Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Bremen, Germany

In Medieval times, the Weser River served as a vital conduit for trade in Europe, positioning Bremen as a prominent Free Hanseatic City from the 12th century. The city’s legacy in maritime commerce is well-established, with the introduction of exotic goods like coffee starting in the 17th century. Bremen was home to Germany’s first coffee house in the 17th century, and Ludwig Roselius, a coffee merchant based in Bremen, notably invented decaffeinated coffee in the early 1900s.

During the 1920s, Roselius transformed Bremen with Böttcherstraße, a street adorned with “Brick Expressionist” structures that remain remarkably preserved. The city also boasts charming maritime districts, an array of diverse museums along its “Cultural Mile,” and UNESCO-recognized Medieval and Renaissance monuments in the central Market Square.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Bremen:

1. Bremen Cathedral

St. Peter’s Cathedral, located in the central market square, carries a remarkable 1,200 years of history.

Reflecting its antiquity, the architecture is a blend of styles, featuring Romanesque and Gothic elements, along with aspects of the later Gothic Revival resulting from restorations in the 19th century.

The cathedral’s two 89-meter towers dominate the Bremen skyline, and visitors can ascend the south tower for a breathtaking view.

Among the chapel’s highlights are nine fragments of the cathedral’s choir stalls, meticulously carved with biblical scenes dating back to 1360. Additionally, the crypt, the church’s oldest segment, dates back to the 11th century.

On a more macabre note, the cathedral holds eight mummies, preserved in glass-topped coffins, complete with panels that narrate their identities, including two Swedish officers from the Thirty Years’ War.

2. Cathedral Museum

After renovations in the 1970s and 80s, artefacts uncovered during archaeological excavations were exhibited in a dedicated space within the cathedral.

This museum enables visitors to explore the complex, millennium-long architectural evolution of the cathedral.

Architectural plans and models illustrating the different phases of construction are complemented by artworks that once adorned its interiors.

The museum features statues, stone reliefs, remnants of the Renaissance altar, frescoes, and a painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Among noteworthy finds from the 1970s excavations are the graves of eight medieval bishops, accompanied by significant artefacts such as rings, a staff, vestments, and chalices.

3. Bremen City Hall

Regarded as one of the most exquisite civic structures not only in Germany but throughout Europe, Bremen’s City Hall received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005. Originally a Brick Gothic hall constructed in the 15th century, it was elegantly renovated in the Renaissance style 200 years later, adding intricate reliefs and statues.

Visitors will find endless fascination in the stonework and the array of figures depicting historical figures such as Charlemagne and Bremen’s seven Imperial Electors.

Guided tours organized by Bremen’s tourist office run from 11:00 to 16:00. Inside, numerous highlights await, including Germany’s oldest cask of wine in the cellar and the opulently decorated Upper Hall that once served as the city council’s meeting place.

4. Marktplatz

The cathedral and city hall alone can occupy visitors for half a day in the central market square.

Moreover, in addition to the historic gabled houses overlooking the square, there are several other monuments of note.

One such monument is the Gothic Roland Statue, erected in front of the town hall in 1404, representing a mythological knight symbolizing Bremen’s free city status.

This monument is included within the same UNESCO site as the town hall.

On the western side of the city hall stands a modern bronze sculpture depicting the dog, cat, rooster, and donkey from the Brothers Grimm’s fairytale “The Town Musicians of Bremen.”

5. Kunsthalle Bremen

Located along Bremen’s “Culture Mile,” this prestigious art museum has been managed by the private Bremen Art Society for nearly two centuries.

The collection offers a comprehensive overview of European art from the 14th century to contemporary works, showcasing German Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder and Albrecht Dürer.

However, the museum is particularly renowned for its extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century art featuring works by Delacroix, van Gogh, Max Liebermann, Camille Corot, Andreas Achenbach, Max Beckmann, Franz Marc, Edvard Munch, and Alfred Sisley, among others.

The print and drawing department boasts hundreds of thousands of pieces dating from the 1400s to the 1900s, while the New Media department highlights works from contemporary artists across various mediums.

Visitors can explore the creations of installation artist Olafur Eliasson, video artist Nam June Paik, and musician John Cage.

