Germany’s oldest folk fair now within easy reach

A funfair in the Dark Ages? It was indeed as early as in mediaeval times that Emperor Conrad 2nd granted Bremen’s Archbishop the right to stage a folk fair on the churchyard. From then on vendors were allowed to sell their goods freely on this market. That’s how the “Freimarkt” (free market) received its name in the 11th century.

Nowadays, it is one of Germany’s biggest fairs, starting on 19 October this year, and, thanks to brand-new flight connections within easy reach from the UK.

Ryanair flies twice daily from London Stansted directly into Bremen. And even better: Bremen airport lies only 3.5 kilometres from the city centre so that it will take just a short tram ride to dive into the unbridled fun of the “Bremer Freimarkt”. 320 showmen and traders create a unique atmosphere all over the city centre and on the fairground “Bürgerweide” from 19 October until 4 November 2007.

The 972nd “Freimarkt” caters for all tastes: on more than 100.000 square metres romantic stalls and nostalgic carousels meet high-tech roller coasters and breathtaking headfirst rides, all that complemented by the aroma of roasted almonds, red-candied apples and savoury German sausages in the air.

Visitors can explore the roots of the “Freimarkt” between the historic walls of the guildhall and the church “Unser Lieben Frauen”: Middle Age vendors offer their goods while glassblowers and locksmiths are presenting their skills and jugglers tell stories from former times.

To enjoy an entertaining break head for one of the different motto-beer tents featuring Bavaria, the traditional Hanseatic League or a river boat. Party people get their money’s worth even after midnight at the biggest party in town (in pavilion “Messehalle 7“). With live music and DJs “Freimarkt at Night” has proved a recipe for good fun till early next morning.

For more information about travel in Germany, log on to germany-tourism.co.uk.