No other funfair offers its visitors so many, and such novel carousel attractions as the Bremen Freimarkt. And nowhere else knows how to party quite like the Hanseatic city on the Weser . Each year ever since 1035 the city has celebrated its "market rights", preserving the longest funfair tradition in Germany.

Roland, symbol of Bremen's independence as a free city, has surveyed the bustle of the Marktplatz for nearly 600 years. It was erected in 1404. In 1646 the city attained "Reichsunmittelbarkeit" status, making it subject to none but the Emperor, and in 1806 it became a Free Hanseatic City.

An example of Gothic brick art is the 14th century Church of St. John. For a view of most curious architecture, stroll along the only 100-yard-long Böttcherstrasse, stopping perhaps to admire the Paula Becker Moderson House with works by the famous Worpsweder painter.

The romance of the Middle Ages lives on in the oldest district of the city  the Schnoor district, little 15th and 16th century houses are lined up shoulder to shoulder. Found in its charming twisting lanes are artists' studios, goldsmiths' workshops and galleries. Past and present flow seamlessly together in Bremen . This is prominently demonstrated by delightful Böttcherstrasse - a unique, world famous architectural ensemble. Bremen owes its international flair not only to the harbors with their links to all the world, but also to aerospace technology, science, research - and, not least of all, a rich cultural life.

Further sights include the Church of St. Martin, built 1229 on the banks of the Weser as a merchants' chapel, the Windmill am Wall, the Rhododendron Gardens and, of course, the harbors.