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If
you hear the word OCTOBERFEST, you immediately think of the
Bavarian Beer Fest in Munich. This popular Beer Festival takes
place during the last two weeks of September. But it is also
true that the real
Freimarkt Fest is set for
Bremen in Northern Germany during the first two weeks of
October. This folk festival’s only formal side is its
introductory procession.
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Over a period of 14 days, hundreds of arts and crafts, flower
and food stalls clutter the market square. Song and dance and
theatre, in all forms and colours of costumes, take turns to
entertain the thousands of spectators |
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Although autumn is not the ideal season to visit Northern
Europe, it is the ideal time to explore this north western
corner of Germany. For the traveller, Lower Saxony and the
independent city states of Hamburg and Bremen provide a series
of memorable photo snapshots: rejoice in a different atmosphere,
urban and urbane, tolerant and multicultural, and based on
centuries of trade with the world. |
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Bremen is the home of the legendary beer
producer, Beck's which is a popular German
choice around the world. Tours allow visitors to see how the
beer is made and also taste the finished product. The name
Beck's is synonymous with Bremen and a tour of the
facilities, followed by a dinner at the Beck's Café, is a
must when visiting the city. |
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Bustling Bremen retains reminders of its past trade-based
glories and wealth. Situated on the eastern banks of the
River Wesen, Bremen’s sightseeing attractions are in
Altstadt, between the river and the angular ponds that
once formed a moat, and particularly around the central
Marktplatz. This is where you will find the
Rathaus, the Saint Petri Dom and other
historical buildings that will highlight the many stories of
yesteryears.
On
the main square of Medieval Bremen stands the green-roofed town
hall and the cathedral. Many photographers have captured the
essence of this beautiful Marktplatz. Out on the
cobblestones is a monumental sculpture of the city’s protector,
Roland. |
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But
it is really the less portentous sculpture, almost hiding next
to the Rathaus building, that draws the attention:
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– the well known Bremen Town Musicians,
by the local sculptor Gerhard Marcks, was erected in
1953. This icon of four animals tells the Brothers Grimm
fairytale. Locals will delight in telling you the story of
this happy foursome: a donkey, dog, cat, and chicken who
came to Bremen and drove out robbers with their growls and
noises. The triumphant group proudly called Bremen their
home. |
In
similar environment, you will find a replica copy in the Latvian
capital of
Riga. |
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And
then, all of a sudden, when walking the circumference of the
square, you spot Böttcherstrasse, an inconspicuous
narrow cobblestone lane. This once insignificant coopers’
residential area, was transformed into Art Deco style in the
1920’s by Ludwig Roselius, a wealthy coffee merchant. The
Glockenspiel triangle (a modern carillion)
is a familiar site where a different tune is played every hour
by an array of many different sized bells.
Next door is Schnoorviertel, a historic district
of small houses dating from the 15th – 18th
centuries. It was one of Bremen’s poorest areas before World War
II, but miraculously escaped destruction. |
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It has been beautifully restored over decades
and now teems with boutique shops, trendy restaurants and
many tourists. |
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There are several companies that lead various
tours down the Weser River, which runs through the centre of
Bremen. The cruises offer visitors a chance to
see the surrounding city as well as the river that has been
the centre of Bremen culture and life for hundreds of years.
-
Johann
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