© WFB / Jens Lehmkühler
© Klemm Design/Jonas Ginter
© Azul Rösterei am Deich
© Bremer Ratskeller
© WFB/Ingo Wagner
Strolling dreamily through unknown alleyways, finally changing the wallpaper again, feeling a light breeze on your skin, listening to unfamiliar sounds, savouring delicious discoveries, gathering new impressions, leaving the familiar paths for once - have you also felt wanderlust? Then Bremen is definitely the perfect outlet for your desire to explore. The beautiful city on the River Weser enchants with its very own local specialities. You can expect Hanseatic flair, cultural and culinary delights, handcrafted treasures and numerous places to take a deep breath and recharge your batteries. Look forward to a city that will make all your senses dance.
Typically Bremen
Bremen's hanseatic inheritance mingles effortlessly with creativity and modern innovation against the backdrop of the city's historic streets and buildings in an atmosphere of relaxed northern "cool". Come and experience this vibrant mix in a city where history and tradition underscore the life of a modern, diverse and multi-faceted metropolis. There's so much to see, do and experience here that's guaranteed to bring a sparkle to your eyes and lighten your heart. Get a feeling for the Bremen lifestyle.
© WFB / MKA
Bremen's Town Hall and Roland statue joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004. This was not solely down to the magnificent exteriors of these architectural gems. Their opulent interiors, which have always been emblematic of local life, were also a reason for the nomination: the Town Hall and the Roland statue are unique symbols of the city's independence, autonomy and passion for justice. Always worth a visit!
Insider tip: The majestic doors of the Town Hall open to reveal a spectacular interior with luxuriously appointed rooms. It's well worth taking the guided tour to discover their secrets. The tour includes a visit to the Senate room, where Bremen's Mayor usually meets the members of the city's Senate.
© Privat / JUA
The splendidly quirky Böttcherstraße is Bremen's secret high street and is synonymous with the city's unique lifestyle. Running from the Marktplatz down to the Weser, every step along the 108 meters of this street will enchant you with its idiosyncratic blend of traditional and expressionist brick architecture. The street is also home to museums and has a plethora of opportunities for snacking and browsing.
Insider tip: With its eclectic architecture, Böttcherstraße is one of Bremen's main attractions. Don't miss the chance to see the "Glockenspiel House" while you’re here. There, you can listen to the chimes of 30 Meissen porcelain bells at 12 pm, 3 pm and 6 pm from January until March, and every hour between 12 pm and 6 pm from April to December. The chimes are accompanied by a rotating display of 10 carved wooden panels on the front elevation of the house, which depict sea-going explorers.
© WFB / Jonas Ginter
Sheltered behind the Weser dyke, the Ostertor and Steintor districts together form the popular, lively neighbourhood that Bremen locals simply call the "Viertel" (literally "the quarter" i.e. "district"). Just a stone's throw away from Bremen city centre, you'll find a vibrant pub scene, a diverse programme of cultural events, a myriad of shopping opportunities and an ever-changing variety of food outlets. This part of the city is just as colourful and lively as the people who live, work and enjoy the pace of life in it!
Insider tip: Go straight to Sielwall, pay a visit to Tandour and let yourself be convinced by a real Bremen speciality: the Rollo. Whether spicy or vegetarian - everyone is sure to find what they're looking for here. Fun fact: the tasty flatbread roll was supposedly invented right here.
© WFB / Jonas Ginter
A visit to the Schnoor, Bremen's oldest neighbourhood, is an essential item on anyone's to-do list. The compact, brightly painted shops and houses sit together like beads on a string, creating picturesque views that don't just look good on Instagram and the like. Locals and tourists all enjoy strolling through the network of narrow lanes, dropping into the cosy cafés for a bite to eat and escaping the cares of everyday life, even if only for a while.
Insider tip: the Bremer Geschichtenhaus, the city museum at the heart of the Schnoor. This is where famous personalities from Bremen's past bring the city's history to life. The Bremer Geschichtenhaus is a hands-on interactive museum where all your senses play a part in the experience. There are another two Insider tips, just around the corner: at only just 80 centimetres wide, the Katzengang (literally "Cat's Alley) is one of the world's narrowest streets. If you like things that are "small but perfectly formed", then stay the night in the Hochzeitshaus, probably the smallest hotel in the world.
