Herbstlibori Paderborn

Atmospheric end of the Paderborn funfair season

As the days grow shorter and the East Westphalian autumn settles over the Hochstift region, the last funfair of the year begins on Liboriberg: Herbstlibori 2026. From Saturday, October 17, to Sunday, October 25, 2026, the city center of Paderborn transforms into a festival ground for nine days, traditionally concluding the season of East Westphalian folk festivals – once again in a more intimate, compact format after the big summer Libori at the end of July.

400-meter fairground mile along Liboriberg

The centerpiece is the 400-meter-long fairground mile, stretching along Liboriberg through Paderborn's city center. Over 60 showmen set up their stalls, rides, and food stands – denser and quieter than during the summer Libori, but featuring the full spectrum of classic folk festival attractions: the traditional Libori Ferris wheel, the historic Pferdekarussell Anno 1886 (horse carousel from 1886), along with Breakdancer, Music Express, Top Spin, Autoscooter, and Shaker rides.

Historical background: The Liborius relics of 1627

Herbstlibori has its historical roots on October 31, 1627: on this day, the relics of Saint Liborius finally returned to Paderborn Cathedral after a five-year journey – triggered by the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War. This joyous event gave rise to the autumn festival, which to this day honors the patron saint of the city and the Archdiocese of Paderborn. While the summer Libori in July is the major ecclesiastical-secular main festival, Herbstlibori remains the more intimate, festive autumn variant.

Opening hours 2026

The funfair mile is open daily:

• Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Admission is free – rides and refreshments are paid for on-site. On the first Saturday of Herbstlibori, a public festive event organized by the Liborius Brotherhood takes place in the evening at the Paderborn City Hall, where an invited speaker gives a traditional address commemorating Liborius.

Paderborn in autumn: East Westphalian bishop's city

Paderborn is located in eastern North Rhine-Westphalia at the foot of the Eggegebirge mountains, with nearly 156,000 inhabitants and an impressive 1,230-year history as a bishop's seat. The magnificent Paderborn Cathedral and the picturesque city center around the market square and city hall offer visitors excellent opportunities for a full weekend trip: first a cathedral tour, then mulled wine and a ride on the Ferris wheel at Liboriberg.

Family funfair with tradition

Herbstlibori is significantly smaller and quieter than the big summer funfair – and precisely for that reason, it's attractive for families with children. Classics like the horse carousel, chain carousel, swing boat, and children's carousels are featured, as are the obligatory lottery, shooting, and throwing booths. Crêpes, almonds, potato pancakes, bratwurst, and the local East Westphalian Pilsner are culinary must-tries.