Bremerhaven, Germany cruises
Your guide to Bremerhaven.
Located on Germany’s Northern coast, where the River Geeste meets the Weser, Bremerhaven has shifted with the passage of time to become one of Germany’s most important harbour cities. Badly damaged in World War II, regeneration has transformed the city, while cutting edge museums - like the Climate House - are putting Bremerhaven on the cultural map. Take a tour of a decommissioned U-boat, browse the variety of shops along the "Bürger" or sample smoked fish at Bremerhaven’s harbour. Alternatively, take a train to historic Bremen where a UNESCO listed town hall, ancient timber houses and a cathedral are among the attractions to explore.
Exploring.
Many of Bremerhaven’s attractions revolve around the city’s relationship to the sea. The German Maritime Museum offers an enlightening look at ships through the ages, with chance to enter a decommissioned U-boat. If you’ve got a head for heights, the Atlantic Hotel Sail City provides spectacular views of Bremerhaven from its 86 and 95 metre observation decks. The German Emigration Center explores the role Bremerhaven played in providing German migrants safe passage to America while Klimahaus Bremerhaven (climate house) takes visitors on a unique sensory journey. The interactive exhibits replicate weather patterns across five continents, offering chance to experience everything from arid deserts to abundant reefs.
Eating and drinking.
If you’re seeking a civilised spot to take in a coffee or a bite to eat, head to Schaufenster Fischereihafen – Bremerhaven’s revitalised fishing harbour. Centuries old, the boardwalk here now plays host to a slick assortment of bars, cafes and restaurants, and is a great vantage point from which to admire the passing ships while enjoying a chilled pilsner. A converted fish-packing warehouse now houses the cream of the harbour’s best seafood restaurants, with home-smoked halibut being among the popular dishes on offer here. For more traditional German fare, the Harbour’s nautically-themed inns serve-up hearty comfort food, generously portioned.
Shopping.
Bremerhaven has much to offer in the way of shops – from undercover malls offering a blend of fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores to a high street lined with brand names and popular labels. In the centre of the city you’ll find the "Bürger" a pedestrianised shopping district, almost a kilometre in length. A handful of gift shops selling local crafts and wares can be found here while the city’s two largest shopping centres - Mediterraneo and Columbus - are also in the area. The former is an outlet centre offering around 40 boutiques and attractively designed in an Italian architectural style.
Beyond Bremerhaven.
The medieval City of Bremen is easily reached from Bremerhaven and well worth a visit. The city is larger than Bremerhaven and steeped in history. Market Square is where you’ll find attractions such as the Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Town Hall while the riverfront promenade, along the Schlachte Embankment, is flanked by bars and restaurants and a great place to pause for a drink. Of course, no visit to Bremen would be complete without exploring the Schnoor district. This is Bremen’s oldest quarter, where 15th and 16th timber houses, tiny artists’ workshops and boutique shops come together in a sprawling labyrinth of pedestrianised streets.