The Schueberfouer is the largest funfair in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. From the end of August to the beginning of September, the Luxembourg City fair invites visitors to the 4-hectare Champ des Glacis, immersed for the occasion in a magical atmosphere.

The Schueberfouer is also a mecca for popular gastronomy and innovation. Visitors come in particular to taste the delicious Gromperkichelcher, the famous Luxembourgish potato pancakes.

The City of Luxembourg, organiser of the event, is proud to offer Schueberfouer visitors each year an attractive blend of tradition, gastronomy, and thrilling attractions—a unique combination in Europe of this kind.

 

History

Our “Schueberfouer” has a long history and is one of the few Luxembourg traditions still celebrated today. Before its creation, there were already plans for a large annual market in Luxembourg City.

Finally, John the Blind, King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg, founded the fair by charter of October 20, 1340. He stipulated, among other things: “It [the fair] shall begin each year on the vigil of the feast of St. Bartholomew, and shall last for eight continuous days in this matter.” This explains why the beginning of the “Schueberfouer” is always linked to the date of August 24, the feast of St. Bartholomew.

The name “Schueberfouer” was derived from the first location where the fair was held, the “Schuedbuerg,” which was located on the Plateau du Saint-Esprit. From the “Schuedbuerg” came the “Schuedbermiss” and then the “Schuebermëss”. Other sources believe that there is a connection with the German term “Schober”, which once referred to a covered place for storing hay.

 

Until the Revolution

For almost 450 years, until the French Revolution, the Schueberfouer was a large market, joined by a cattle market, dubbed the Saint Bartholomew’s Market. Long located at one of the crossroads of the most important European trade routes, the Schueberfouer was of great economic importance. Fabrics, porcelain, and all sorts of goods were sold there. In the meantime, the original site became too small. After cutting down the trees at Limpertsberg as part of the city’s fortification work, the Fouer moved there in 1610, close to its current location, north of what is now Scheffer Alley.

The Transformation of a Market into an Amusement Fair

In the 18th century, the Fouer began to gradually transform into an amusement fair. Concerts were held there, people danced, games of skill were played… and people ate, not forgetting to wash it down! In 1844, the first variety shows were added. In 1893, to allow for the urbanization of Limpertsberg following the dismantling of the fortress, the “Schueberfouer” moved to the Glacis field, which is its current location.

The beginnings of the modern “Schueberfouer”

A Ferris wheel (not so big, actually) and a roller coaster appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, increasingly mechanized and sophisticated attractions have taken over the fairgrounds, without, however, overpowering the restaurants and street vendors. Thus, today’s “Schueberfouer,” over 670 years old, has preserved its original character, blending tradition, market, funfair, and cultural event, deeply rooted in the Luxembourg community. Today, more than ever, it is THE meeting place par excellence and, above all, THE event not to be missed.

This year’s Schueberfouer will run from 22nd August until 10th September.