Two days of tradition at the Trebin fairgrounds. Barrel-knocking by bicycle and on horseback, a parade through Barth, and a royal ball to wrap up the festivities.
The Amtstonnenfest is a fixture on Barth’s calendar of events. On August 28 and 29, 2026, the Trebin fairgrounds will once again become the venue for one of the region’s oldest competitions.
Friday is dedicated to the women. At 6:30 p.m., the participating teams will parade through town, and at 7:00 p.m., the barrel-knocking competition on bicycles will begin. This will be followed by the awards ceremony and dancing in the festival tent.
On Saturday, the focus is on the official barrel-knocking competition on horseback. The parade begins at 12:00 p.m.; the barrel-knocking event opens at 2:00 p.m., and the competition itself begins ten minutes later. The festivities conclude at 8:00 p.m. with the King’s Ball featuring the Musik-Connection disco, followed by the awards ceremony at 9:00 p.m.
Food, drinks, and entertainment will be provided on both days. Tino Schrang will host the program.
What is the “Tonnenabschlagen”?
This event is an old custom. When the Swedish occupiers left the region, a wooden herring barrel (this and other goods had to be paid as tribute by the citizens of the towns and villages) was symbolically smashed with a club. This gave rise to a competition that has now been observed and celebrated for many centuries in the region around the Darß and in many places throughout Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It is usually held on horseback; in the past, it was exclusively for men, but today women have long since joined in as well. Here’s how it works: As riders pass beneath a suspended wooden barrel decorated with leaves and ribbons, they use a club to knock out the bottom, the staves, and other parts.
Riders compete for the title of “Barrel King,” “Rail King,” or “Bottom King”—a title that remains in effect until the next “Tonnenabschlagen” festival.
When does the Amtstonnenfest in Barth take place?
The 28th Amtstonnenfest of the Barth District will take place on August 28 and 29, 2026, at the Trebin festival grounds.
What happens on Friday at the Amtstonnenfest?
At 6:30 p.m., the parade of participating teams winds through town; at 7:00 p.m., the women’s barrel-knocking competition on bicycles begins. This is followed by the awards ceremony and dancing in the festival tent.
What happens on Saturday at the Amtstonnenfest?
The festival parade begins at 12:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., the Amtstonnenfest barrel-knocking competition opens, and at 2:10 p.m., the barrel-knocking on horseback begins. Starting at 8:00 p.m., the Musik-Connection disco will play music for the King’s Ball, followed by the awards ceremony at 9:00 p.m.
How much is admission to the Amtstonnenfest?
Admission is €3.00 per person per day. Children 12 and under get in free.
Who is hosting the Amtstonnenfest?
Tino Schrang will be the host on both days.
Will there be food and drinks available on-site?
Yes, food and drinks will be available on both days.