© WFB / Jens Lehmkühler
The buildings in the Überseestadt (New Harbour District) are a striking contrast to the close-set old low-rise houses of the Schnoor. The wharves where ships once dropped anchor to be loaded and unloaded have been transformed into a vibrant brand-new city district in recent years. The very latest innovative styles in modern architecture have been skilfully applied to the imposing traditionally built warehouses. Everything is used, and in a variety of ways: cafés, restaurants and commercial businesses are as at home in the Überseestadt (New Harbour District) as the University of the Arts or Port Museum Store XI. The many and varied building façades are also fronts for a substantial number of attractive residences.
Insider tip: If you want to make your last night in Bremen an event to remember, take a closer look at the Hostel HafenTraum in the Überseestadt (New Harbour District). Here, you can dream the night away in a classic caravan, a little wooden cabin or a "tiny house".
© WFB/Jonas Ginter
The River Weser flows like an artery through the centre of Bremen, bringing life, and its unique atmosphere to the city. When the river reaches the city centre, its former waterfronts transform into the riverside promenade known as the "Schlachte". Sit in one of the many beer gardens and enjoy a clear view of the water, or if you're feeling more energetic, take a longer stroll along the promenade. Heading upstream, the path will take you to the Osterdeich, a popular spot for locals in sunny weather. It is where the Weser Stadium is located. If you walk downstream, you'll reach the vibrant Überseestadt (New Harbour District).
Insider tip: take one of the Weser River and harbour boat tours from the "Martini-Anleger" (the Martini Jetty) by the Schlachte. Discover the city from the water as you sail along the promenade into the city centre harbours.
© WFB / Thomas Hellmann
Whether you're standing in Schwachhausen, or in the Viertel or Neustadt district, you'll be surrounded by the typical old houses of Bremen that make many of the walks around town so picturesque. Today, these townhouses, with the classical plasterwork motifs that decorate their façades, high ceilings and old parquet floors, are highly sought-after properties. Their iconic features, such as basements etc. are also a part of the city's history. Their variety of forms, which are all more or less reflections of the original design, are physical evidence of how Bremen has developed over time.
Insider tip: a part of the permanent "Bremen Buten un Binnen" (Bremen, outside and in) exhibition at the Focke-Museum, Bremen's regional museum for art and cultural history, focusses on the typical house-building methods used in the city. In the exhibition, two detailed model houses are accompanied by information about everything you could possibly want to know about these architectural gems.
© WFB / MKA
Bremen's Town Hall and Roland statue joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004. This was not solely down to the magnificent exteriors of these architectural gems. Their opulent interiors, which have always been emblematic of local life, were also a reason for the nomination: the Town Hall and the Roland statue are unique symbols of the city's independence, autonomy and passion for justice. Always worth a visit!
Insider tip: The majestic doors of the Town Hall open to reveal a spectacular interior with luxuriously appointed rooms. It's well worth taking the guided tour to discover their secrets. The tour includes a visit to the Senate room, where Bremen's Mayor usually meets the members of the city's Senate.
© Privat / JUA
The splendidly quirky Böttcherstraße is Bremen's secret high street and is synonymous with the city's unique lifestyle. Running from the Marktplatz down to the Weser, every step along the 108 meters of this street will enchant you with its idiosyncratic blend of traditional and expressionist brick architecture. The street is also home to museums and has a plethora of opportunities for snacking and browsing.
Insider tip: With its eclectic architecture, Böttcherstraße is one of Bremen's main attractions. Don't miss the chance to see the "Glockenspiel House" while you’re here. There, you can listen to the chimes of 30 Meissen porcelain bells at 12 pm, 3 pm and 6 pm from January until March, and every hour between 12 pm and 6 pm from April to December. The chimes are accompanied by a rotating display of 10 carved wooden panels on the front elevation of the house, which depict sea-going explorers.
How to Party, Bremen-Style
The Northern German character is often described as reticent and rather restrained. However, you'll never think that again once you've seen how locals celebrate at the many colourful and exuberant events that take place in Bremen. Held at regular intervals throughout the year, these festivals are always a welcome diversion from everyday life. They bring their own special atmosphere to the city, with performances and displays that astound and astonish. The Freimarkt, the local funfair, is even celebrated as the fifth season of the year. The arrival of the Breminale, THE cultural event on the banks of the Weser, puts the entire city in festival mood. In winter, it's Schlachte-Zauber, a busy medieval-themed market held around Christmas time that brings a mystical feel to the river. The Samba Carnival brings the fire of Rio to the frosts of a hanseatic February, and international performers flock to the La Strada festival, showcasing street art and artists, to cast a spell over Bremen's city-centre streets. Musikfest Bremen, the Bremen Music Festival, attracts classical musicians from all over the world, and the Maritime Woche (Maritime Festival Week) gives the city the chance to really celebrate its close connection with the water. You're sure to find something amongst all the Bremen highlights that captures your imagination!
