In Cologne, they were sumptuously enshrined. But they went travelling again in 1794 before the French occupied the Rhineland and went as far abroad as Prague before being brought back. Surprisingly, very few pieces are missing from it, considering how precious it is in even purely material terms. One of the major thefts was done 1574, but the cameo of Pharaoh Ptolemy resurfaced in Vienna and is in a museum there.

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The shrine itself is a contraption of three stacked wooden sarcophagi encased in precious metals. It is richly bedecked with over 1,000 precious stones and pearls. Add to this about 300 gems and cameos, by themselves the largest medieval collection of pictorial stones, and you start to guess at the importance the Prince Bishops of Cologne gave to these relics. It made Cologne one of the most important church centres in the known world. It is easy to see why to the people something so important and richly enshrined could have only been brought to Cologne by no one less than Empress Saint Helena.

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The pictography is fairly straightforward. The lower tier depicts the prophets on the two sides. The sides of the upper tier show the apostles. The front shows at the bottom Mary at the centre being approached from the left by the three kings. The fourth king depicted is King Otto IV of Germany, who received this honour for an enormous bribe he paid to the Prince Bishop for his vote in the electoral assembly. On the right hand side Christ’s baptism is shown.

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Just over these scenes a removable plate has been attached which when removed will give access to the interior of the shrine. The plate holds three cameos (one would have been the Ptolemy cameo), the remaining two showing the coronation of Nero on one and Venus and Mars on the other. The top of the front is dominated by Christ the Judge accompanied by two angels.

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The backside shows at the bottom the prophet Isaiah flanked by the two scenes of the flagellation and crucifixion of Christ. Over these are shown the figure of Patience with two angels and an angel with the cross with Sol and Luna. The top shows Christ handing martyrs’ crowns to Saint Felix of Africa and Saint Nabon. These two saints have been tucked in with the Magi as well as Saint Gregory of Spoleto.

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My favourite interpretation of the importance of the shrine of the Magi for today comes from American author cum Catholic priest Andrew M. Greeley who suggests that a pilgrimage to the shrine might help you to follow your own star. While his observation is meant in a (unorthodox) religious context, I would apply the same interpretation for everybody of any faith. The Magi followed their star to reach the goal they headed for, and that is something everybody is not only entitled to, but should actively strive for. I therefore recommend a visit to the shrine to everybody, no matter what your religious convictions are.

Apart from the fact that Fribourg had never dealt in onions, the chronicles of Bern show no such event for 1405 of the following years. Rather, the feast of St. Martin held on a single day was expanded over time to fill two whole weeks. Martini, as the day is known in Switzerland, was a time to mark the passing of summer into autumn and free of work for everyone. And the market offered all the goods you might want to stock for the coming winter.

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The market attracts over 700 merchants every year which put up their stands during the night and start selling before the break of dawn. Officially the market opens at 6 a.m., but selling starts at 4 o’clock. The local population is usually long home when at nine the first busloads of tourists arrive. And they arrive all day long, ten thousands of people.

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Though the Queen of Wistenlach has lost her predominance over the market, still more than one third of stands sell the golden skinned onion together with her red skinned royal cousin. The rest is given over to clothes, sweets, cheese, and whatever you may think of peddling at the market.

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The market is the last of the kermes, after that the Christmas markets will hold sway. The day is given over to the market and its stand, but after the schools close, it takes on a carnival air, when dressed up people will roam the streets, singers will go from restaurant to restaurant singing satirical songs about what has happened over the last year, and satirical newspapers will be distributed to the visitors.

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The most important part of the day for kids starts at 4 p.m.: the great confetti battle. He general battle held mainly by kids with little paper shreds (almost everything is allowed to get anybody as full of shreds as possible) usually heralds the end of the selling market and the start of the evening’s festivities.

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The traditional food for the day is obviously the local onion pie or the local cheese pie, though meanwhile you’ll find any kind of sustenance at the market. With it you might drink spiced hot wine or cold local wines.

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Nuremberg, in Germany, is host to a world famous Christmas market. The Christmas market is, you guessed it, a street market associated with Christmas. Whether you celebrate Christmas religiously, commercially or you just enjoy the season the market in Nuremberg will appeal to your inner child and alight your soul with wonder. For a winter travel idea look no further.

From the 27th of November to the 24th of December every year, the middle of Nuremberg is filled with around 180 wooden stalls bathed in festive decorations and offering various treats and crafts. The aroma of spiced cinnamon floats around stalls full of wonderful delights. It’s a great place to pick up a few presents or even some decorations for the home. I can guarantee the stalls will catch your eye.

The market staff compete with each other for the most beautiful and tasteful design. It’s a treat which promises not to disappoint. There are many traditional meals to enjoy along with copious piles of sugar soaked sweets. Mugs of mulled wine are available at every turn and a non-alcoholic version is available.

There is something, I’m going to say it, magical about the place. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas the air and the intensity of Christmas cheer there is just inspiring.

