Bremerhaven Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to Bremerhaven, Germany including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay and go next, and local customs.


Introduction to Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven is a port city in the Elbe-Weser Triangle, located in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated near the North Sea and is an important commercial hub for the country. The city is home to several museums, parks, and other attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven has several culturally important attractions and natural attractions for outdoor adventures and scenic views.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bremerhaven has a rich history, and there are several museums and historical places that you can visit:

  • Deutsches Auswandererhaus (German Emigration Museum)
  • Klimahaus Bremerhaven 8° Ost (Climate House)
  • German Maritime Museum (Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum)
  • U-Boot Wilhelm Bauer (Submarine Wilhelm Bauer)
  • Museumsschiff FMS GERA (Museum Ship FMS GERA)
  • Historisches Museum Bremerhaven (Historical Museum Bremerhaven)

Natural Attractions of Bremerhaven: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures and scenic views, visit these attractions:

  • Zoo am Meer (Zoo by the sea)
  • Weser-Strandbad (Weser Beach)
  • Strandhalle Cuxhaven (Beach Hall Cuxhaven)
  • Schaufenster Fischereihafen (Fishing Port Window)
  • Kutterregatta (Cutter Regatta)

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bremerhaven

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Bremerhaven has several hiking and biking routes that you can explore. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Seestadtrunde (Seastadt Round)
  • Kutterweg (Cutter Way)
  • Küstenweg (Coastal Path)
  • Hafenrundweg (Harbor Circuit)
  • Leher-Pfad (Leher Path)

Best Things to Do in Bremerhaven: Activities and Tours

Aside from the places mentioned above, here are other activities and tours that you can do in Bremerhaven:

  • Take a boat tour
  • Go whale watching
  • Visit the weekly farmers’ market
  • Explore the nightlife

Week-Long Itinerary for Bremerhaven

If you have a week to explore Bremerhaven, here is an itinerary that you can follow:

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the German Emigration Museum and Weser Beach
2 Explore the Fishing Port Window and Bremerhaven Harbor
3 Go on a bike ride along the Seestadtrunde
4 Take a boat tour and visit the Bremerhaven Zoo
5 Hike the Küstenweg and enjoy the scenic views
6 Explore the Klimahaus Bremerhaven 8° Ost and the German Maritime Museum
7 Visit the Historical Museum Bremerhaven and enjoy the nightlife.

Food and Drink Scene of Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven has a rich food and drink scene that you can explore. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grünkohl mit Pinkel (Kale with sausage)
  • Labskaus (Corned beef hash)
  • Bremer Knipp (Fried potato dish with meat)
  • Krabbensuppe (Shrimp soup)
  • Finkenwerder Scholle (Finkenwerder flatfish)

Local Beverages

  • Beck’s Beer
  • Wattwurm (Schnaps)
  • Weißer Kirsch (Cherry Schnaps)
  • Apfelkorn (Apple Schnaps)
  • Schluck aus Bremen (Bottled Beer)

Where to Stay in Bremerhaven: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bremerhaven has several accommodation options suitable for all budgets. Here are some places to stay:

  • Atlantic Hotel Sail City (Hotel)
  • Hotel Haverkamp (Boutique Hotel)
  • Hotel Columbus (Hotel)
  • Jugendherberge Bremerhaven (Hostel)
  • Ferienwohnungen Havenhaus (Guesthouse)

What to Buy in Bremerhaven: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, stop by these shops:

  • Schaufenster Fischereihafen (Fishing Port Window)
  • Havenwelten Souvenirs
  • Heimat Shop Bremerhaven
  • Volkmer’s Gewürze und Tee
  • Fischräucherei Klenck

Local Culture and Customs of Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven has several customs and traditions that you should be aware of, including:

  • Respectful behavior towards the elderly
  • Recycling and waste separation
  • Punctuality
  • Respectful behavior towards strangers

Best Time to Visit Bremerhaven

The best time to visit Bremerhaven is during the summer months when the weather is mild and pleasant. The months of June, July, and August are ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bremerhaven

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind during your visit:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Use public transportation whenever possible.
  • Explore Bremerhaven’s food and drink scene.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash behind.
  • Be loud or disruptive in public areas.
  • Limit yourself to only tourist areas.

Safety and Health

Bremerhaven is generally safe to visit. However, here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Bremerhaven

  • Keep your valuables safe while exploring the city.
  • Do not leave your belongings unattended in public areas.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Bremerhaven

  • Bremerhaven has several hospitals and medical centers for emergencies.
  • Make sure to have travel insurance before your trip.
  • Drink bottled water as tap water in Germany is chlorinated.

Getting to Bremerhaven: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bremerhaven is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. Here are some options:

Airports Near Bremerhaven

  • Bremen Airport (BRE)
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM)

Bus Stations Near Bremerhaven

  • Bremerhaven Main Station (Hauptbahnhof)
  • Busbahnhof Bremerhaven (Central Bus Station)

Other Options

  • Train: Bremerhaven has good train connections to other cities in Germany.
  • Car: You can also rent a car to explore Bremerhaven and nearby areas.

How to Get Around in Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Bremerhaven: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore after Bremerhaven, here are some nearby destinations that you can consider:

  • Cuxhaven
  • Hamburg
  • Bremen
  • Helgoland
  • Sylt

Conclusion

Bremerhaven is an ideal destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and outdoor adventures. With its rich food and drink scene and several accommodation options, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to visit some of the iconic attractions, try out some of the local cuisine, and explore the scenic views of Bremerhaven.

lighthouse entrance to Old harbour lighthouse entrance to Old harbour Some of the ships displayed in the outdoor section of the museum. Some of the ships displayed in the outdoor section of the museum.