News

Inside Luxembourg: September magic

9 September 2026

By Isabelle Frisch-Koopmans

Some months feel like a bridge – between seasons, between traditions, between the gentle end of summer and the first crisp notes of autumn. This year, that bridge feels even warmer. Luxembourg has just lived through one of the hottest summers on record, with long stretches of sunshine and temperatures that broke several historic highs. Even this past weekend felt more like July than early September, with families enjoying lakes, parks and warm evenings outdoors. 

For our school community, September always carries a special rhythm. While national schools begin on 15 September, we start two weeks earlier, which means our first days of learning still fall right into Schueberfouer season — a uniquely Luxembourgish overlap of schoolbags and fairground magic. Children arrive in class with stories of rides, lights, cotton candy, and perhaps their first Fouerfësch of the year. It’s a joyful way to begin the academic rhythm. 

Schueberfouer: Luxembourg's fairground heartbeat 

The Schueberfouer is one of Luxembourg’s oldest traditions – a fair that has grown from a medieval market into a vibrant celebration of culture, food and fun. 

Founded in 1340 by John the Blind, Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia, the fair originally served as a large annual market where merchants, farmers and craftsmen traded goods, livestock and produce. Over the centuries, entertainment gradually became part of the experience: musicians, acrobats and storytellers animated the market and by the 19th century the first mechanical rides appeared. 

In the 20th century, the Schueberfouer evolved into the modern fairground we know today. Now held on the Glacis, it blends tradition with excitement – nostalgic carousels, towering rides, food stalls and classic treats like Gromperekichelcher and Fouerfësch. Despite its transformation, the fair remains a cherished symbol of Luxembourgish culture, connecting generations for nearly 700 years. 

This year’s fair runs until 9 September, giving families one last chance to enjoy: 

• The iconic Fouerfësch 
• Thrilling rides and gentle carousels 
• Market stalls filled with treats and toys 
• The unmistakable scent of Gromperekichelcher drifting through the air 

With the unusually warm weather, evenings at the fair have felt almost Mediterranean – warm breezes, glowing lights and crowds enjoying the late-summer atmosphere. 

 

Sporting Encounter: The Charly Gaul Randonnée 

If you were out and about last weekend – especially near Echternach, the Müllerthal or the surrounding villages – you may have seen groups of cyclists taking part in the Charly Gaul Randonnée. Many people wonder who Charly Gaul was and why Luxembourg still celebrates him with a cycling event. 

Who was Charly Gaul? 

Charly Gaul (1932–2005) was one of Luxembourg’s greatest sports legends – a professional cyclist known as The Angel of the Mountains. 

He earned this nickname because of his extraordinary climbing ability. When the road turned steep and the weather turned cold, Gaul became unstoppable. 

His most famous achievements include: 

• Winning the Tour de France (1958) 
• Twice winning the Giro d’Italia (1956 & 1959) 
• Multiple mountain stage victories that made him a legend across Europe 

Gaul was admired not only for his strength, but for his determination and resilience. He often rode in harsh weather – rain, fog, even snow – pushing himself far beyond what others thought possible. 

Why is there a Charly Gaul Randonée? 

The annual cycling tour is held to honour his legacy and to celebrate Luxembourg’s deep connection to cycling. It is not a race, but a Randonnée – a friendly, open-to-all cycling event that invites families, amateurs and passionate cyclists to enjoy the region’s landscapes. 

The routes often pass through areas linked to Gaul’s life, especially around Echternach, where he spent many years. It’s a beautiful way to keep his story alive and to inspire new generations to discover the joy of cycling. 

 

Wine Festivals: Month of Moselle celebrations 

September is the heart of Luxembourg’s wine season. Along the Moselle, villages celebrate their traditions with music, tastings, parades and the crowning of Wine Queens. After such a warm summer, the vineyards glow with deep colour and the harvest atmosphere is already palpable. 

Here are the key wine festivals taking place in September and early October: 

Gréiwemaacher Drauwen- a Wäifest 

📍 Grevenmacher 

11–13 September 2026 

A lively festival with parades, fireworks, tastings and the crowning of the Wine Queen. 

🔗 https://grevenmacher.lu 

Riesling Open 

📍 Wormeldange 

19 – 20 September 2026 

Open cellars, tastings, music and the traditional Riesling Queen. 

🔗 https://www.riesling-open.lu 

Crémant & Kulturfestival Remich 

📍 Remich 

28–29 September 2026 

A beautiful blend of culture and sparkling wine: tastings of Luxembourgish crémant, live music, artistic performances and a festive riverside atmosphere. 

🔗 https://www.visitmoselle.lu/de/veranstaltung/cremant-und-kulturfestival-remich 

 

Children's Corner 

Fairground fun and autumn creativity 

• Make Your Own Fairground Lantern 

Use coloured paper, stickers and string to create a lantern inspired by Schueberfouer lights. 

• Storytime Idea 

Choose a Luxembourgish picture book about harvest, vineyards or autumn traditions. 

• Math at the Fair 

Count rides, compare heights or estimate how many potatoes go into one Gromperekichelchen. 

 

Traditional Luxembourgish potato cakes, Gromperekichelcher © Alexander Mychko | Dreamstime.com

Recipe Corner: Gromperekichelcher with cinnamon apple sauce 

A classic Schueberfouer treat – crisp, golden and comforting – and because no Gromperekichelcher feels complete without it, here is a simple recipe for homemade applesauce with cinnamon. 

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the Gromperekichelcher 

• 1 kg potatoes, peeled 
• 2 onions, finely chopped 
• 2 eggs 
• 2 tbsp flour 
• Salt & pepper 
• Fresh parsley, chopped 
• Oil for frying 

For the applesauce

• 4 apples (Elstar, Jonagold or Boskoop), peeled and diced 
• A splash of water 
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional) 
• ½ tsp cinnamon 

Instructions 

Gromperekichelcher 

1. Grate the potatoes and squeeze out excess liquid. 
2. Mix with onions, eggs, flour, salt, pepper and parsley. 
3. Heat oil in a pan. 
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly. 
5. Fry until golden and crisp on both sides. 
6. Serve warm — traditionally with applesauce. 

Cinnamon apple sauce 

1. Place the diced apples in a small pot with a splash of water. 
2. Add sugar (if needed) and cinnamon. 
3. Simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until soft. 
4. Mash with a fork for a rustic texture or blend for a smooth sauce. 
5. Serve warm or chilled alongside the Gromperekichelcher. 

A perfect way to bring a little Schueberfouer magic – and the comforting taste of early autumn – into your kitchen. 

 

Word of the Month 

Schoulufank = start of the school year, beginning of term 

Luxembourgish pronunciation: [ʃˈəʊlufɑŋk] 

Example: “De Schoulufank ass eng spannend Zäit fir Kanner.” - “The start of the school year is an exciting time for children.” 

 

September in Luxembourg is a month of transition – from fairground lights to vineyard colours, from summer heat to autumn routines. It is a time filled with stories, tastes, traditions and gentle beginnings. 

As we step into this new school year together, may the joy of discovery, the warmth of community and the magic of Luxembourg’s traditions accompany us all the way into autumn. 

It is also a moment to appreciate the cultural richness around us – from wine festivals to village traditions – and to let these shared experiences remind us how deeply connected we are to the land and to one another. 

Léif Gréiss, 

– Isabelle 

• This article is part of our “Inside Luxembourg” series, celebrating the stories, flavours and traditions that shape our local culture.