The Christmas markets have been celebrated since the middle ages and cities all over the world are now hosting their own. So you don’t need to go as far as Nuremberg but it’s worthwhile if you can spare the extra cash.

You could spend a week in Nuremberg seeing the cities many wonders during the day or even just go for a day trip and enjoy the market. My trip there was the only time I saw an aeroplane treated as a coach bus.

“You can leave your coats and bags on the plane if you’d like,” The hostess told us. “The pilot will be on the plane.” They even held a raffle on the flight back.

We spent a few hours wandering around the city until the market opened and we were there until they dragged us back to the plane. Whether you’re looking for a getaway with the family or a festive day out for two, Nuremberg will not disappoint. You’re only problem will be not wanting to leave against afterwards.

Attracting millions of visitors from across the globe each year, the event (which actually occurs at the end of September, despite its name) is packed full of tasting, dancing and raucous Bavarian-style partying!

As the world’s biggest beer festival, there’s really nothing quite like it but it can be a little expensive and overwhelming, so here’s our tips on how to get the most out of this Oktoberfest.

1. Getting there on the cheap

   With low cost airlines regularly connecting Munich with most other European cities, it’s easy to find a flight to suit your budget. Booking well in advance (or sometimes right at the last minute) can produce further savings but a bit of research and price comparison goes a long way towards finding a great deal.

2. Budget accommodation

   Luckily there are plenty of good, cheap Munich hostels concentrated in the city center within stumbling distance of the Oktoberfest site at Theresienwiesen. However, as the festival is so popular with travelers and backpackers, the quality hostels always fill up fast, so it’s advisable to book early for the best value.

3. Beat the crowds

   The scale of Oktoberfest can seem daunting at first, with thousands of people packed into the 14 tents filling up the tables. Heading down to the site at lunchtime (especially on weekdays) can offer some welcome peace and quiet to complement your pint. It tends to get busier and busier throughout the day so arriving early also helps you stake out some space for the rest of the evening’s partying!

4. Be prepared

   Unfortunately it’s not possible to take your own food or drink into the festival, and inside prices have soared thanks to the captive audience, with dinner working out particularly pricey. Eating a hearty breakfast can help line your stomach and cut down on costs, and you could even enjoy a cheaper pint or two before entering the festival as well!

5. Budget realistically

   No matter how you approach it, Oktoberfest can work out rather pricey, even when staying in a cheap hostel and trying not to buy over-priced meals. Although great quality, the same six breweries are responsible for supplying the beers every year and they’ve pushed up the cost of a liter to around €8. So if you come expecting to splash out a bit – and budget accordingly – then you’ll be well equipped to fully experience the atmosphere and merriment of this unique event!

Should you be fortunate enough to be visiting Germany in late September or early October then you will have the opportunity to experience one of the world’s largest and greatest festivals – the Munich Oktoberfest. For any beer connoisseur this has to be on your list of 101 things to do before you die!

Before you read on let me give a couple of interesting facts

• The Oktoberfest starts in September and not in October, as its name suggests
• The Oktoberfest is also about wine and good food, not only beer
• The Oktoberfest is about having fun with all the family

When Does It Take Place?

This fall the Oktoberfest opens its doors on Saturday September 22nd and lasts until Sunday October 7th, 2007. A full two weeks of fun, food and flowing beer! The festival is opened with a twelve gun salute and grand ceremony at noon, where the Lord Mayor of Munich “taps” the first keg of beer. After that it is a free for all and the festivities begin!

Festival Times Are:

• 10am-10.30pm on weekdays.
• 9am-10.30pm on weekends and holidays.

What To Do

The Oktoberfest is not only about drinking, it is a family affair. Until the hours of 6pm everyday, experience a “Quiet Oktoberfest” where the beer tents play only low level piped music and the general atmosphere is geared towards older people and families. There is something for everybody at the festival. Music, songs, entertainment, souvenir shopping and funfair style rides. Children are allowed to enter the beer tents in the company of their parents, but must leave the tents at 8pm if they are under 6 years of age. There are also special family days – every Tuesday from 12pm to 6pm with discounted rides and entrance fees.

As you would expect, given an event of this scale there are the inevitable problems with drunkenness and general over exuberance, especially with the younger crowd. The Germans jokingly refer to them as “Bierleichen”, (beer corpses) and the quiet time set aside until 6pm is aimed to minimize an excess of “partying” and preserve the traditional atmosphere, at least during the daylight hours.

What To Drink

In addition to the many local beers available the festival has its own special brew. A special Oktoberfest beer is served in a one liter Maß (tankard) which is darker and stronger in taste and alcohol, than the traditional brews. The Oktoberfest is not only for the beer drinker however, although of course that is what earns its name. A wide range of wine is available, along with a mouth watering selection of traditional style Bavarian dishes such as käsespätzle (cheese noodles), sausages and sauerkraut, roast chicken and ox tails.