6. Böttcherstraße

Leading towards the Weser from Marktplatz, this 100-meter street was rescued from decay and revitalized through an architectural initiative in the 1920s.

The vision stemmed from Ludwig Roselius, the Bremen coffee magnate and inventor of decaf coffee, who commissioned artist Bernhard Hoetger to execute the project.

The result is a stunning procession of buildings and courtyards characterized by the Brick Expressionism style.

This style harmoniously blends Expressionist art, Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), and Art Deco, with persistent references to traditional Low German architecture visible in the houses’ gables and mullioned windows.

The street is fully protected and owned by a singular foundation, with its structures housing fashionable independent shops, studios, bars, museums, and galleries.

7. Haus des Glockenspiels

Possibly Bernhard Hoetger’s most beautiful creation in Böttcherstraße is the rotating wooden panels synchronized with the carillon at the Haus des Glockenspiels.

Should you find yourself in Bremen during spring or summer, time your visit to coincide with the hour between 12:00 and 18:00. A set of thirty bells made from Meissen porcelain, nestled between the building’s gables, resonates with melodies from traditional sea shanties and folk songs.

Hoetger crafted ten Expressionist panels celebrating significant German and foreign figures, including Christopher Columbus, the crew of the first transatlantic flight, aviator Charles Lindbergh, and Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat.

8. Schnoor Quarter

The oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Bremen comprises a web of narrow lanes surrounding the Schnoor alley.

Historically one of Bremen’s impoverished areas, it served as a residence for the city’s fishing community.

The maritime theme is encapsulated in the name “Schnoor,” which references the workshops where rigging was produced for ships.

Today, Schnoor boasts numerous charming half-timbered houses dating back to the 1400s and 1500s, now housing restaurants, galleries, cafes, and artisanal shops.

At Stavendamm, visitors should not miss the Schifferhaus from 1630, remarkably well-preserved and welcoming guided tours in both German and English.

9. Schlachte

In Bremen’s Old Town, the right bank of the Weser has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly area since the 1980s and 90s.

This promenade features restored buildings situated where Bremen’s main harbor once flourished, before advances in shipping logistics led to the concentration of waterborne traffic in Bremerhaven.

Today, the Schlachte is a vibrant location for leisure activities, whether day or night.

Visitors can enjoy the ambiance of a biergarten during summer or choose from an extensive assortment of both German and international restaurants.

Leisurely strolls along the waterfront offer a relaxed experience, or guests may opt for a leisurely boat cruise on the Weser.

During the Christmas season, the Schlachte-Zauber market recreates the spirit of medieval Bremen’s guilds, filled with the enticing aroma of baked bread and smoked fish.

10. Schütting

Returning to the Marktplatz, it is essential to allocate time to visit Bremen’s guildhall, constructed in the Flemish Renaissance style during the 1530s.

This structure symbolizes the authority of Bremen’s prosperous merchants, particularly following an uprising by lower-class citizens earlier in the 16th century.

Above the portal, the facade features the merchants’ coat of arms beside that of Bremen, depicting the Holy Roman imperial eagle, illustrating the merchants’ prominence within the city.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that the Schütting housed one of the earliest coffee houses in German-speaking territories, opening its doors in 1679.

11. Focke Museum

Located in the Riensberg neighborhood, east of Bremen’s center, the Focke Museum unveils the city’s extensive 1,200-year history.

This attraction is housed within several historic buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries, alongside a modern main building erected in the 1960s.

The main exhibition presents a variety of intriguing items, including the original head of the Roland statue and sandstone sculptures from the town hall’s facade, preserved here for safekeeping.

Additionally, visitors can view vehicles manufactured by Bremen’s Borgward brand and the Complimentarius, an unusual, armor-clad automaton that once welcomed visitors to the grand hall at the Schütting.

The museum’s ancillary buildings also boast significant interest, showcasing the thatched Eichenhof, which explores the prehistoric and ancient history of the Bremen region.

Alternatively, visitors can explore the 18th-century Haus Riensberg, which highlights the craftsmanship of Bremen’s furniture makers and master glass artisans from centuries past.

12. Ludwig Roselius Museum

On Böttcherstraße, it is imperative to visit the Roselius-House, which showcases the private collection of coffee merchant Ludwig Roselius.

