Events unfolding from September 1st to 6th in Osnabrück's Great Schnatgang
The Great Schnatgang Festival in Osnabrück, Germany, is an exciting historical event with deep roots that date back several centuries. This year, the traditional festival week will take place from September 1st to 6th, 2025.
Originating in the Middle Ages, the Schnatgang began as a legal and territorial custom where townspeople would walk their boundaries to mark and defend the city's limits. The word "Schnatgang" itself comes from the Low German term for “border walk” or "patrol walk." Over time, this practical territorial exercise evolved into a ceremonial and festive occasion.
The festival symbolizes the historic rights of the city of Osnabrück regarding its territorial boundaries and reflects the medieval practice of community vigilance and solidarity in protecting the city’s jurisdiction. Today, the Schnatgang is celebrated as a cultural event that fosters local pride and historical awareness among residents and visitors.
During the festival week, the old town of Osnabrück will be decorated with imaginative puppets, signs, and decorations. The event involves a traditional walk along the historic city boundaries, often covering 15 to 20 kilometers. Participants typically include city officials, historical reenactors, local citizens, and sometimes people dressed in period costumes. Along the route, there are presentations, speeches, and sometimes reenactments of medieval customs.
The festival week is organized by the Heger Laischaft, one of the last two active Laischafts in Osnabrück, an old, self-governing citizen community with a history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. As a special highlight, an artistic projection on the Marienkirche will let Osnabrück's history shine in light and color during the festival week.
For children and young people, there will be competitions, games, and interactive activities during the festival week. A festive ball marks the glittering conclusion of the festival week. Schools and youth groups are actively involved in the festival week to ensure the lively passing on of tradition.
The Schnatgang is a joyful city festival for both young and old, and it serves as both a reminder of the city’s legal foundations and a way to strengthen community bonds. At significant border points, the youngest participants were given symbolic slaps and the cry "Olle Use" (Low German for "All ours") was used. The Schnatgang is a significant event that connects deep historical roots with contemporary city life in Osnabrück.
In the heart of the festival week, the old town décor extends beyond the historic buildings, incorporating home-and-garden elements, creating a unique blend of historical and modern lifestyle. The Heger Laischaft, an ancient self-governing community, organizes the event, ensuring traditional games and activities are incorporated into the lifestyle of both children and adults, fostering a sense of unity and historical awareness.
