Werdohler Schützen- und Volksfest

Werdohler Schützen- und Volksfest — 196 Years of Tradition

From July 3rd to 6th, 2026, the Werdohler Schützenverein von 1830 e.V. hosts its 196th edition — one of the oldest and largest Schützenfeste in the Märkischer Kreis. The four-day Volksfest combines marksmanship sports, traditional parades, and a full Kirmes (fairground) with rides at the picturesque Lenneufer festival grounds (Goetheparkplatz) on the banks of the Lenne river.

Werdohler Schützenverein 1830

The Werdohler SV is one of the oldest marksmen's associations in southern Westphalia. Founded in 1830 — at a time when the Sauerland was experiencing industrial and social upheaval — the association has continuously upheld the marksmen's tradition in Werdohl for almost two centuries. Today, it is organized into several Kompanien (companies: classic marksmen, junior marksmen, archery, and darts sections) and is one of the city's defining clubs.

Festival Grounds at the Lenneufer

The Goetheparkplatz is located directly on the banks of the Lenne — the river that gives the Lenne Valley its name, flows through Werdohl, and drains the Sauerland into the Ruhr. Its location by the water and adjacent to the city park makes the festival grounds the most attractive open-air stage in the city. The marquee, stage, fairground rides, and shooting range are spread across the wide asphalt and green area.

Four Days of Festivities: Schützenkirmes Included

The program follows the classic Sauerland Schützenfest choreography:

• Friday, July 3rd — Festival opening and opening evening with live band
• Saturday, July 4th — Muster, King's parade, dance evening
• Sunday, July 5th — High Mass, morning pint (Frühschoppen), King's shooting competition, coronation ball
• Monday, July 6th — Festival conclusion, King's honors, Kirmes finale

The Schützenkirmes with rides, candy stalls, shooting galleries, and food stands is open throughout the weekend, making the Schützenfest a Volksfest for the whole family.

Werdohl — Industrial City in the Sauerland

With just under 17,000 inhabitants, Werdohl is a medium-sized town in the Märkischer Kreis (district in North Rhine-Westphalia). Characterized by the metal and electrical industry, the city has been a center for medium-sized production since the 19th century. The Schützenfest is one of the most important social events in the annual calendar — well-maintained tradition with genuine roots in the community.