Latest news with #Hanseatic
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Folklore comes alive in Germany's ‘fairytale' city
When a bronze statue of a donkey, dog, cat and rooster is one of a city's most photographed landmarks, it should come as no surprise that it takes its storytelling seriously. As the northern gateway to the German Fairytale Route, the river-straddling city of Bremen has long been steeped in myth and lore – but 2025 is its time to truly shine. Marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary Route, Bremen is throwing open its medieval gates to welcome visitors into a world where folklore comes alive in cobbled lanes, pixelated forests and theatrical cathedral squares. Once a proud Hanseatic hub on the Weser River, Bremen may lack the instant name recognition of Berlin or Munich, but it has something rarer: a deep sense of magic threaded through its architecture, culture and soul. This is, after all, the city where the Brothers Grimm's beloved 'Town Musicians of Bremen' tale is more than just a bedtime story – it's a city-wide invitation to step into an enchanted world. The German Fairytale Route, established in 1975, stretches some 600km from Hanau (the Grimm brothers' birthplace) in central Germany all the way to Bremen in the north. It passes through storybook towns like Marburg, Kassel and Hamelin – the latter famously plagued by a flute-playing Pied Piper. But Bremen, where the route ends (or begins, depending on your direction), offers a kind of finale that rewards travellers with a satisfying mix of whimsy, wonder and historical gravitas. Throughout 2025, the city is celebrating its starring role on the route with a packed programme of myth-tinged events. Among the highlights is the Stadtmusikantenspiel, a lively Sunday lunchtime performance held in the shadow of Bremen Cathedral. From May through to December, this musical reimagining of the city's famed animal quartet brings the fairytale to life in the very square where its story is immortalised in bronze. Elsewhere, a special anniversary walking tour delves into both Grimm folklore and Bremen's own mythic foundations – like the legend of the fishermen who followed a hen and her chicks to settle on the Weser, symbolising freedom and laying the city's foundations. Their tale is immortalised in stone on the Town Hall arcade – a blink-and-you'll-miss-it nugget of urban folklore waiting to be rediscovered. A walk through the past (and pixelated present) Bremen wears its fairytales on its sleeve, but the charm doesn't stop at statues and stories. Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town), and you'll find half-timbered houses, Gothic spires and grand merchant halls that whisper of a prosperous past. The Unesco-listed Town Hall is an architectural gem from the Weser Renaissance era, standing proudly beside the Roland statue – a symbol of civic freedom dating back to 1404. Modern-day magic arrives in the form of Pixelwald Wisera, a dazzling new installation in the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery. Step inside, and you're transported into a glowing pixel forest – an immersive experience that feels halfway between enchanted woodland and digital dreamscape. It's an unexpected but oddly fitting tribute to the city's blend of tradition and innovation. For families and digital natives, the BremenGo app animates the famous Musicians of Bremen in 3D across the city. Think Pokémon GO, but with more donkeys and fewer battles. Meanwhile, the Stadtmusikantenexpress boat trip offers a breezy way to explore Bremen's sights while soaking up stories of mythical beasts, musical dreams, and Bremen's colourful history along the Weser. What to see and do No trip to Bremen is complete without paying homage to the statue of the Musicians of Bremen. Located beside the Town Hall, the sculpture has become a touchstone for good fortune – quite literally. Legend has it that holding the donkey's front leg brings luck, though only with your right hand. (Left, apparently, does nothing. This is fairytale science.) Wander a little further and you'll hit the Schnoorviertel, Bremen's oldest quarter, where centuries-old fishermen's houses lean inwards like gossiping neighbours. Today, it's a tangle of boutique galleries, artisan shops and cosy cafés. Stop by for a marzipan pastry or browse for handmade trinkets that wouldn't look out of place in a Grimm tale. For a more serene slice of the city, head to the Bürgerpark – 200 acres of manicured greenery that offers a welcome pause from the cobbles. And if it's myths and legends you're after, don't miss Böttcherstraße, a striking Art Deco alleyway filled with history, eccentric