© WFB / Carina Tank
© WFB - Helms
© WFB / Carina Tank
© Norbert A. Müller
© WFB/Jonas Schmidt
© Musikfest Bremen - fotoetage
© CityInitiative Bremen Werbung e.V.
© WFB / Carina Tank
© WFB - Helms
© WFB / Carina Tank
© Norbert A. Müller
Thanks to Bremen's tradition of seafaring and the global trade links established by the Hanseatic League, local people absorb a good measure of curiosity and open-mindedness while still in the cradle. These international connections have also always been the means by which exotic delicacies from far-off lands found their way to the banks of the Weser. All of this goes to explain why people here still have a well-developed appetite for culinary delights, and still pursue their interests with inventiveness and vigour and proudly apply the skills of traditional craftsmanship to modern-day tasks. The result is a myriad of businesses and workshops where imaginative people have devoted themselves to creating their hand-crafted products. And the best thing about this is that many of these workshops let you have a look "behind the scenes" so you can see the creative process up close. So, get your taste buds ready and follow your nose to discover your next exciting experience.
© WFB / Carina Tank
Let the sweet scent of sugar in the air entice you into the Handwerkerhof on Bremen's Böttcherstraße. This courtyard is home to the Bremer Bonbonmanufaktur. From this yard, you can look through the large plate glass window to watch the confectioners at work. If you're lucky, you'll get the chance to try some of the sweeties while they're still warm. If that doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth, you can put on a confectioner's apron and have a go yourself in the company's spacious workshop in the Schnoor. There, you'll be taught how to knead and shape your own confections and discover some of the more intriguing facts about the sweet-maker's art.
© Birgitta Schulze van Loon / Piekfeine Brände
The Bremer Union Brauerei was shut down for almost 50 years but restarted production, and entered a new phase in its history, in 2015. There, it produces Bremen craft beers, with passion, dedication and the confidence to create exciting new flavours and experiences. And you can get right up close to the process. Take a brewery tour or attend a talk about beer and find out more about how hops and malt are transformed into these outstanding beers. And, if that's not enough, there's coffee too! The brewery is also the place where "Craft coffee meets craft beer". Discover more about this other liquid delight on tours, tasting sessions and barista courses.
© fotolia.com / Andreas P
A couple of coffee facts: every third cup of coffee drunk in Germany comes from Bremen and almost every second coffee bean is imported via this Hanseatic city. It's no surprise that coffee culture is so widespread in Bremen and that the city's historic links with the coffee trade are maintained so enthusiastically today. There are any number of ways in which you can experience this living tradition: a talk about coffee at Lloyd-Caffee, a talk about coffee in the new Johann Jacobs coffee academy or a training course at Cross Coffee.
© WFB
Did you know that Bremen plays a decisive role in the Champions League every year? The vital element of the entire competition comes from the banks of the Weser. It is, of course, the trophy. Many of the world's international football trophies, coveted movie awards, exquisite items of jewellery, candlesticks and the finest tableware and accessories come from the workshops of Koch & Bergfeld Corpus, one of the oldest silversmiths still working in Germany today. You can watch the fascinating techniques used by the company's expert silversmiths in its "transparent factory" in the Überseestadt (New Harbour District).
© WFB/Michael Bahlo
Birgitta Schulze van Loon is a distiller who also has a manufacturing unit in Überseestadt (New Harbour District). There, you can literally look over her shoulder as she works. In the Europahafen, she creates spirits that embody the passions and vibrancy of Bremen, her home town. Her distillery produces the "Piekfeine Brände" range of spirits and also other liqueurs, gin and whiskey. She is happy to share her enthusiasm for and expertise in this craft and runs a wide range of seminars, tasting events and tours covering every aspect of the distillation process.
© Stefanie Bomhoff / druckarte
If you walk upstream, to the old Fabrikenhafen, you'll find the Manke & Coldewey "Lebkuchen" (gingerbread) factory. The recipe for their handmade Elisen Lebkuchen includes the very finest ingredients, a passion for quality and a great deal of love. New and slightly unorthodox variants such as gingerbread with chocolate and pepper, or ginger, stand alongside the traditional almond and nut cookies (vegan versions also available): These melt-in-the-mouth delicacies from Bremen add a touch of magic to any day. The Lebkuchen are available from a number of outlets, and also directly from the manufacturer's bakery, where you can even watch them being made.
