Travel Guide to Bremen, Germany

Bremen is a seaport with the population of 550 000 people. The city is located on the west bank of the Weser. The historical center of Bremen is surrounded by a green zone, which is made along the same way, where the city wall used to be. However, the western side is the only exception - it borders the river. Bremen is a very versatile city - history, traditions, high-tech, science and space – everything is mixed there, and this fact creates an unforgettable atmosphere of the city. The places of interest of Bremen are mainly situated in the historical center of the city.

Marktplatz. Marktplatz has a reputation of one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. This statement is not groundless - the square is surrounded by marvellous historical buildings, the greatest of which is surely the City Hall. There is a 6-meter statue of Rolland (1404) in front of the City Hall. The knight is the symbol of freedom and independence of Bremen. The west side the square is the location of different old buildings. Don’t forget to visit Schütting that is on the south-west. The 16th century house was built in the Flemish style according to the project of Joachan den Buschener. Earlier the city served as a place for meetings of merchantmen. Marktplatz is also the location of majestic Bremen Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. The latter is famous for its ancient frescos and stained-glass windows in iron frames made by Alfred Manessir.

Böttcherstrasse lies to the south from Marktplatz. The street is a great piece of art. Its architecture is an ideal combination of traditional and expressionistic styles. The idea of its creation was suggested by Bremen tradesman and the city’s patron Ludwig Roselius in 1904. It took almost 30 years to make that plan come to life thanks to the efforts of architects Scotland and Runge, as well as sculptor Bernard Hattery. Böttcherstrasse is famous for the Paula Bekker-Moderson Museum, in which a continuous exhibition of her best works takes place. Another place of interest that deserves your attention is the Roselius House, notable for its chimes and interesting collections.

The Schnoor quarter. The Schnoor quarter is the ancient part of the city (kept in a wonderful condition, by the way) that once belonged to fishermen. Small houses built in the 15th- 18th centuries, narrow streets and courtyards create an impression of a very picturesque place. Even though the Schnoor used to be a district for the poor, and even was in the danger of demotion, nowadays, after a considerable restoration, the district turned into a popular tourist area. Johanniskirche and some towers, that used to belong to Franciscans, are also located there.

The Bremen Musicians. The Bremen musicians are world-famous characters created by Grimm brothers. The fairy-tale characters have become the symbols of Bremen. There is even a bronze monument dedicated to them - a donkey, a dog, a cat, and then, on the very top, a cock stand on each other’s back (the monument is located to the west from the City Hall). The statue was built in 1953 by sculptor Gerhard Marks. You can also find some other monuments dedicated to these characters in Böttcherstrasse and the Schnoor. Life in Bremen has always been concentrated in the city’s port. The local port is associated not with sea romanticism, but with highly-qualified workers and modern workplaces in fish industry. Tourists, who enjoy sea, will be surely attracted by the container terminal, the car-port with its modern car transfer system that is the largest in whole Europe, and the Columbuskaje cruise terminal - the place, where beautiful international cruise ships are located.

Rhododendron Park. Rhododendron Park is one of the most fascinating parks in Europe. Every May it attracts plenty of tourists by its marvellous blossoming flowers and trees. This is the place where one can enjoy the beauty of the greatest collection of rhododendron cultures in whole Europe - it consists of more than 450 species, 350 subspecies, 350 sorts and 250 species of other evergreen plants. Rhododendron Park is also the place where wonderful orchids grow protected by the safely of greenhouses. However, it is not the only park that makes Bremen such an attractive city. The biggest park of the city is Burger Park, the area of which is 140 hectare. It was laid out in the central part of the city in 1865.

Freimarkt. Bremen locals call Freimarkt 'the fifth season of year', and every October they celebrate this holiday with great enthusiasm - they wear fabulous carnival costumes and turn their everyday life into a magic fairy-tale, full of joy and happiness. Freimarkt is an important event not only for Bremen citizens. This is also a traditional festival of the north of Germany since 1035.

Vegesack. Vegesack village is situated at the place, where the Weser falls into the sea. It has a unique atmosphere of fisherman’s houses, small port offices, old storehouses, but the highest Bremen dockyard called 'Volcano' remains the main place of attraction. If you want to look at old ships, get a glimpse of the sea history of Bremen, and breathe the air of the North Sea, Vegesak is the very place you need.

Read more about Bremen:
Restaurants and cuisine in Bremen
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Bremen
Nightlife and attractions in Bremen
Preparing for Bremen: Advices
Bremen photogallery