Schueberfouer

Funfair in Luxembourg

Learn more Picture of the Schueberfouer

History

John I of Luxembourg, better known as John the Blind, King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg, founded the Schueberfouer on 20 October 1340.

The founding document stated: It will begin on the eve of the feast of St Bartholomew and will last for a full eight days.

Even today, it remains linked to St Bartholomew's day, 24 August, the traditional opening date.

The name Schueberfouer is thought to originate probably from the name of the market place where it was first held: the Schuedbuerg, today's "Plateau du St Esprit" (in English: Holy Spirit Plateau; in Luxembourgish: Helleggeescht-Plateau), which serves nowadays as residential location for the highest courts of justice of Luxembourg. ("Fouer" is the Luxembourgish word for "fair".)

Another unconfirmed theory links the term "Schueber" to the old German word "Schober" (in English: barn), which would refer to the initial agricultural role of the fair. Indeed, for almost 450 years, the fair was mainly a large and regionally very important market for everything from agricultural products and livestock to cloth, pottery and other household items.

After the Limpertsberg wood had been removed to improve the defensive capabilities of the city, the fair moved in 1610 to the Glacis, a huge open space beyond the westward fortifications of Luxembourg City which were destroyed after 1867 and replaced by the City Park.

During the 18th century, shows and games became part of the fair but it was not until the early 20th century that a Ferris wheel and a rollercoaster first appeared.


Practical Information

From 23 August to 11 September, the Schueberfouer offers 231 fair stands, including 31 games, 16 children's rides and 41 food and drink outlets. All this makes the Schueberfouer a delightful experience for young and old.

The Schueberfouer is open Monday to Thursday from 14:00 to 01:00, Fridays from 14:00 to 02:00, Saturdays from 12:00 to 02:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 01:00. The catering establishments are always open for lunch time.


Coded by Elisabeth Martin