This structure is the oldest on the street, constructed in the late 16th century.

Roselius acquired the house in 1902, subsequently adding the crow-stepped gable as part of the street’s development.

His extensive collection spans curiosities and artworks from the early Middle Ages to the 17th century, featuring liturgical ornaments, Renaissance paintings, and sculptures.

A key highlight of the museum is Lucas Cranach’s portrait of Martin Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora.

Among the abundant religious statues, don’t overlook the Group of Mourner, sculpted in 1515 by the renowned artist Tilman Riemenschneider.

13. Universum

Ideal for a rainy day, the Universum is a popular interactive science center, housed in a futuristic, mussel shell-like metallic structure.

With over 300 exhibits, this attraction encourages young minds to engage in problem-solving and hands-on experimentation.

The three primary zones—Nature, Humans, and Technology—host thoughtfully designed games, models, and displays that simplify complex concepts.

This includes a foosball game against AI, a sofa simulating earthquake sensations, and a room granting insights into blindness.

Outside, additional experiments explore water and wind, alongside a 27-meter tall tower filled with more interactive activities.

14. Bürgerpark

The southern entrance to Bremen’s most cherished park is conveniently located just moments away from the Hauptbahnhof.

What begins as a narrow strip of lawns and trees in the city center expands into a sprawling 200-hectare park that stretches past the university and into the open countryside north of Bremen.

For families seeking an affordable summer outing, the Bürgerpark features animal enclosures housing sheep, goats, pigs, wild boars, alpacas, guinea pigs, and deer.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Emmasee, a large serpentine waterway where boat rentals are available, alongside a mini-golf facility.

At the southern edge, the tranquil Holler See lake serves as a venue for outdoor performances by the Bremer Shakespeare Company during summer.

15. Mühle am Wall

As you traverse from the Hauptbahnhof to the city center, you will encounter remnants of Bremen’s ancient ramparts and bastions.

A prominent feature alongside your path is a large windmill, regarded as a cherished landmark in Bremen.

The “smock mill,” constructed in 1898, rests on an octagonal foundation and is the latest of several windmills that have occupied this location since 1699. The mill hosts a restaurant with an outdoor terrace shaded by parasols.

16. Das Viertel

Bremen’s most youthful and vibrant district, Das Viertel, has a name translating to “The Quarter.” This neighborhood was developed east of the old city wall from the late 1800s to the 1930s, featuring grand villas and townhouses characterized by Historicist, Neoclassic, and Jugendstil architectural styles.

In addition to being home to several Cultural Mile museums, such as the Kunsthalle, this area includes the temple-like Theater am Goetheplatz.

For younger visitors seeking dining and night-out options, the Viertel offers an array of unique bars, bistros, cafes, and live music venues catering to Bremen’s trendiest demographics.

During daylight hours, Das Viertel transforms into a shopping hub filled with vintage stores, distinctive boutiques, and family-owned establishments, entirely devoid of chain outlets.

17. Bremer Geschichtenhaus

Operating for over a decade, the Bremer Geschichtenhaus (House of History) is an engaging living museum nestled within the scenic Schnoor quarter.

Historical reenactors don costumes from the 1600s to the 1900s, reenacting significant events or little vignettes from Bremen’s past.

Performances are typically conducted in German; however, English-speaking guests can be accommodated with prior arrangement.

Famous characters are brought to life during these performances, including the notable eccentric Heini Holtenbeen and Fisch-Luzie, a enterprising 19th-century fishmonger who built her own fish trading empire in Bremen.

The exhibitions are chronologically organized, guiding visitors from plague outbreaks in the 17th century to the peak of Bremen’s chocolate and coffee trading in the 1800s.

18. Church of Our Lady

The construction of this parish church on the north side of Marktplatz commenced in the 13th century, contemporaneously with the cathedral.

Like the cathedral, it rests atop a much older foundation.

The crypt, dating from 1020, is the oldest constructed space in Bremen.

The church exhibits Gothic vaults in the nave and choir, stripped back to bare stone, displaying a stark yet captivating beauty.

With the war leaving minor damage, it is worth noting that 19 of its stained glass windows were destroyed.

French modern artist Alfred Manessier was commissioned to design the replacements in the 60s and 70s, utilizing his characteristic bright linear motifs to evoke biblical passages.

