Bremen City Guide
Historic Bremen dates back to the 8th Century and is situated in North West Germany. Old lives in harmony with new in Bremen where you can stroll around the atmospheric streets of this Hanseatic city, visit the 600 year old Town Hall, take in the Old Masters in one of the many museums and then explore the universe at the Universum Science Center Bremenn. At the end of the day you can relax with a German beer or a coffee, both of which Bremen is famous for.
What to do and see in and around Bremen
Bremen Town Hall
A UNESCO world cultural heritage site, Bremen Town Hall is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, which is still in use today. Every Tuesday the senators of Bremen congregate in the Senate Chamber to discuss the politics of Europe’s oldest city republic.
Town Musicians
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the donkey, dog, cat and cockerel who run away to Bremen to be town-musicians. On their way to Bremen they come across a cottage occupied by robbers who they scare off by standing on each others shoulders and singing together. The town musicians have been immortalised in Bremen in the form of a beautiful bronze statue, erected in 1951 which stands next to the town hall.
Statue of Knight Roland
Roland has presided over the Market Square since 1404 even withstanding World War Two air raids. Knight Roland stands as a symbol of independence directly opposite Bremen’s Cathedral to demonstrate ascendancy over the Catholic Church. Originally made of wood the statue had to be rebuilt in sandstone after it was burnt down in 1366 by the archbishop’s troops. At 30 feet tall Roland cuts an impressive figure, ever ready with his sword and shield.
Schnoor Quarter
The cobbled streets of Bremen’s Schnoor Quarter, oldest surviving quarter, are lined with houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Now mainly owned by artisans and gallery-owners this beautiful maze of streets is a charming place to grab a bite to eat, and there are plenty of little cafes and restaurants to choose from.
St Petri Cathedral
Almost as old as Bremen itself, this gothic Cathedral is as enthralling as its contents. The Cathedral’s Bleikeller (Lead Cellar) is home to the mummified remains of eight well-known figures dating back to the 17th and 18th century. For further forays into the macabre, visit the Cathedral Museum where you can see vestiges from the crypts of Bremen’s Bishops, including such artefacts as silk robes and rings that date as far back as the 11th century.
Universum Science Center Bremenn
The Universum Science Center building itself looks as though it has just landed from outer space and is an apt venue in which to learn about the wonders of the universe. Explore mankind, earth and the cosmos with interactive exhibits. This popular attraction draws in 1,300 visitors a day.
Rhododendron Park
If you have green fingers, this is the place for you. Bremen's Rhododendron Park offers an unparalleled variety of rhododendrons, in fact nearly three quarters of the world’s 1,000 species are featured in this 46-hectare park.
Botanika
Also housed in the Rhododendron Park is the Botanika centre, in which you can visit the Himalayas, Borneo and Japan without leaving Bremen. The centre offers 3 attractions known as the Discovery Centre, Himalayas and Borneo and Japanese Garden are fascinating landscapes in which to view the 2,000 Rhododendron varieties.
The Kunsthalle
This impressive building holds an even more impressive collection of art, including the Old Masters and French and German Impressionists, where you can see Van Gogh’s The Poppy Field. You will also have the opportunity to view the constantly shifting exhibitions of the Department of Prints and Drawings.
Neues Museum Weserburg
If you are a lover of contemporary art then the Neues Museum Weserburg’s vast collection should satisfy your artistic eye. As the largest collection in Europe, the gallery offers you a chance to see significant works from private collections.
Theater am Goetheplatz
Witness Bremen’s distinctive theatrical style at the Theater am Goetheplatz, the largest theatre in Bremen where you can see an array of genres from operas to musicals to dance. Come along and experience Bremen’s effervescent cultural scene.
Schlachte Promenade
Lining the Weser River, the Schlachte Promenade is a picturesque area for dinner or lunch. Choose from one of the many restaurants and pubs and look out at the old and new boats moored along the waterfront.
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