parents, and clubs prepare the festival together. The highlight is the parade through the village, where the newly crowned king and queen, along with their classmates, march through the decorated streets to the sound of drums and music.

Village Decorations and Atmosphere

A special feature is the custom of many houses in the village decorating themselves with floral arches or fir green garlands. Anyone driving through Grönwohld on the day of the Vogelschießen sees a village in festive attire — a reminder of Stormarn's agriculturally shaped past, when the Vogelschießen was the most important summer festival of the year.

Stormarn, Sachsenwald and Surroundings

Grönwohld is located not far from the Sachsenwald, Schleswig-Holstein's largest forest area, and within walking distance of the Hahnheide nature reserve. Those who combine the day of the Vogelschießen with an excursion can hike or cycle here — the region is ideal as a family destination in the Hamburg metropolitan area.