Bremerhaven’s motto is “Meer erleben” – a play on words which could be understood as either “experience the sea” or “experience more”. The slogan is fitting because Bremerhaven is indeed located by the sea, the North Sea. And there is so much to experience there – “more” than in other cities. Both meanings are interchangeable since many of these experiences have something to do with the sea.
Facts
113,643 Inhabitants ¹
2,864 Students ²
1 Higher education institution ²
WELCOME TO BREMERHAVEN
Ships, lighthouses, fish – nothing better describes the maritime atmosphere in Bremerhaven. Bremerhaven is located in northern Germany by the sea. It’s the largest city on Germany’s North Sea coast. That’s why its character is so strongly influenced by water and the climate.
Some of the most popular attractions in Bremerhaven can be found at the „Harbor Worlds“. These include, for instance, the German Maritime Museum. The museum operates its own harbour where various ships are docked for public viewing. For international guests, the museum offers guided tours in English.
The „German Emigration Center“ has an international focus as well. Visitors can learn about Germany’s 300-year history of immigration and emigration.
The „Klimahaus® Bremerhaven“ is also a part of the Harbor Worlds. At this museum, you can learn about climate and experience different climate zones first hand. The Klimahaus cooperates with several partners such as the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology.
Bremerhaven is building a reputation as a “climate city”. Consequently, the climate issue is integrated in all areas of life including education, research and business. Bremerhaven is home to the headquarters of the . A number of wind-power companies are located here as well. There’s even an at the University of Applied Sciences in Bremerhaven.
Tip
Bremerhaven offers geocaching tours. It’s a great way to get to know the city better. With geocaching, you look for hidden locations using a GPS device. It’s like a treasure hunt. The routes take you to places like the Harbor Worlds and the fishing port.
Due to its location at the seaboard, the fishing and food industries play an important role in Bremerhaven; there are delicious fish restaurants everywhere. And because Bremerhaven is home to the fourth-largest container port in Northern Europe, port logistics is a key industrial sector for the city.
From atop the radar tower, you can enjoy a great view of the ships, the Harbor Worlds and the maritime flair of Bremerhaven. The viewing platform of the radar tower is 59 metre high.
Interview
VINCENT FROM FRANCE
LIVING IN BREMERHAVEN
Recreational activities in Bremerhaven often have something to do with water.
The city hosts the well-known event „Sail Bremerhaven“, an international sailing festival that draws more than a million visitors and over 200 sailing ships every year. Another important festival is the which is held both on water and land. Many ships and sailboats dock in the harbour and the festival culminates in a big fireworks display.
You should also visit the „Schaufenster Fischereihafen“ which is located in the historical quarter of the Bremerhaven fishing port. There you can enjoy a beer in a cosy harbour pub and watch how fish are smoked. Naturally, you can order smoked fish at any number of fish restaurants in town. The Schaufenster Fischereihafen frequently hosts events such as the “Musiksommer”, featuring free concerts throughout the summer. The is a similar event, but features movies in an open-air cinema. Of course, Bremerhaven has cinemas in real buildings which you can use when the weather is bad.
The „TiF“, the “Theater im Fischereihafen”, offers a dry, warm alternative to the cinema. In addition to traditional plays, the theatre hosts comedians and performance artists.
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Bremerhaven, in particular, water sports. For example, you can join a canoeing, fishing or water-skiing club. There are also several of places to go swimming, such as the „Spaßbad“ which has a giant slide and a water current channel. Near the dyke you’ll find the „Weser-Strandbad“ where you can relax in wicker beach chairs or play beach volleyball. Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted for safety reasons.
You can enjoy nature at its finest at the „Zoo am Meer“. The zoo specialises in marine life and animals found in northern climates. In addition to polar bears and seals, the zoo is home to numerous species of fish like the sea trout. On a mudflat hike through the , make sure to keep your eye out for native creatures such as crabs, clams and worms.
Is that a bit too mucky for you?! Then you might decide to visit the instead. There you’ll find a fitness course and a BMX trail. But you can also relax at the park – on the sunbathing lawn or at the barbecue area.
Being a relatively large city, Bremerhaven offers great places to go shopping, for example, „Mediterraneo“ – a Mediterranean-style shopping centre, or the „Columbus Center“. You can reach the pedestrian zone via the Havenbrücke. That’s where you’ll find numerous shops and cafés.
The Bürgermeister-Smidt-Strasse, better known as “Alte Bürger” is a popular meeting spot for students especially in the evenings. This is Bremerhaven’s pub mile.
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