German folk fair 'now within easy reach'

One of Germany's oldest folk fairs will be taking place in October and, unlike in medieval times when the event began, it is now easily accessible for Britons, the German National Tourist Office has said.

The Freimarkt (free market) has its roots in Germany's Dark Ages when Emperor Conrad II gave Bremen's Archbishop the right to stage a folk fair in the local churchyard.

Vendors were permitted to sell their goods freely on the market, giving the event its name, and it has since developed into one of Germany's biggest fairs.

For travellers interested in learning more about the local history and also enjoying the fair itself, the event is now within easy reach, with regular flights to Bremen.

Ryanair flies twice daily from London Stansted to the German city, whose airport is only 3.5km from the city centre.

Among the attractions of the Bremer Freimarkt is the atmosphere created by 320 showmen and traders, stalls selling roasted almonds, candied apples and German sausages, as well as a fairground boasting a range of rides.

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