Discover Bremen

Bremen brings together UNESCO World Heritage, historic city districts and trails through green landscapes. When choosing where to stay, you can take your cue from the experiences that interest you most: architecture and city history, a guided tour, or time in the countryside.

World Heritage and architecture in Bremen

Bremen Town Hall and the Roland statue form a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. They stand for civic autonomy and state sovereignty in the Holy Roman Empire. The construction history of the Old Town Hall also reflects different eras: it was built in the early 15th century in the Gothic style and renovated in the early 17th century in the Weser Renaissance style. The Roland statue dates from 1404 and is 5.5 metres tall.

You can find a different architectural style on Böttcherstraße. Ludwig Roselius had it built between 1922 and 1931; its buildings are considered a rare example of Expressionist architecture. The Roselius House showcases Low German domestic culture and artworks dating from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. The Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum was the first museum in the world dedicated to a female painter.

The Schnoor is Bremen’s oldest surviving district. This pedestrian-only quarter comprises more than 100 listed half-timbered houses, including homes and craft workshops. A guided tour of the Schnoor takes one hour and offers a clearly defined introduction to the historic district. Check the latest information about the tour before your visit.

Tours, views and Bremen specialities

For a view over Bremen, you can climb the south tower of St Peter’s Cathedral; access conditions may change. At the Bremen Candy Manufactory in the Schnoor, you can get a glimpse of confectionery making, and visitors can take part in a workshop. Be sure to check workshop availability separately.

Culinary traditions are also among Bremen’s attractions: Bremen’s Ratskeller combines more than 600 years of history with around 650 German wines and specialities such as Knipp and Labskaus. The wine selection may change. Some restaurants in the Schnoor also serve Bremen dishes such as Labskaus, Knipp and Braunkohl.

Green trails and landscapes

The Wallanlagen were created from Bremen’s former fortifications and were the city’s first public green space established by citizens. They have been a protected historic site since 1977. The Borgfeld Wümme meadows offer a different kind of landscape: the 677-hectare area has been protected since 1987 and designated an EU Special Protection Area for birds. Trails along the Wümme meadows are suitable for walking and cycling; from the observation tower at Hollerdeich, you can look out across the fields.

In the Blockland, grazing is still practised in one of the few areas of Bremen where this tradition remains. The traditional thatched-roof houses are home to farm cafés and farm shops; coffee and cake in green farm gardens offer a possible place to stop. Individual businesses’ offerings may change.

A longer route runs through Bürgerpark and the adjoining city forest: the walk is about 12 kilometres long and can also be done by bike with route adjustments. It is considered manageable for families and less experienced hikers, and includes opportunities to play and cool off. Walking and cycling are also popular along the Wümmedeich, as is inline skating; along the way, there are views of the surrounding landscape. Which of these options suits your stay depends on whether you prefer a guided tour, a longer route or time in a natural area.

Discover more destinations: Vegesack, Blumenthal.

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