Top 5: Medieval festivals
The Middle Ages was a key period for Luxembourg's historical identity. The many majestic castles dotted across the country and the fortress that dominates Luxembourg City with its ramparts, turrets and casemates all bear witness to this eventful historical time. And the medieval period continues to be a source of inspiration for markets and festivals. We have selected a series of great events where the spirit of the legendary Knights of the Round Table lives on, to give you a taste of what life was like in medieval times.
Butschebuerger Buergfest
Rushes strewn on the ground, knights, entertainers, market vendors and traditional artisans – the spirit of the Middle Ages is alive and well at the Butschebuerger Buergfest. What is impressive about this festival is that every year, the entire Boudersberg district is turned into a medieval village, attracting thousands of visitors on the lookout for an exciting encounter with history.
According to the organisers, with more than 90 market vendors and artisans, it is the largest medieval festival in the Greater Region. The range of handicraft products includes period jewellery and clothes, ornaments, decorations, and stone-carved weapons and sculptures, all showcasing traditional techniques.
And those looking for a more action-packed medieval experience will also not be disappointed, with archery, jousting, acrobatics, a medieval camp, troubadours and sword-fighting – something for people of all ages.
Dudelange Medieval Christmas Market
The medieval Christmas market in Dudelange is already a firm tradition. It usually takes place on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, with merchants in medieval costume selling gifts, food and drink from their typical wooden huts. But there are also taverns, campfires and storytellers, creating a magical medieval atmosphere that will transport visitors back in time.
Useldange medieval festival
For medieval festival-goers, a trip to the little village of Useldange is a must. The village centre is dominated by the 12th-century castle with its two towers and monumental keep. The castle has a turbulent history: over the years it was inherited, sold, recaptured, confiscated and damaged, before being razed to the ground in 1903. The castle ruins were purchased in 1924 with the aim of progressively restoring and rebuilding the edifice.
Nowadays, this former stronghold hosts a major medieval festival every year, the perfect opportunity to travel back in time over the course of a weekend. The festival is one of the most authentic in the Greater Region, inspired by the unique atmosphere created by the majestic castle. It was originally held next to the village hall, in the "Millenhaff", the grounds of the old mill, under the castle. But when the site was renovated in 2010, the castle courtyard and moat were incorporated into the festival, adding to the medieval backdrop and atmosphere.
Nearly 60 market vendors, 11 knights' camps, 10 artisans and 9 music groups gather among the cobbled streets, moats and walls, playing host to some 10,000 visitors and giving them the opportunity to see skilled bakers, potters, weavers, saddlers and blacksmiths at work. Jousting, juggling, magic tricks and fortune telling all add to the medieval entertainment. The festival is held every year in mid-June.
Calendar of medieval festivals
- Butschebuerger Buergfest: 13 and 14 September
- Vianden medieval festival: 26 July to 3 August
- Useldange medieval festival: 14 and 15 June
- "Tempus Mediaevale" festival in Koerich: 20 and 21 September
- Dudelange Medieval Christmas Market (November/December)
Vianden medieval festival
Perched on a promontory overlooking the peaceful village below, Vianden Castle is an outstanding heritage site. The vast, imposing edifice, an important medieval stronghold, is remarkably well preserved. Its collections of period objects and restored rooms transport visitors back in time to Luxembourg's medieval past.
The residence of the powerful Counts of Vianden, built between the 11th and 14th centuries, today plays host to an impressive medieval festival also known as the Knights' Festival. For nine days, princesses and dragons take over the castle, transporting it back to the Middle Ages.
Knights' camps, fire shows, epic combats, jugglers, minstrels and falcon demonstrations offer visitors a glimpse of another era. The festival is brought to life with music, street entertainers and a medieval market, all of which help to create an authentic atmosphere.
"Tempus Mediaevale" festival in Koerich
Just before the arrival of autumn, the magnificent ruins of the Château de Koerich, built in 1338, bid farewell to summer in a blaze of medieval glory. Skilled craftspeople, entertainers and knights all gather for the famous Tempus Mediaevale, held every year in September in the Gréiweschlass.
In a unique medieval atmosphere, visitors can learn about ancient methods of cooking over fire, admire skilled artisans using medieval tools and see what daily life was like in the Middle Ages. For two days, potters, blacksmiths, calligraphers, basket-makers and bow-makers demonstrate their know-how, while entertainers, wizards and magicians put on a captivating show for visitors of all ages.
Even the wares on sale are inspired by this bygone era: jams, local honey, jewellery, wooden toys, leather objects, medieval accessories, knives, artisanal liqueurs, ceramics, traditional clothes and decorative iron creations are all available for visitors to buy. While children will love the chance to ride a donkey, adults can try their hand at axe-throwing.
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