© WFB / Carina Tank
Let the sweet scent of sugar in the air entice you into the Handwerkerhof on Bremen's Böttcherstraße. This courtyard is home to the Bremer Bonbonmanufaktur. From this yard, you can look through the large plate glass window to watch the confectioners at work. If you're lucky, you'll get the chance to try some of the sweeties while they're still warm. If that doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth, you can put on a confectioner's apron and have a go yourself in the company's spacious workshop in the Schnoor. There, you'll be taught how to knead and shape your own confections and discover some of the more intriguing facts about the sweet-maker's art.
© Birgitta Schulze van Loon / Piekfeine Brände
The Bremer Union Brauerei was shut down for almost 50 years but restarted production, and entered a new phase in its history, in 2015. There, it produces Bremen craft beers, with passion, dedication and the confidence to create exciting new flavours and experiences. And you can get right up close to the process. Take a brewery tour or attend a talk about beer and find out more about how hops and malt are transformed into these outstanding beers. And, if that's not enough, there's coffee too! The brewery is also the place where "Craft coffee meets craft beer". Discover more about this other liquid delight on tours, tasting sessions and barista courses.
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© WFB/Ingrid Krause
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© Cross Coffee
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© Stefanie Bomhoff / druckarte
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The selection of local businesses we've showcased here really shows Bremen's love of eating, drinking and its appreciation of the finer things in life, but this is only a snapshot. Generally speaking, local people really know how to relish life's little pleasures. Simply changing down a gear, enjoying a moment of northern cool and treating yourself to a really good drink or a particularly tasty snack – that's something everyone in Bremen holds dear. It's hardly surprising that Bremen has so many traditions that revolve entirely around eating and drinking, that we've our own words for cuisine and lifestyle and that even our Town Hall cellars are home to a restaurant and bar. Join one of our "tasteful" food-themed group tours and discover the many and varied delicacies on offer in the city.
© momentkonserve-Bremen
600 years of tradition, 650 different wines from Germany's 13 wine-growing regions, Bremen specialities ranging from Knipp (spiced sausage) to Labskaus (beef hotpot, known in English as "lobscouse") and the oldest barrelled wine in the country – all this and more awaits visitors to the Ratskeller Bremen. It's well worth going underground to visit the impressively vaulted rooms underneath the Town Hall, either for a bite to eat or for a fact-packed tour.
© WFB - MKA
The first frost doesn't just herald the start of the kale season in Bremen and its environs, but also the traditionally festive "Kohlfahrten"! Eagerly anticipated throughout the year, this is when families, friends and work colleagues gather together to pick kale and pull the loaded handcarts through the fields and along the byways in and around Bremen. Obviously, regular shots of spirits are needed to keep walkers warm and inspire them to heroic feats in hard-fought games such as "throwing the teabag" before the event comes to a close with a hearty meal (including, of course, curly kale) and the crowning of the Kale King and Queen.
© Fotolia
Bremen is the birthplace of the Rollo, a fast-food innovation that involves wrapping an almost infinite variety of foods, seasoned with a decent amount of sauce, in a flatbread, rolling it up and handing it out. When Bremen locals have danced the night away, this is their snack of choice for keeping body and soul together as they wend their way homewards at dawn.
© WFB/Ingrid Krause
Kaffeesieren is at the heart of Bremen's way of life – what other city has its own term for describing the cosy feeling of sitting together with friends over a coffee and substantial piece of cake? Bremen has a correspondingly large number of inviting cafés that offer an almost bewildering variety of hot drinks and scrumptious cakes, bakes and biscuits - so be sure you don't miss out. After a long day's sightseeing, there's really nothing better than trying out the art of "Kaffeesieren" for yourself.
© WFB / Carina Tank
Schnoorkuller, Klaben, Babbeler, Bremer Kluten or Kaffeebrot – these wonderful words are the names of well-loved traditional Bremen sweets. If you're on a diet, they only count as very minor sins and they are ideal souvenirs of Bremen to take home as presents. And don't forget the more recent additions to the list of sweet temptations offered by the city, such as fudge, Lebkuchen gingerbreads or probably the best chocolate-covered marshmallows in the world. You'll find most of these treats in Bremen's old town district, the Schnoor.
