Reichsstadt-Festtage -- Rothenburg

The Reichsstadt-Festtage or Imperial Days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber on Sept. 5 through 7 celebrate the history of the old Imperial city. Every century is represented with its unique clothing and stories. The festival includes many different events and performances; highlights are the Meistertrunk, the historical Shepherd's Dance, a torch parade of participants and fireworks. To learn more, go to www.meistertrunk.de.

Trachtenmarkt in Greding

The Trachtenmarkt in downtown Greding is a good opportunity to stock up on traditional clothing items, like Lederhosen and Dirndl and all the accessories that go along with that. The market takes place on Sept. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more, go to www.greding.de.

Herbstvolksfest - Nuernberg

The Nuernberg Fall Fest is one of the largest and nicest fests in Bavaria; visitors will find plenty of fun rides, beer tents and food stands, as well as an entertainment program for everybody. The fest runs through Sept. 14 is located on the Dutzendteich (Bayernstrasse). Details are available at www.volksfest-nuernberg.de.

Trempelmarkt in Nuernberg

The largest flea market in Germany, the Trempelmarkt in Nuernberg, is open Friday, Sept. 12 from 4 p.m.- midnight and Saturday, Sept. 13, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Use of public transportation to the center of Nuernberg is highly recommended, parking will be sparse.

German school break

The summer break in Bavaria has started and ends on Sept. 15; the children of our neighbor states Baden-Wuerttemberg and Hessen are out as well. Expect heavy traffic and long traffic jams, especially on weekends on the Autobahns going south and coming back during that time.

For current traffic updates go to www.bayerninfo.de (in English), www.adac.de/reise_freizeit/verkehr, www.verkehrsinfo.de or www.verkehrsinformation.de

Nuernberg Zoo celebrates 75 years

The Nuernberger Tiergarten, famous for its landscaping between centuries-old trees and sandstones, celebrates 75 years at the Schmausenbuck, its current location, with many events throughout the year. To learn more, visit www.tiergarten.nuernberg.de.

Volksmarch in Franken

The hiking season is in full swing in Franconia and other parts of Germany; a Volksmarch or Wandertag is a good way to get out and exercise at your own pace. Participants can typically choose from 5/6k, 10k or 20k distances, sometimes even farther; hikers don't start all at once, but within a certain time frame and cover the chosen distance at their own pace.

Food and refreshments are sold on location and on the way, and registration is possible on site. It is recommended to check the link with details of the hike or contact the listed POC for exact starting times, updates and detailed location information. For other locations within Germany also check the website www.dvv-wandern.de.