Freimarkt Bremen 2025: the biggest fair in Northern Germany is back

Bremen is one of the most charming cities in Northern Germany with an over 1,000-year history. Despite heavy destruction in WWII, the old town still has a large number of medieval, renaissance and baroque houses to admire.

Bremen‘s appeal is reflected in its tourism activity. 2024 was indeed the most successful year in Bremen’s tourism history. With 2.49 million overnight stays, the city of Bremen recorded a 5.5% increase compared to 2023.

According to Kristina Vogt, Bremen Senator for Economy, Ports and Transformation, “with almost 2.5 million overnight stays and 35 million day-trippers, we set another record. It shows Bremen’s growing appeal as a travel destination.”

“This is the result of a deliberate and successful city marketing strategy. Tourism has become a key economic driver for Bremen. It supports over 30,000 jobs and generates €1.8 billion in annual gross revenue for retail and hospitality, ” she highlighted.

Bremen however still remains a “best-kept secret” among international travelers. Roughly 80% of overnight visitors to Bremen were domestic in 2024, staying on average two nights. From the 20% coming from abroad, the Netherlands remained the top international source market with 94,198 overnight stays. Denmark ranked second with 37,122 stays, while the UK placed third with 30,559 stays.

Meanwhile, various events are marketed internationally. Such as Freimarkt Bremen, one of the oldest and largest fairs in Germany. This year, it will open its doors from 17 October to 2 November 2025.

Visitors to the Bürgerweide in the heart of the Hanseatic city can enjoy a lively mixture of high-thrills attractions, foodie treats and traditional market stalls.

With a history dating back to the year 1035, Freimarkt Bremen is a firm fixture in the cultural life of the city on the Weser.  Every year, it attracts millions of people with an extensive program of events for all ages that lets visitors immerse themselves in typical northern German hospitality.

Medieval markets, roller-coasters and a giant Parade

This year, there are some fifty thrilling rides, including big wheels and roller-coasters. Visitors can also look forward to a range of exhibitors, local specialties and exciting events. Both the main market on the Bürgerweide and the market square in the city center boasts historic stalls and nostalgic fairground rides.

The Medieval market between the Town Hall and the Liebfrauen Church transports visitors back to the days of traditional arts and crafts and tasty treats from wood-fired ovens. All are a heady reminder of the early days of the ‘free market’.

The traditional Freimarkt procession on October 25, is another highlight. Beautifully decorated floats and groups of musicians make their way through Bremen streets. They fill spectators’ bags with typical sweets known as ‘Bremer Bonschen’.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. in Bremen’s new town before heading to the marketplace and then to the main rail station. It all culminates with the traditional awards for the best and most creative floats.

The event is then a unique opportunity to discover Bremen. Particularly beyond the figures of the “Town Musicians of Bremen”, the famed fairy tale from Brothers Grimm.

To best enjoy the Freimarkt, Bremen office of tourism advises to look at accommodation options in the city’s hotel portal.