At the Klimahaus Bremerhaven, the journey follows the 8th meridian through five continents and nine locations. As a centre for knowledge and experiences, it focuses on climate, climate change and weather. This look at global topics is a striking introduction to a stay in Bremerhaven, where the stories also include port work, seafaring, migration and fishing. The museums each focus on different aspects: a journey, collections and working life, or personal family stories.
Port, Work and Seafaring
The permanent exhibition at the Historical Museum Bremerhaven covers the history of the city and the region in six sections. Historical tools, documents and ship models illustrate work in the port and at a shipyard. The “Deep-Sea Fishing and the Fishing Industry” section looks at the development of fishing steamers, their fishing grounds and different methods of fish processing. This offers a way to explore the history of the port through both working life and fishing.
The German Maritime Museum presents exhibitions about the relationship between people and the sea. Highlights include the restored wreck of a cog dating from 1380, the permanent exhibition “Ship Worlds” and the museum harbour, with a deep-sea salvage tug, a lightship and a harbour tug. The Wilhelm Bauer submarine offers a different perspective: it is the last surviving Type XXI submarine and visitors can explore its interior. At the German Emigration Center, reconstructed settings and real family stories bring the history of migration to life.
Fishing Port and Art
Fischkai57, at the Schaufenster Fischereihafen, regularly hosts changing art exhibitions. The renovated industrial hall provides almost 1,000 square metres of space; exhibitions include painting, photography, design and sculpture. Fischbahnhof 360° offers a distinct perspective on the history of fishing: its 360° multimedia show spans the period from the late 19th century to today’s fishing and processing technology.
Guided tours of the Schaufenster Fischereihafen explore part of the historic fishing port, which is more than 100 years old. The Schaufenster also offers a year-round events programme featuring culinary options centred on fish and the sea, music events, markets and family activities. As individual dates may change, it is worth checking the programme for your travel dates in advance.
Harbour Views and City Experiences
The HafenBus travels through Bremerhaven’s overseas ports, passing container terminals, car terminals and large cargo ships. The journey offers a glimpse into a port area that is not usually open to the public. For a very different view, the High Swing is located 86 metres above the ground and offers views across Bremerhaven and the River Weser. If you prefer to explore on foot, you can experience the city’s maritime atmosphere on the Weser dyke.
The North Sea Aquarium at Zoo am Meer is another special place to visit; it has nine tanks. The options range from a walk along the dyke and views of the overseas ports to exhibitions and aquariums. These different perspectives make Bremerhaven an appealing destination for visitors who are as interested in the port and the sea as they are in history, art or nature.
Getting Around
From Bremerhaven Central Station, bus routes 502, 505, 506, 508 and 509 run to the Hochschule Bremerhaven/Stadttheater stop. The museum harbour and the Wilhelm Bauer submarine are within walking distance from there. As bus routes may change, check the operator’s current connections before travelling.
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