Members of an itinerant craft tradition that stretches back to medieval times. Dressing in black bell-bottom trousers, white shirts, low-cut vests and large-brimmed hats, they stand out from the rest of the construction workers. For a period of at least three years and a day these young artisans roam the world looking for temporary employment to gather experience in their crafts. Custom demands that the Wandergesellen follow a set of strict rules - they may not enter a 50 km radius around their home town or remain in one place for more than three months.
See more on this in an interesting internet article called "Taking it To the Streets,
Germany's wandering artisans keep alive the ancient craft of the Walz."
(by URSULA SAUTTER)