Bremen's autumn Freimarkt fair returns for 2026 with Ryanair link from Stansted

Centuries-old fair returns to the Hanseatic city

Bremen’s Freimarkt, one of Germany’s longest-running fairs, will take place from 16 October to 1 November 2026, according to tourism body WFB Bremen. The event traces its roots back to 1035, when merchants were first permitted to trade freely without the usual restrictions, and has since grown into a major fixture of the city’s autumn calendar.

For 17 days, the Bürgerweide, located behind Bremen’s main railway station, hosts funfair rides, food stalls and traditional market stands, blending old and new. Organisers say the mix of heritage and modern entertainment makes it a strong draw for first-time visitors to the city.

Old town hosts a smaller, historic market

Alongside the main fairground, a second, more traditional market takes place in Bremen’s historic old town. Known as the ‘Kleiner Freimarkt’, it is set against the town hall and the Roland statue, both part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, a medieval-themed market around the Liebfrauenkirche features craft demonstrations, street performers and traditional food, evoking the fair’s original medieval character. Visitors are encouraged to combine this with a walk through areas such as Böttcherstraße and the Schnoorviertel district towards the River Weser.

Parade to mark cultural highlight

A highlight of the 2026 event will be the traditional Freimarkt parade on 24 October, featuring decorated floats, musicians and costumed participants moving through the city streets. Spectators traditionally catch sweets known as ‘Bonschen’ thrown from the floats, a custom that organisers describe as a key date in the city’s social calendar.

Convenient for international visitors

WFB Bremen highlighted the fair’s accessibility for international visitors, noting that the Bürgerweide site is close to the main train station and easily reached on foot or by public transport. The old town, the Schlachte promenade along the Weser and various museums are also within easy reach, allowing visitors to combine sightseeing by day with the fair’s atmosphere in the evening.

The city has its own airport with rail connections, and Ryanair operates a route from London Stansted to Bremen taking around one hour and 20 minutes. A city hotel portal has been made available to help visitors find accommodation for the period.

The announcement was issued by WFB Bremen via press contact Marco Skora.