Sim-Jü in Werne

As Westphalia’s oldest open-air market, the town of Werne celebrates the Sim-Jü from 24 to 27 October 2026, the largest folk festival on the River Lippe. Every year, on the fourth weekend in October, several hundred thousand visitors flock to the town to take part in the fair’s hustle and bustle. The whole of Werne is transformed into a sea of stalls and lights, permeated by the delicious aromas of almonds, hearty dishes and exotic delicacies. What’s more, the range of rides, attractions, stalls and games on offer is a compelling reason to visit the fair at least once. Children and families in particular are delighted by the variety of activities and attractions during these four colourful days. A trade fair also takes place on all days. A fireworks display on Monday evening and the popular flea market on Tuesday round off this traditional fair. On ‘Sim-Jü’ Sunday, the shops are also open for the special Sunday shopping from 1 pm to 6 pm.

The fair is traditionally opened on Saturday at 2 pm when the mayor hoists the flag, and ends on Tuesday at 10 pm.

Pleasure with a view to a long tradition

While it used to be traders, jugglers and comedians who travelled to the town of Werne, today there are more than 200 shops of all kinds. Modern large-scale attractions as well as nostalgically and lovingly decorated smaller carousels and food stalls invite visitors to celebrate the fair's several centuries of existence in 2025. The fair has its written origins in 1362, when the Bishop of Münster granted the town's citizens the right to celebrate Simon and Judah once a year. Since then, the festival has been affectionately known as Sim-Jü and is always held in the city centre on this date.

Map | Sim-Jü

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