Volks- und Schützenfest Werra-Suhl-Tal

Volks- und Schützenfest in the Werratal

The Volks- und Schützenfest Werra-Suhl-Tal is one of the traditional summer festivals in the Wartburgkreis district. The town of Werra-Suhl-Tal is located in the state of Thuringia, directly on the Werra river and on the Hessian-Thuringian state border, and was formed in 2018 from the merger of several Werra communities. The Volks- und Schützenfest is one of the community-building festivals of the young large municipality — a weekend where the different districts come together.

Tradition of Marksmanship

As everywhere in Germany, the Schützenfest dates back to the old marksmen's guild tradition: citizens' militias, responsible for defense and order in towns and villages in the Middle Ages and early modern period, now meet for competition and celebration. King's shooting, proclamation of the marksmen's king, festive procession, and Volksfest have gone hand in hand for centuries. In Werra-Suhl-Tal, the tradition is maintained by the local marksmen's club.

Dance Evening and Family Day

The Volks- und Schützenfest takes place over the weekend: On Saturday evening, the traditional dance evening is held — cover band or DJ, beer tent, marksmen in uniform, and celebrating Werra-Suhl-Taler residents late into the night. Sunday is family-friendly: live music on the festival grounds, children's program with rides, shooting competition, and a cozy morning pint lead into the afternoon.

Werra-Suhl-Tal — Young Large Municipality on the Werra

Werra-Suhl-Tal is located in the Wartburgkreis district in Thuringia, on the border with Hesse. The Werra, a headstream of the Weser, winds through the town and shapes the landscape. Berka/Werra is the historic main town with a market square, church, and half-timbered houses — those who visit the Volks- und Schützenfest should plan a stroll through the old town. The Werra Cycle Route, one of the most popular river cycle routes in Central Germany, passes directly through the municipality.