© BTZ / Jonas Ginter
You deserve to treat yourself when you're on holiday. And, of course, this includes enjoying especially good things to eat and drink. Bremen has a wealth of gastronomic specialities in store for you. You could, for example, try Bremen's signature local dishes. Or, now that you're so close to the sea, is a fish restaurant more to your taste? And, if you're vegetarian or vegan, you'll be spoilt for choice in Bremen. If you really want to tickle your taste buds with something new, MARKTHALLE ACHT in the heart of the city is where you'll find it. Alternatively, one of the many restaurants with internationally inspired cuisine is sure to have just what you want.
© momentkonserve-Bremen
600 years of tradition, 650 different wines from Germany's 13 wine-growing regions, Bremen specialities ranging from Knipp (spiced sausage) to Labskaus (beef hotpot, known in English as "lobscouse") and the oldest barrelled wine in the country – all this and more awaits visitors to the Ratskeller Bremen. It's well worth going underground to visit the impressively vaulted rooms underneath the Town Hall, either for a bite to eat or for a fact-packed tour.
© WFB - MKA
The first frost doesn't just herald the start of the kale season in Bremen and its environs, but also the traditionally festive "Kohlfahrten"! Eagerly anticipated throughout the year, this is when families, friends and work colleagues gather together to pick kale and pull the loaded handcarts through the fields and along the byways in and around Bremen. Obviously, regular shots of spirits are needed to keep walkers warm and inspire them to heroic feats in hard-fought games such as "throwing the teabag" before the event comes to a close with a hearty meal (including, of course, curly kale) and the crowning of the Kale King and Queen.
Bremen is one of Germany’s greenest cities. And its citizens enjoy being out in the fresh air. No matter what the weather's doing – locals take every opportunity to step outdoors. Even if it's only to stretch your legs on a short stroll through the neighbourhood (known locally as to go "um'n Pudding"). If you fancy something more energetic, the many, particularly attractive parks or the truly unique Blockland district are a cyclists' paradise. Cyclists are very well looked after here. Travelling on two wheels is the preferred option out here in the countryside, both during the week and for leisure and relaxation at the weekend. And, of course, being able to spend free time on the river plays a huge role in the lives of Bremen's citizens. Enjoying nature is the best way of reinvigorating your mind and body. Undoubtedly, Bremen will also encourage you to let the wind blow the cobwebs away, take time to listen to the rustling leaves and let the fresh breezes ripple over your skin.
© WFB / Carina Tank
Bremen's answer to New York's Central Park: a sea of rhododendrons or a collection of rare botanical specimens: Bremen has a multitude of beautiful parks where you can relax, ride your bike, have a picnic or simply wander along the paths, watching the world go by. In this compact city, you don't even have to go very far before you're immersed in the surrounding countryside. Many of these green oases are easily accessible, by bike, by tram or on foot, from the city centre itself.
© wfb / Carina Tank
BIKE IT! Take a bike tour and explore the green districts in and around these cities where modern urban life meets rural tradition and which have such fascinating stories to tell. You can either join a guided tour or download the free app and have your own voyage of discovery through the city and surrounding countryside.
© LPE
Enjoy the wonders of nature, discover the cultures of the Far East and be entranced by gloriously colourful blossoms in the botanika, Bremen's big discovery centre with plants, Asiatic landscapes and much more – no matter what the weather's up to. In the centre's impressive hothouses, you'll not only experience a world of natural wonders but you'll also be well-protected from the wind and weather outside.
© Ins Blaue
Even if the North Sea is not a million miles away from Bremen, the city still boasts a few of its own smaller-scale beaches on the banks of the Weser. At some of these beaches, you can even swim in Bremen's riverine "life blood". On hot summer days, the Werdersee, which is actually a separate branch of the Weser, is an especially popular spot. There you can relax, go swimming, have a barbecue or enjoy the many water sports on offer, all within a stone's throw of the city. You could even have a go at something new, like stand-up paddleboarding!
© WFB / Melanka Helms-Jacobs
Watch the countryside slide by as you travel peacefully along historical waterways by peat barge. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the trackless marshes of the Teufelsmoor marshes near Bremen were mainly inhabited by peat cutters. These communities made their living from the peat they brought to Bremen to sell as fuel. Nowadays, visitors can glide along these ancient waterways in replicas of the historic peat barges, to relax and enjoy the views across this lush green landscape.
© WFB / Carina Tank
Bremen's answer to New York's Central Park: a sea of rhododendrons or a collection of rare botanical specimens: Bremen has a multitude of beautiful parks where you can relax, ride your bike, have a picnic or simply wander along the paths, watching the world go by. In this compact city, you don't even have to go very far before you're immersed in the surrounding countryside. Many of these green oases are easily accessible, by bike, by tram or on foot, from the city centre itself.