19. Übersee-Museum

The Übersee-Museum features 1.2 million exhibits spanning ethnology and natural history, transporting visitors to far-flung corners of the globe.

Guests will encounter a vast array of topics and themes, including recreations of walking through a rainforest at night, diving around a tropical island in Oceania, and traveling along the Silk Road.

Moreover, zoology plays an integral role in the museum, featuring thousands of animal specimens displayed in dioramas, alongside authentic exotic plants.

An ambitious new exhibition examines the phenomena that have most significantly impacted humanity and the environment, such as climate change, the Internet, global trade, and human rights.

20. Rhododendron Park

Discover the Rhododendron Park if your visit coincides with May, as this botanical garden on the eastern outskirts of Bremen climbs high on the list of must-see attractions.

In this short period, the park’s extensive collection of 1,000 rhododendron and azalea species bursts into vibrant bloom.

The shrubs present an astonishing array of blossoms, ranging from pristine white to deep crimson hues.

Collectively, the rhododendrons and azaleas comprise the second largest collection of these plants globally, totaling approximately 10,000 individual specimens.

21. Botanika

Adjacent to the Rhododendron Park lies Botanika, described as a “Green Science Centre.” This attraction complements Universum by addressing the inner workings of plants through engaging and imaginative methods.

In the discovery center, visitors learn about the competitive dynamics for light, nutrients, water, and reproduction that drive remarkable adaptations, allowing sequoias to draw water over 100 meters high or enabling Venus flytraps to digest insects.

Guests can taste edible plants in the herb garden, while seasonal exhibits may showcase animals such as rabbits or butterflies.

The substantial greenhouse recreates diverse environments and landscaped gardens from the Himalayas, Borneo, and Japan.

22. Beck’s Brewery

With approximately 3,000 bottles of Beck’s Beer opened globally every 60 seconds, visitors can trace the beer’s origins back to where it all began—in Bremen.

Founded by master brewer Heinrich Beck in 1873, alongside city merchant Thomas May and master builder Lüder Rutenberg, Beck’s Brewery is steeped in history.

The brand’s iconic key crest alludes to the patron saint of Bremen Cathedral, St. Peter, who is depicted holding the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

Brewery tours are available Monday to Saturday in German; for English tours, attend at 15:00 from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Guests will be guided through the inventory, fermentation, and storage tanks in the brewhouse, viewing a video presentation about the brand, culminating in a tasting session.

23. Valentin Submarine Pens

Situated downstream on the Weser, northwest of Bremen, lies a submarine factory from the Second World War.

The Valentin Submarine Pens were never completed and did not lead to the assembly of any submarines, as the project was interrupted by air raids and the advancing Allies in 1945. Nevertheless, this facility ranks second in size and preservation only to the famous pens in Brest.

While they represent an interesting example of wartime “blockhaus” construction, the pens also serve as a poignant memorial to the atrocities of World War II and the Nazi regime.

Estimates suggest that as many as 6,000 slave laborers perished during the construction of the pens.

During the self-guided tour, reminders of the human cost are thoughtfully interspersed with technical details about the factory and its historical significance.

24. Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur

In the Handwerkerhof (Craftsman’s Courtyard) off Böttcherstraße, visitors may be captivated by a delightful fragrance emanating from the local candy factory.

This establishment, managed by the local tourist board, produces traditional hard candy presented in charming packaging showcasing Bremen’s animal musicians.

These candies serve as excellent souvenirs or gifts.

Notably, there is a window into the kitchens, allowing guests to witness artisans creating colorful candies in various shapes and sizes by hand.

25. Weser River Tours

Understanding the crucial role the Weser River played in Bremen’s development as a Hanseatic Free City will inspire visitors to capture some of that enchantment on a river cruise departing from the former harbor at the Schlachte.

With five tours each day, visitors will journey from the embankment to Bremen’s modern docks, learning about the city’s trade connections with England and the Baltic during the Hanseatic period, as well as how the influx of commodities such as coffee and cocoa from the New World reshaped Bremen’s economic landscape.

Guests will enjoy fresh perspectives of the cathedral towers, the imposing houses lining Osterdeich street, and remnants of the city’s historic walls.