Travel Guide to Bremen, Germany

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

Marktplatz. Marktplatz has a reputation of one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. And it's not baseless: the square is surrounded by marvelous historical buildings, the greatest of which is surely the City Hall. In front of the City Hall a 6-meter statue of Rolland (1404) is situated. This knight is the symbol of freedom and independence of Bremen. From the west side the square is bounded by different old buildings. To the south-west of it there is the Schütting of the 16th century. It was built in Flemish style by the project of Joachan den Buschener and served as the place for meetings of merchantmen. At Marktplatz the majestic Bremen Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady, it is famous for its ancient frescos and stained-glass windows in the iron frames made by Alfred Manessir.

To the south from the Marktplatz lies Böttcherstrasse that is itself a great piece of art. Its architecture is an ideal connection of traditional and expressionistic styles. The idea of its creation was suggested by Bremen tradesman and patron Ludwig Roselius in 1904; its realization took about 30 years and became possible thanks to architects Scotland and Runge, and also sculptor Bernard Hattgery. Böttcherstrasse is famous for Paula Bekker-Moderson Museum, where takes place the continuous exhibition of her best works. Another place that deserves your attention is the Roselius House with its chimes and interesting collections.

The Schnoor area. The Schnoor area is the ancient part of the city (in a wonderful condition, by the way) that used to belong to fishermen. Small houses of the 15th- 18th centuries, narrow streets and courtyards create an impression of a very picturesque city. Though the Schnoor area used to be a district for the poor and even was under the danger of demotion, nowadays after a considerable restoration in turned into a popular touristic place. There takes place the Johanniskirche without some towers, that used to belong to Franciscans.

The Bremen Musicians. The Bremen musicians are world-famous characters of bothers Grimm's fairy-tale, who became the symbols of Bremen. There is a bronze monument in their favor: one on the other stands a donkey, a dog, a cat and then on the very top – a cock (it's located to the west from the City Hall). The statue was built in 1953 by sculptor Gerhard Marks. You can also find some interpretations on this topic in Böttcherstrasse and the Schnoor area. Life in Bremen has always been focused on the port that is associated not with sea romanticism, but with highly-qualified workers and modern workplaces in fish industry. Those, who like sea, surely would be attracted by the container terminal, by the car-port with its largest in whole Europe car transfer system and by the cruise terminal Columbuskaje, the place, where international cruise fleet with its beautiful passenger ships is located.

The Rhododendron Park. The Rhododendron Park is one of the most fascinating parks in Europe. Every May it attracts plenty of tourists by marvelous blossoming flowers and trees. There 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. In the safely protected greenhouses of the Rhododendron Park wonderful orchids grow. But, actually, it's not the only park that makes Bremen such an attractive city. The biggest park of the city is the Burger Park, which takes 140 hectare. It was laid out in the central part of the city in 1865.

Freimarkt. Bremen citizenry call the Freimarkt 'the fifth season of the year' and every October celebrate it 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 citizenry, but it's also a traditional festival in the north of Germany since 1035.

Vegesack. At the place, where the Weser falls into the sea, Vegesack village is situated. It has a unique atmosphere of fish men's houses, small port offices, old storehouses, but the most shocking is the highest Bremen dockyard 'Volcano'. If you want to look at old ships, to try the smell of sea history of Bremen and to breathe in 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