Rock-A-Field Festival – Luxembourg 2025

Background & History

The Schueberfouer, Luxembourg’s oldest and largest funfair, was founded in 1340 by John the Blind, Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia, as an eight-day market celebrating Saint Bartholomew’s Day (24 August). Initially held at Plateau du Saint-Esprit, it moved to the Limpertsberg district in 1610 and settled at Champ du Glacis in 1893 due to urban growth.

Evolving from a trade-focused market to a vibrant funfair, it now spans 4.44 hectares and attracts over 2 million visitors annually from the Greater Region. Known for thrilling rides, traditional Luxembourgish cuisine like Gromperekichelcher (potato pancakes), and cultural events such as the Hämmelsmarsch parade, the Schueberfouer blends medieval heritage with modern entertainment. Its mascot, Lämmy the sheep, created by cartoonist Emile Schlesser, embodies its festive spirit.

Event Highlights

• Attractions: Over 213 fairground establishments, including 8 flat rides, 10 elevated rides, 2 rail-guided/flume rides, 20 children’s rides, 4 ghost trains, 1 bumper car track, 7 amusement arcades, 15 shooting ranges, 21 game stands, and 42 vendors. Notable rides include Alpina Bahn (1.2 km roller coaster) and Evolution Flight (66m height, 140 km/h).
• Gastronomy: 11 restaurants, 43 savoury food stands, 15 sweet food stands, and 14 confectionery stalls offering Fouerfësch (fried whiting in beer batter), Gromperekichelcher, churros, waffles (Eisekuchen), and Crémant.
• Cultural Events: Hämmelsmarsch parade (Kiermessonndeg, Sunday morning) with musicians in 19th-century blue smocks and ribbon-adorned sheep. Official opening by Mayor Lydie Polfer (22 August, 17:00). Fairground workers’ mass (5 September, 11:00, Glacis Chapel) and flower-laying at John the Blind monument (12:00).
• Special Days:
  • Mayors’ Day (27 August): Mayors tour and serve in restaurants for charity (19:00–22:00).
  • Family Day (28 August): Discounted rides, games, and food.
  • Queens’ Day (29 August): Festive visit by beauty queens.
  • Fouersonndeg & Braderie (1–2 September): City centre clearance sale.
  • Lämmy & Friends (2 & 4 September): Mascot distributes free ride tickets.
  • Half-Price Day (10 September): 50% off rides/games until 20:00, fireworks at 22:00.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areas, toilets, and parking. Stickers with parental contact info are available at the mobile police station for lost children.
• Eco-Initiatives: Waste sorting, reusable cups encouraged. Public transport is promoted to reduce congestion.

Date & Duration

• Dates: 22 August–10 September 2025 (20 days).
• Hours: Daily 12:00–01:00; restaurants from 11:00. Some days extend to 02:00 (e.g., weekends, speculative). Fireworks on 10 September at 22:00.
• Note: All-ages; children under 14 need adult supervision and tickets. Under 5s admitted with caution (crowds, noise). August/September weather (50–65°F, possible rain); bring comfortable shoes, light jackets. Full schedule at four.vdl.lu (April 2025).

Main Event Address

• Venue: Champ du Glacis, 21 Allée Scheffer, Limpertsberg, Luxembourg City (4.44 hectares, open-air).
• Administrative Contact: Hôtel de Ville, 42 Place Guillaume II, L-2090 Luxembourg; coordinationculturelle@vdl.lu; +352 4796-5166 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Note: Wheelchair-accessible (main areas, viewing platforms, toilets). Free public transport (bus line 125/1 to HOLLERICH, P+R Bouillon Station Fonderie, 5-minute walk; tram to Limpertsberg, Theater stop). Limited parking (P+R Glacis, ~$2–$5 USD/day; disability parking free with permit). Bicycle racks (~20–30 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: coordinationculturelle@vdl.lu (general inquiries, accessibility); web@vdl.lu (website issues).
• Phone: +352 4796-5166 (Coordination Culturelle); +352 4796-4299 (transport/parking inquiries, Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Social Media: @VilledeLuxembourg (Facebook), @CityLuxembourg (Instagram, Twitter/X).
• Press/Media: Contact Coordination Culturelle for accreditation (coordinationculturelle@vdl.lu).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Use for accessibility, group inquiries, or vendor applications.