architecture and an air of the unexpected. How to do it Bremen is compact and walkable, making it an ideal weekend break. Most attractions are within easy reach of the Altstadt, and the city's efficient tram network makes venturing further a breeze. With its beguiling mix of myth, history and modern creativity, Bremen is ready to surprise. This is a place where fairytales aren't confined to books, but written in stone, sung in public squares, and animated into the very air around you. And in this special anniversary year, the magic is more alive than ever. Essentials Ryanair flies direct from London Stansted to Bremen from £49 return. Lufthansa operates flights from London Heathrow to Bremen via Frankfurt from £129 return. Stylish, central and brimming with character – just like the city itself – Hotel Classico (0049 421 2440 0867) is located steps from the Town Hall and Musicians of Bremen statue. Doubles from £110 per night, including breakfast.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hamburg register interest in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz
With young keeper Jonas Urbig now firmly entrenched as Manuel Neuer's replacement at Bayern Munich, Israeli international Daniel Peretz must seek playing time elsewhere. Sky Germany reports that 2. Bundesliga side Hamburg have registered interest. HSV currently sit in second place in the second division table and are hoping to secure promotion back to the German top flight. Sky notes that the Hanseatic city-state side are only interested in acquiring Peretz should they achieve promotion. Peretz – who brings with him plenty of European experience – would be considered an upgrade to current No. 1 Daniel Heuer Fernandes. Peretz himself may be amenable to the move as he's firmly rejected potentially leaving Bayern on loan. Advertisement The 24-year-old keeper has been linked with moves to other Bundesliga clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt. Moreover, English clubs Southampton and Burnley have been listed as potential suitors. With Urbig having found his feet during an extended stretch of playing time this season, it counts as almost certain that Peretz will be on the move. Sky reports that Bayern are open to a sale, but wish to hedge their bets with a buy-back option. Peretz currently maintains an estimated market value of €3m. The German record champions paid €5m to acquire the six-times-capped international from Maccabi Tel Aviv in August 2023. He's made four league, two cup, and one Champions League start since. GGFN | Peter Weis
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hamburg in 'concrete talks' with Bayern's Peretz
Hamburger SV have entered the race for Daniel Peretz. Very concrete talks have already taken place with Bayern Munich, Sky Germany reports. The Hanseatic giants are believed to be a serious option for the 24-year-old, especially if they gain promotion to the Bundesliga. Advertisement As things stand HSV are the most concrete option of all according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. Bayern want to find Peretz a new club in summer, either on loan or via a permanent transfer with a buy-back clause. Newly promoted Burnley are also interested — they have made specific enquiries through Vincent Kompany.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Boukhalfa and Smith hail "incredible performance" against Leverkusen
Boukhalfa and Smith hail "incredible performance" against Leverkusen FC heroic goal-scorer Carlo Boukhalfa snatched a point for the Hanseatic club and expressed his delight regarding the team's efforts as they battled for a point against Bayer Leverkusen this evening Advertisement 'It feels great to have taken a point against opposition of that calibre. The fans were amazing today, which was really motivating. It's normal for Leverkusen to create chances with the quality they have. They're very streetwise, as we saw today, but we coped well. "We were very energised and showed morale to come back after going behind. I have to take my hat off to the lads who played today for the way they performed. "It was a special game for me. I was delighted to play and score again after such a long time out of the first team. We've seen it all in football, so we aren't safe yet. We'll keep going," said 25-year-old midfielder. Swedish centre-half Eric Smith chimed in with what he described as "an incredible performance" despite some noticable absentees through injury. "We're missing two of our best players in Karol Mets and Jackson Irvine and yet we still managed to put in a performance like that. We showed character and the lads who came on were superb," Smith added.