© wfb / Carina Tank
BIKE IT! Take a bike tour and explore the green districts in and around these cities where modern urban life meets rural tradition and which have such fascinating stories to tell. You can either join a guided tour or download the free app and have your own voyage of discovery through the city and surrounding countryside.
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No matter how enthralling the local sights, or how much Bremen's citizens love their wonderful city, they've always known the value of having a look at what's going on outside the city limits! If this wasn't the case, Bremen would certainly not be the colourful, diverse and fascinating place it is today. This is why we're happy to share a couple of really useful tips about Bremen's surroundings.
© Dagmar Brandenburg
Bremen's sister city, Bremerhaven, is located around 60 kilometres away, at the mouth of the River Weser. It can easily reached with direct connections by train or by ship. We're sure you'll thoroughly enjoy the maritime ambience in one of Europe's most important port cities. If you're on the hunt for fantastically fresh fish, you'll find everything you're looking for (and more) at the Shop Window Fishery Harbour. We can also recommend a visit to the Klimahaus® Bremerhaven science centre, the Deutsches Auswandererhaus Bremerhaven or the Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven(Bremerhaven's zoo).
© WFB / Melanka Helms-Jacobs
The world-famous artists' colony Worpswede lies almost 30 kilometres to the north-east of Bremen. Once home to artists Heinrich Vogeler and Paula Modersohn-Becker, it still continues to attract significant numbers of artists and art lovers. Between May and October, one of the best ways of visiting this attractive settlement is to catch the Moor Express heritage train at Bremen's Central Station. As it crosses the Teufelsmoor, you'll understand why these majestic skyscapes inspired so many globally renowned artists. Home to a number of interesting and unusual art museums and galleries, cosy cafés and independent shops, there's lots of things to enjoy in Worpswede.
© Kurverwaltung Helgoland
A day trip up to the beautiful North Sea island of Helgoland from Bremen is a wonderful experience. A daily ferry runs from the Seebäderkaje in Bremerhaven to the island, which is only 1.7 square kilometres in size. It takes about three hours for the ferry to travel the 70 kilometres to Helgoland, and this crossing is an adventure in itself. On Helgoland, you'll enjoy its unexpectedly mild climate (thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream) and its unique flora and fauna.
© WFB - JUA
If you want to take a day off from sightseeing and escape the colourful buzz of life in the Hansa city, put on a pair of sturdy shoes, throw a few snacks and a bottle of water in your rucksack and set off to explore the idyllic walking trails in and around Bremen. You'll find some of the best trails and areas for walking and rambling in our Insider tips. Take the paths that wind through marshes and nature reserves, or the trails that run along the banks of vast fishing lakes – there's a route that will lift the heart of every walker.
© WFB; Ingo Wagner
As you've already discovered, keen cyclists are made very welcome in Bremen. If they want to go that bit further, there are also longer cycle routes. Bremen is the starting point of Germany's first pilgrim route for cyclists, the Mönchsweg. Bremen also lies directly on the popular Weser-Radweg (Weser cycle route) and on the no less beautiful Wümme-Radweg (Wümme cycle route). We also heartily recommend the long distance cycle route from Bremen to Hamburg.
© Dagmar Brandenburg
Bremen's sister city, Bremerhaven, is located around 60 kilometres away, at the mouth of the River Weser. It can easily reached with direct connections by train or by ship. We're sure you'll thoroughly enjoy the maritime ambience in one of Europe's most important port cities. If you're on the hunt for fantastically fresh fish, you'll find everything you're looking for (and more) at the Shop Window Fishery Harbour. We can also recommend a visit to the Klimahaus® Bremerhaven science centre, the Deutsches Auswandererhaus Bremerhaven or the Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven(Bremerhaven's zoo).
© WFB / Melanka Helms-Jacobs
The world-famous artists' colony Worpswede lies almost 30 kilometres to the north-east of Bremen. Once home to artists Heinrich Vogeler and Paula Modersohn-Becker, it still continues to attract significant numbers of artists and art lovers. Between May and October, one of the best ways of visiting this attractive settlement is to catch the Moor Express heritage train at Bremen's Central Station. As it crosses the Teufelsmoor, you'll understand why these majestic skyscapes inspired so many globally renowned artists. Home to a number of interesting and unusual art museums and galleries, cosy cafés and independent shops, there's lots of things to enjoy in Worpswede.