Ringridning i Sønderborg
RINGRIDING IN SØNDERBORG
Ringriding originated as a medieval knightly tournament, where it served as popular entertainment for European royal courts and principalities. Unlike the harsh knightly battles where life and limb were at stake, ringriding offered a more pleasant and harmless competition.
Christian III and his son Frederik II introduced and transformed the knightly competition into a peaceful equestrian contest in the 16th century. During Christian IV’s coronation in 1596, multi-day ringriding events were held with participation from royal families and principalities across Europe.
Christian IV himself was an enthusiastic ringrider and took part in competitions in Denmark, England, and Germany. By the early 1800s, ringriding began appearing at village festivals. In 1845, Duke Christian August of Augustenborg celebrated his silver wedding anniversary with a grand ringriding event involving 450 riders from all over Als.
Over time, ringriding evolved into the form we know today. The tradition has been preserved in many parts of Schleswig-Holstein, Southern Jutland, Bornholm, Amager, and Walcheren in the Netherlands.
In Southern Jutland, the ringriding season begins in May in smaller towns and culminates in the grand tournaments in Sønderborg and Aabenraa in July. Around 400 riders compete for the title of Ringrider King. The festival lasts four days and includes ringriding, a fairground, beer tents, and dance pavilions.
Ringridervej
6400 Sønderborg
Opening Hours
All days of the week 10.00-16.00