Ticket Information

• Admission: Free entry to fairgrounds; rides, games, and food priced individually.
• Estimated Pricing (based on historical data):
  • Ride Tokens: ~€2–€5 ≈ $2.20–$5.50 USD per ride (e.g., Ferris wheel, Alpina Bahn).
  • Game Booths: ~€1–€3 ≈ $1.10–$3.30 USD per play (e.g., shooting ranges, duck fishing).
  • Food & Drinks: ~€3–€7 ≈ $3.30–$7.70 USD (e.g., Gromperekichelcher, Fouerfësch, waffles, Crémant).
  • Lämmy Souvenirs: ~€5–€15 ≈ $5.50–$16.50 USD (e.g., plush toys, proceeds to charity).
• Special Offers:
  • Family Day (28 August): Discounted rides/games (~20–30% off, speculative).
  • Half-Price Day (10 September): 50% off rides/games until 20:00.
  • Lämmy & Friends (2 & 4 September): Free ride tickets distributed.
• How to Buy: On-site at ride/game booths (cash/card, card preferred). Luxembourg Ticket for related events (e.g., cultural performances, +352 4708-951, Mon–Fri 10:00–18:30). Avoid touts for merchandise.
• Ticket Range:
  • EUR: €0–€7 (free entry, individual purchases).
  • USD: ~$0–$7.70 USD.
• Note: Prices speculative; €1 ≈ $1.10 USD (August 2025). No refunds for ride/game tokens unless the attraction is cancelled. Check fouer.vdl.lu for updates.

Cultural Experience

The Schueberfouer is a cultural institution, weaving Luxembourg’s medieval past with modern festivity. The Hämmelsmarsch parade, led by a shepherd and ribboned sheep, evokes 19th-century traditions, while rides like Evolution Flight deliver cutting-edge thrills. Culinary highlights like Fouerfësch and Gromperekichelcher reflect local heritage, complemented by a festive atmosphere of lights and music. The fair’s mascot, Lämmy, engages visitors with photo ops and free tickets, fostering community spirit. Closing fireworks on the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge cap the event, symbolizing Luxembourg’s blend of tradition and spectacle.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venue: 83 food stalls (11 restaurants, 43 savoury, 15 sweet, 14 confectionery). Specialties: Fouerfësch (fried whiting, ~$5–$7 USD), Gromperekichelcher (potato pancakes, ~$3–$5 USD), Eisekuchen (waffles, ~$3–$5 USD), churros, nougat, Crémant (~$4–$7 USD, age 19+). Reusable cups (€2 deposit). Card/cash accepted; card preferred.
• Special Day: Family Day (3 September): Food discounts (~20–30% off, speculative).
• Nearby Dining (Limpertsberg/Luxembourg City):
  • Konrad Café & Bar (7 Avenue du Bois, Limpertsberg, European, $8–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Restaurant Am Tiirmschen (32 Rue de l’Eau, Luxembourg City, Luxembourgish, $10–$25 USD, 10-minute drive).
  • Café des Capucins (1 Rue des Capucins, Luxembourg City, pastries, $3–$10 USD, 10-minute drive).
  • Le Sud (8 Rives de Clausen, Luxembourg City, French, $15–$30 USD, 10-minute drive).
• Note: Bring reusable water bottles; no glass containers. Water stations are available.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All-ages; children under 14 need adult supervision. 20 children’s rides (e.g., duck fishing, mini-scooters). Stickers with parental contact info at the mobile police station. Earplugs recommended (free at safety desk). Guide dogs welcome; no other pets.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rides, viewing areas, toilets, and parking (free with permit). Staff assistance available. Contact coordinationculturelle@vdl.lu for accommodations.

Getting There

• By Air: Luxembourg Airport (LUX, 10 km, 15-minute drive, $10–$20 USD taxi).
• Public Transport (free in Luxembourg):
  • Tram: Limpertsberg, Theater stop (5-minute walk).
  • Bus: Line 125/1 to HOLLERICH, P+R Bouillon Station Fonderie (5-minute walk). Special shuttles (No. 37, ~$2–$5 USD, speculative).
  • Train: Luxembourg Station (2 km, 10-minute bus or 20-minute walk).
• By Car: P+R Glacis (~$2–$5 USD/day, 5-minute walk). Disability parking is free with a permit. Limited spaces; use P+R Bouillon.
• By Bike/Foot: Bicycle racks (~20–30 spaces, free). 15-minute bike from Luxembourg Station. 10-minute walk from Limpertsberg tram stop.
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt/Uber ($8–$15 USD from Luxembourg City). Local taxis (+352 27 33 11 33, $10–$20 USD).