Where To Go – The Beer Tents

The festival is based around the huge beer tents, constructed purely for the celebration. There are 14 in all, each having their own particular appeal. The tents are large enough to seat thousands in some cases but make sure you get there early. Reservations can be made for a particular tent (contact them direct), but if you are going “on spec” then be sure to get there before 2.30pm on a weekday and in the morning on a weekend. If you don’t, the tents are likely to be full and you won’t find a seat. No seat, no service, no drink – that’s the policy!

Here’s The Low-Down On Some Of The Most Popular Tents:

For singles and the young crowd The Hippodrum is a truly “hip” place. It is frequented by a stylish set with a high flirt factor! Celebrities also flock to this venue so you are likely to rub shoulders with some of the elite. Get there early, it’s smaller than most tents!

For party animals, try The Schottenhamel, a key tent in the festival as it is one of the most traditional, and where all the opening festivities begin. Popular with the young as a party hang out!

A family friendly tent with a great atmosphere is The Augustiner-Fethalle. Families feel very comfortable in this venue and on “kids days” (Tuesdays) they offer very low prices. This is considered by many elderly locals to be a favorite tent it sells Augustiner, a popular local brew.

If you are into music then The Hacker-Festzelt offers a break from the traditional brass band music with an evening Rock’n Roll band to get the party swinging. Things get into gear from 5.30pm.

For traditional Bavarian sing-alongs then The Winzerer Fähndl provides a great atmosphere, as does The Braeurosl. This tent also has live musicians pumping up the heat, and during lunchtime and 6pm-7pm has a group from the South Tyrol performing, providing a burst of traditional song and yodeling!

For Wine drinkers there is the popular WeinZelt tent which offers more than 15 different wines in addition to a variety of sparkling wines and champagnes.

Finally, the most popular tent with Americans is The Hofbrau Festzelt. Due to its atmosphere and familiar beer, here you’ll find a mix of Americans, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits, rubbing shoulders with the locals.

What To Eat

When you wish to sample some of the traditional Bavarian fare that the Oktoberfest is famous for, then make your way to The Arbrustschützen to partake of the roast chicken, knuckle of pork or German sausages with sauerkraut. They also have a “crossbow” competition which is considered one of the main attractions of the festival. The suckling pig at The Schützen-Festzelt is prepared in malt beer and served with coleslaw, and is so tender it melts in your mouth.

For true gourmets there is Käfers Wies’n-Schänke for the roasted duck, something that should not be missed. The Ochsenbraterei offers a wide variety of oxen dishes and if it’s fish you fancy then The Fischer Vroni can tempt you with a huge selection from its menu – salmon, pike, you name it – all are skewered and grilled in a 15 meter long row.

How To Get There

You can image the congestion around the festival area so if you are thinking about taking your own car the advice is don’t! If you insist on going by car, however, then the main highways are likely to be constantly clogged so taking smaller “B” roads would be an alternative (if not longer) route.

Park and Ride facilities are available and many have subway access, allowing you to avoid the main congestion in the center of the city. Another alternative would be to travel by train using the special weekend “Schönes-Wochenede-Ticket“. The Oktoberfest is a ten minute walk from the main Hauptbahnhof station or a short bus or taxi ride.

Where To Stay

If you are going it alone you will need to book early if you want accommodation close to the festival, also it goes without saying that prices are higher during this time. Outside of Munich your chances of finding more reasonable, suitable accommodation are greater or you can book one of the many organized package tours to be found on the net or through a US travel agent. There are also two camping grounds close to the site. The Munich Tourist office is happy to provide you with a wealth of information. More information can be found at muenchen-tourist.de. You’ll also find a full Oktoberfest program and map of the area.

The History

So how did the world’s biggest beer festival begin?

The first Munich beer festival took place on October 12, 1810 to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (Kind Ludwig I) and the Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festival is held in an area called “Theresienwiese”, (meadow of Therese), named after the Princess.

Over the next hundred years its fate waxed and waned, through the Napoleonic Wars and the Austro-Prussian War and a cholera epidemic. By the end of the 19th century the festival had started to evolve into what we know today, with beer halls, musicians and games. During the I and II World War years (1914 – 1945) the Oktoberfest was also badly affected and was canceled 24 times in all, since it’s inception in 1810.

1950 saw the introduction of the traditional festival opening with a twelve gun salute and the tapping of the first beer keg by the Lord Mayor of Munich, Thomas Winner. Thus started the first of many traditions that exist today and by the 1960’s the Oktoberfest was fast becoming the Largest People’s Fair in the World, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Dates For Your Diary

Future Dates:

• September 22 – October 7 2007
• September 20 – October 5 2008
• September 19 – October 4 2009

Have Your Own Oktoberfest

Should you not be fortunate enough to experience this spectacle for yourself then there is no reason why you cannot celebrate it locally. This popular German festival has become a major celebration in some American cities, where a limited amount of dark beers are brewed for the occasion.

Alternatively this fall, have your own “Oktoberfest” bash by stocking up on some traditional German food and imported German beers. Put on your Lederhosen and your Dirndl skirts, stick on some Bavarian brass band music to give it a real flavor and rejoice along with your counterparts across the pond.

Cheers!