Discover Bremen: 10 unforgettable places to visit

Bremen is a city and port in northwest Germany. Together with its satellite city Bremerhaven, it forms the state of Bremen and historically was part of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages.

Bremen is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded in 787 AD by Charlemagne as a bishopric residence. Its location on the banks of the River Weser, which flows into the North Sea, provided a strong foundation for its economic growth and prosperity.

This city certainly deserves exploration of its rich history, wandering through its cozy streets, and experiencing its vibrant pace of life! Below are some top locations that you must visit in Bremen.

Bremen Town Hall

For centuries, it was used for meetings of Bremen merchants who discussed and concluded profitable agreements and shared profits. And nowadays in the building, meetings of the city magistrate are held and the city's mayor (Bürgermeister) works.

In the basement of Bremen Town Hall, there is one of the oldest wine cellars still in use since 1405. Currently, it stores 650 types of wine, including the oldest wine barrel in Germany, from the vineyards of Rüdesheim am Rhein in 1653. In part of the basement of the Town Hall, there is a restaurant where you can taste traditional Bremen cuisine.

Marktplatz

A splendid architectural ensemble of the market square, designed in Baroque and Renaissance styles. The Town Hall, the famous statue of Roland, cozy houses of wealthy citizens, and the ancient trading house Bremen - Schütting all surround the square.

To stroll through the most significant landmarks of Bremen, you don't need a map: a "round-the-clock" tourist route has been marked out with 2000 nails. The route leads from St. Mary's Church to the Market Square and Böttcherstraße, which was once called the Craftsmen's Street and now represents the most important cultural and museum center of Bremen and a milestone in the history of European art.

Following the "nails," you can also reach the famous monument to the Bremen Town Musicians, who became famous worldwide thanks to the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale collectors.

Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians

In the summer of 2018, it was the 200th anniversary of the first publication of the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale about the wandering musicians - offended by their owners donkey, dog, cat, and rooster. As it is known from the original source and many adaptations, they went to the city of Bremen to save their lives and start a "career" there.

Everyone who visits this city should find this bronze monument to the fairytale quartet in front of the old town hall. The donkey's legs are particularly shiny - polished by touches of those who have already made a wish here.

In 2007, a "singing hole" was installed where tourists throw coins and, as a contribution, listen to the famous song of the Bremen musicians.

Bremen Harbor

Every third adult resident of Bremen and its satellite city Bremerhaven is connected with the port and the sea. The culture and lifestyle of this city are directly related to maritime transport, trade, and tourism.

Therefore, no trip to Bremen is complete without a boat trip to the harbor along the Schlachte embankment. You can choose boats with various amenities: some have guided tours in German or English, and on some, snacks and drinks are available for those whose appetite is stimulated by fresh sea air on board.

The central part of Bremerhaven and the old port quarters are rich in landmarks and impress with the combination of historical buildings and modern architecture. The modern cargo terminal is one of the largest container ports in Europe, and cruise liners depart from the passenger center. Once ships sailed from here carrying European emigrants to America and Australia.

Schnoor District

One of the oldest and most picturesque quarters in the city of Bremen is the Schnoor district. Its first mentions date back to the 8th century when it served as Bremen's economic center. Most buildings were erected along the river, accommodating sailors, fishermen, craftsmen, and shipbuilders.

During World War II, the district was completely destroyed but was subsequently restored. Skilled craftsmen post-war managed to rebuild the houses and streets according to modern standards.

Today, Bremen's Schnoor is a residential district with numerous restaurants, cafes, bakeries, shops, museums, and a theater. The quaint small houses and narrow streets form a picturesque ensemble. Walking through this scenic area, you can see the construction date of each building marked on special plaques that tell the history of their construction.

St. Peter's Cathedral

This is the oldest church in the city, founded as early as 789 AD. Throughout its history, this building has been repeatedly destroyed by wars and natural fires, which left an imprint on its architecture.

Located in the old part of the city on Market Square, adjacent to the town hall and the statue of Roland – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Today, the cathedral is decorated in Romanesque style with elements of Gothic architecture. Its facade is adorned with paintings, as well as two 99-meter towers. The southern tower can be climbed, offering a splendid view of the historical city quarters. St. Peter's Cathedral had its own organ as early as 1244, and despite wars and destruction, this tradition has been preserved. Today, the cathedral houses five organs!

Universum Science Center

One of Bremen's newest landmarks and one of the most interesting architectural objects in the city.

Depending on the angle, the building resembles a giant open shell or a smiling whale. Inside, you will find approximately 250 fascinating exhibits dedicated to humanity, earth, and space. Recently, a research park with a tower has been added, providing a magnificent view of the surroundings.

German Maritime Museum

In the Old Harbor of Bremerhaven, just over 60 km north of Bremen, lies the German Maritime Museum, dedicated to the history of German seafaring.

Among its exhibits is the famous Bremen "Kogge," an old merchant ship, a Type XXI submarine from World War II, a four-masted ship named Seute Deern, and an old paddle steamer named Weser. Also notable is the radar tower, 112 meters high with an observation deck, and exhibits related to European maritime history from ancient times to the present.

Rhododendron Park and Mühle Street

The name of the park speaks for itself – along its paths and clearings, over 3000 varieties of rhododendrons bloom profusely with beautiful flowers. Therefore, from spring to autumn, the 46-hectare garden is filled with these flowering plants. However, even in winter, there is plenty to see, as greenhouses have been built where heat-loving plants bloom year-round.

It is considered the largest collection of rhododendrons in the world. In addition, the park itself has a complex and sophisticated landscape design, with themed zones where shrubs alternate with century-old trees. There are many beautiful corners, shaded alleys, artificial ponds, and cozy places to relax.

Übersee Museum Bremen

In the Overseas Museum Bremen, Asia and Africa are only a few steps apart. Collections of artifacts related to trade, ethnography, and nature are combined in one unique museum.

The museum boasts over 1.1 million exhibits. Attention to detail and the placement of artifacts in a magnificent ancient building ensure that every visit is unforgettable. Visitors can immerse themselves directly in the brilliant underwater world of Oceania, admire Asia as a continent of contrasts between bustling metropolises and spiritual calm and traditions.

In the African zone, they can discover the cradle of humanity and marvel at the ancient Egyptian mummy of the priest Harsiese.

Not only the port and maritime cruises attract tourists to this German city. Bremen seamlessly combines old architecture, new beautiful quarters, parks, museums, theaters, and sports facilities. This city is definitely worth including in a travel itinerary through Germany.