Program Details

• April 2025: Full schedule announced (fouer.vdl.lu).
• Key Events (22 August–10 September):
  • 22 August: Official opening (17:00, Mayor cuts ribbon, Hämmelsmarsch parade). Tour with politicians at Friture Armand (18:30, ham and cake).
  • 24 August (Kiermessonndeg): Hämmelsmarsch parade with musicians, sheep, and shepherd.
  • 27 August: Mayors’ Day (17:00 tour, 19:00–22:00 charity service).
  • 28 August: Family Day (discounted rides/food, speculative).
  • 29 August: Queens’ Day (17:00, festive visit).
  • 1–2 September: Fouersonndeg & Braderie (city centre sales).
  • 2 & 4 September: Lämmy & Friends (afternoon, free ride tickets).
  • 5 September: Fairground Mass (11:00, Glacis Chapel); flower-laying (12:00, John the Blind monument).
  • 8 September: Lämmy Fouer Spill (afternoon, prize draw at 18:00, E1 entrance).
  • 10 September: Half-Price Day (12:00–20:00, 50% off). Fireworks (22:00, Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge).
• Note: Schedule based on 2025 announcements and historical patterns. Some rides N15+ (e.g., Evolution Flight).

Past Notable Features

• 2023: 681st edition, 23 August–11 September, 184 attractions, 2 million visitors.
• 2019: 213 rides/stalls, new attractions like Wilde Maus XXL.
• 2010: 184 attractions, 27 major rides, 13 children’s rides, 54 food stands.
• 1893: Relocated to Champ du Glacis, marking the modern era.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Showcases Luxembourg’s history via Hämmelsmarsch and John the Blind monument. Ideal for Vivre-Ensemble test preparation (Luxembourg’s cultural identity).
• Community Engagement: Charity events (Mayors’ Day), Lämmy merchandise proceeds to charity.
• Historical Context: Panels/monuments on-site about 1340 origins (speculative, free).

Cultural Activities

• Hämmelsmarsch Parade: Musicians and sheep parade (24 August, morning).
• Rides & Games: 213 attractions, from Ferris wheel to ghost trains.
• Food Stalls: Local specialties (Fouerfësch, Gromperekichelcher).
• Lämmy Events: Mascot photo ops, free ticket giveaways (2 & 4 September).
• Fireworks: Closing spectacle (10 September, 22:00).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Hotels fill in August; book 6–12 months. Use public transport to avoid parking issues.
• Weather Prep: August/September (50–65°F, rain possible); bring raincoats, comfortable shoes.
• Explore Locally: Luxembourg Old Town (free, 10-minute drive), Bock Casemates ($8 USD, 10-minute drive), MUDAM ($8 USD, 10-minute drive), Parc Merveilleux ($10 USD, 15-minute drive).
• Festival Info: Follow @VilledeLuxembourg for updates. Mobile app (fouer.lu) for maps, schedules.
• Crowd Tips: Visit early (12:00–15:00) to avoid peak crowds (evenings).

Local Attractions

• Luxembourg Old Town: Free (Place Guillaume II, 10-minute drive).
• Bock Casemates: $8 USD (10 Montée de Clausen, 10-minute drive).
• MUDAM: $8 USD (3 Park Dräi Eechelen, 10-minute drive).
• Parc Merveilleux: $10 USD (Route de Mondorf, Bettembourg, 15-minute drive).
• Vianden Castle: $8 USD (Vianden, 45-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Novotel Luxembourg Centre ($100–$180 USD/night, 35 Rue du Laboratoire, 10-minute drive).
  • Hotel Parc Belair ($80–$150 USD/night, 111 Avenue du X Septembre, 5-minute drive).
  • Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal ($150–$250 USD/night, 40 Boulevard d’Avranches, 10-minute drive).
• B&Bs: Youth Hostel Luxembourg City ($30–$60 USD/night, 2 Rue du Fort Olisy, 10-minute drive).
• Airbnb: Apartments ($50–$120 USD/night, Limpertsberg/Luxembourg City).
• Note: Book early for August; limited availability near Glacis.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid on-site; nearest hospital is Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (4 Rue Ernest Barblé, 10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no glass bottles, professional cameras, or pets (except guide dogs). Mobile police station at E1 entrance.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (April 2025). Earplugs available (free).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; use parental stickers for kids. Avoid peak hours for young children (evenings, loud).