Local Norway
04-04-2025
- Business
- Local Norway
EXPLAINED: The story behind Norway's most famous regional beers
When thinking about beer in Norway, it's pretty hard to look beyond the prices that make the country one of the most expensive places in Europe to buy alcohol. But there's also plenty of history if you can get over the intial shock. For starters, plenty of the big cities have their historic regional brewers with strong ties to the city's identity – even if just two major names, Carlsberg-Ringnes and Hansa-Borg, dominate the market today. The regional differences between beers mainly refer to producers, as even with Norway going through the same craft beer renaissance as other countries, pilsner remains by far and away the most popular beer most of the year. Pilsener's popularity is a far cry from the farmhouse beers made from kveik yeast that used to dominate in the days gone by. Oslo The biggest brand in Oslo (and probably Norway) is Ringnes, dating back to the end of the 19th century. Ringnes is generally seen as a safe choice. However, plenty of turn up their nose at the option of a Ringnes. Furthermore, the fact the Carlsberg Group owns it and that Ringnes has absorbed so many other historic Oslo beer brands means it's seen as a bit corporate. Like most major breweries in Oslo, its former brewing headquarters has been converted into flats. Still, a bar still exists on the former brewery site. Frydenlund, despite now being owned by Ringnes, is seen as the slightly more upmarket alternative to Rignes – perhaps due to its former brewery being located in upmarket Bislett. Founded in 1837, Schous Pils is less common than Frydenlund and Ringnes and is considered a premium option. Restaurants typically have Schous Pils on tap as it's a beer that goes well with food. Schous Pils's image and reputation are strongly linked to the now trendy Grünerløkka district. These days, Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri operates in the basement of the former brewery. Advertisement Oslo has led the charge for the craft beer and micro-brewery trend in Norway, and there are plenty of great pubs like Crowbar, RØØR, Amundsen Bryggeri, and Oslo Mikrobryggeri serving microbrews. However, breweries like Grünerløkka Brygghus and Sagene Bryggeri are tied to the strong sense of local identity belonging to Oslo's neighbourhoods and former working-class districts. Bergen People from Bergen, wherever they end up in the world, are super proud of Bergen – to the extent other Norwegians often deride them for their sense of local pride. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that people from Bergen are especially proud of the local brand, Hansa. Hansa's name is steeped in history and refers to Bergen's importance as a Hanseatic trading port during medieval times. For many, it tastes like Bergen. For others, it tastes like a decent and straightforward pilsner. It can also be found in Oslo, but that'll be a non-starter for many who argue that a 'Bergen beer' shouldn't be found anywhere near Oslo. The city is also home to 7 Fjell Bryggeri, named after the mountains that encircle the city, which puts its own twist on classic European beers. Advertisement Drammen While many take local pride in Bergen, Drammen has enjoyed a less-than-stellar reputation, something which it has spent decades trying to shake off. READ ALSO: Are these Norway's dullest and ugliest towns and cities? The city has a long industrial and maritime history, meaning it was designed with practicality in mind rather than aesthetics. One perk of this industrial history, if not the architecture, is that it is home to Norway's oldest surviving brewery, which was established in 1834. While Martin Ødegaard may be the city's most famous export today, a close second would be Aass Pilsner. Many in eastern Norway enjoy this beer for its fresh taste, even if, at a glance, its name might suggest a different taste entirely. Trondheim Trondheim's most famous beer is Dahl's Pils. While the E.C Dahls Bryggeri is owned by Rignes in Oslo, the beer remains Trondheim's pride. Since its establishment in 1856, E.C Dahls has been a focal point for the local community in Trondheim by supporting local initiatives and has helped shape the city's beer culture. In 2023, Dahls Pils won gold in the International Lager class in the prestigious European Beer Star competition, putting forward a case for Trondheim as Norway's best beer city. Dahls has also branched out and made various beers beyond the traditional pilsner, which have also proven popular with drinkers. Advertisement Tromsø The Mack Brewery was once the world's northernmost brewery and its beer hall, Ølhallen, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The beer hall is located in the cellar of the traditional brewery and, since 1928, had been the first port of call for fishermen and trappers returning from Svalbard – with women being banned completely until the 1960s. The brewery's most popular beer, Isbjørn (literally polar beer), is a nod to the city's location above the Arctic Circle and has a fresher taste than other pilsners on the list. Advertisement Stavanger The city of Stavanger is perhaps most associated with the oil trade. This has also meant a strong American presence in the city, although the ties between Stavanger and the US date back to the Emigrant ship Restauration, which made its way to American shores in 1825. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that Lervig, founded in the early 2000s, is the city's most prominent brewery and that its most notable beer is their Lucky Jack American Pale Ale, which beer lovers enjoy for its easy-drinking nature.
