Visitors who choose Bremerhaven can learn about the region’s long history of settlement at the Historical Museum, gain insights into the work of fishermen at the fishing harbour, and take a one-hour glass-roofed boat tour through all seven overseas ports. These different perspectives can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: city history, fishing, or harbour life from the water.
City history and the relationship with the sea
The permanent exhibition at the Bremerhaven Historical Museum illustrates the history of Bremerhaven and the Lower Weser region, from the beginnings of human settlement more than 100,000 years ago to the 1960s. The German Emigration Database offers a personal connection to the past: visitors can use a museum terminal to search independently for emigrant ancestors. Those interested in family history can search for names and connections here themselves.
The German Maritime Museum brings the reciprocal relationship between people and the sea to life through exhibitions and exhibits. Its collection includes a restored wreck of a cog dating from 1380, which visitors can explore. The two museums have different focuses: the Historical Museum covers the region’s settlement history in depth, while the German Maritime Museum puts people and the sea at its centre.
Fishing harbour and harbour life
Schaufenster Fischereihafen is a visitor area in the historic part of Bremerhaven’s fishing harbour, which is more than 100 years old. In the adjoining harbour basin, the FMS “Gera”, the last German side trawler, offers insights into the work of fishermen. At Schaufenster Fischereihafen, visitors can watch fish being smoked live; the Seefischkochstudio offers tips on preparation. Check before your visit whether these activities are currently available. The Fisch-Happen-Tour combines a guided tour with fish specialities at traditional businesses in the seaside city, adding a culinary touch.
A one-hour tour on a glass-roofed boat travels through all seven overseas ports and offers insights into harbour life, including shipyards and large vessels. Check that the tour is currently available before making plans. For a different perspective, take a walk along the Weser dike and experience Bremerhaven’s maritime atmosphere. A trip through the harbours and a walk along the dike offer two distinct options.
Bremen as the wider travel destination
The wider travel destination of Bremen offers a different focus. Bremen Town Hall and the Roland statue in Bremen’s market square represent civic autonomy and sovereignty as they developed in the European Holy Roman Empire; the UNESCO World Heritage Site was inscribed in 2004. The buildings of Böttcherstraße are a rare example of Expressionist architecture and are among Bremen’s main attractions. The Schnoor quarter, Bremen’s oldest district, is a maze of narrow lanes and small houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
It is also possible to travel between the two cities on the Weser: from May to September, visitors can take the MS Oceana from Bremen to Bremerhaven and back. The route goes via Martinianleger, Pier 2, Mittelsbüren, Vegesack, Blumenthal, Farge, Brake and Nordenham Unionpapier, ending at the Seebäderkaje in Bremerhaven. Sailing days and route details may change, so check the latest information before making plans.
For the wider travel overview: Bremen.
