What to do in Bremen, Germany
Visiting Bremen and curious on what to do in Bremen, Germany? Or maybe Bremen has never been high on your radar when researching places to see in Germany. There are so many beautiful cities around Germany like München or Dresden that are more popular and touristy.
After spending a day in Bremen, It is clear that it is an underrated city. There are so many things to do and see in Bremen. Bremen is home to one of Germany’s most famous town halls (Rathaus) that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a giant cathedral called Dom St Petri, the famous Town Musicians of Bremen, and a district with narrow alley ways known as the Schnoor. Of course, one of the most famous beers to come out of Germany, Becks is from Bremen.
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Bremen, Germany is located in the German state of Bremen. With a population of more then 570,000 people, Bremen is considered the second most populous city in Northern Germany, after Hamburg.
Bremen is located along the Weser River about 60 Km from the North Sea of Germany.
What to do in Bremen, Germany
Being Germany’s 11th biggest city, there is plenty to do and see here. Bremen has everything from historic World Heritage Sites and cathedrals to Germany’s tiniest house. Most attractions are found within the altstadt (old town) and are easily walkable. Although Bremen is a huge city, many of the sites within the altstadt can be seen in a single day. But to full experience the city and see museums, parks, and maybe even attend a concert, then it is recommended to spend at least two days in Bremen. We spent a day and night in Bremen and here are a few of the main attractions and activities we saw and did while exploring the city.
Attend a Carnival or Fest if Occurring
There always seems to be some kind of fest or event occurring in some of Germany’s largest cities. Whether it be a holiday festival or simple town festival, they are always a good time and the food is excellent.
When we visited Bremen in October this year, there was a small festival going on in from of the Bremen Rathaus. It might have been a part of the Bremen Freimarkt because we saw carnival rides in numerous locations of the city. The festival we found ourselves at had rides, game booths, drinks, and a lot of food!
We walked around the festival during the day looking at the booths and eating. At night, I set up my tripod with my camera and took some interesting night photos using long exposure techniques.
I absolutely love carnivals and festivals in Germany, mainly because of the affordable and delicious food. This time around, I could not pass up a bratwurst with mustard on a hard brötchen. Jill and I also split a butter pretzel. Butter pretzels are fantastic and simple.
Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten (Town Musicians of Bremen)
Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten (Town Musicians of Bremen) is a fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm.
I used to listed to this growing up as a kid. Here is a brief summary of the fairy tale.
A donkey, dog, cat, and rooster were growing old and seemed useless to their masters. The four animals did not want to be thrown out, mistreated, or even worse, killed by their masters. One by one, the animals left their masters houses and ventured off to the city of Bremen in hopes of becoming musicians.
Bremen was much to far to reach in a single day. During the night, the four animals saw a house with a light on. The house was occupied by robbers. The four animals put their heads together and decided to come up with a way to scare the robbers off, they made noises and successfully scared the robbers. The animals then ate what was on the table and rested in the house throughout the night.
One robber returned to the house later in the night as ordered. The cat scratched the robber, the dog bit the robber on the leg, and the donkey kicked the robber while the rooster made terrifying noises. They believed the house was haunted and no one ever dared enter the house again. The animals never made it to Bremen because they liked the house so much that they would stay and they did happily ever after!
Today, there is a bronze statue of the Town Musicians of Bremen next to the Rathaus. Apparently, rubbing the nose of each animal on the statue is supposed to bring good luck. The statue is a very popular attraction in Bremen. Because of this, there is always a line of people waiting to rub the noses for good luck or do touristy things like take pictures with the Town Musicians of Bremen.
Drink a Becks
Beck’s Brewery or Brauerei Beck & Co is from Bremen and can be found all throughout the city. Beck’s Brewery does offer tours but I found the dates and times to be odd, so we unfortunately missed out on a Beck’s Brewery Tour. Not to mention, reservations are required. If interested, check out the Beck’s Website to check the times and make a reservation.
Beck’s is most famous for their traditional Pilsner beer. I actually like this beer, it has a nice refreshing taste. I’ve also had their Dark beer, Oktoberfest Lager, Haake-Beck Pils, and Beck’s Gold.
Eat German Food
If visiting Germany, obviously, you have to try some local cuisine. Some of Germany’s most famous foods include Bratwurst, Schnitzel, and käsespätzle.
One of my favorite meals in Germany is the schweinshaxe. This dish is a gigantic ham hock or pork knuckle. Usually, the outer skin is crispy and the meat inside is tender. It’s great paired with knödel (German dumpling) or bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes) with sauce.
We found a brewery/restaurant in near the Böttcherstrasse called Shüttinger Gasthausbrauerei. I ordered a schweinshaxe here with a couple of beers and it was phenomenal.
Grab a Bite to Eat and Enjoy the Nightlife at the Schlachte
The “Schlachte” refers to an area in Bremen located along the Weser River that is popular for outdoor seating, nightlife, and an abundance of restaurants.
In the morning, there are a few cafes open here, but it’s nice to walk the Schlachte at night to grab a drink and nice meal.
Not sure if they are a part of the Schlachte, but there were a few cool historical looking ships docked in the area along the Weser River.
See and Visit the Rathaus
The Rathaus (Town Hall) in Bremen is one of Germany’s most beautiful. Because of it’s uniqueness and historical importance, the Town Hall was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
The Rathaus in Bremen was built around the early 1400’s and is a prime example of Brick Gothic architecture.
Visitors can tour the inside of the Rathaus and learn more about its history and purpose. Unfortunately, we were unable to schedule a tour, but still enjoyed the building from the inside. View the Bremen Tourism website for more information on admission and times.
The Bremen Rathaus is located at the Market Square. Many events, markets, and festivals are hosted here. The time we visited, there was a fest going on, so I could not get a decent photo from the front of the Rathaus.
Visit Dom St Petri (Cathedral of St. Peter)
Dom St Petri or Cathedral of St. Peter is a 1,200 year old cathedral in the heart of the city next to the Rathaus. The Cathedral of St. Peter is a beautiful architectural masterpiece both outside and on the inside.
Entrance to the cathedral is free but visitors can pay a small fee to enter the southern tower.
Walk the Schnoor area
One of my favorite things to do in Bremen is to stroll the Schnoor area. The Schnoor is within walking distance from other attractions like the Rathaus and Cathedral of St. Peter.
The Schnoor is a cute area of Bremen full of winding alley ways, some only a shoulder width in length. There are many shops and several restaurants tucked away in these small alley ways.
Common Questions About Traveling to Bremen
What is Special About Bremen, Germany?
– Bremen is a huge city in northern Germany with enough attractions and sites to see for a full day if not more. The Bremen Town Hall is a UNESCO site, the huge dome is over 1,000 years old, and the Town Musicians of Bremen (Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten) is one of Germany’s most famous fairy tales, visitors can see the iconic statue.
Is Bremen Worth Visiting?
– Yes, Bremen is worth visiting. Based on my experience traveling in Bremen, I found this city to be very interesting with much left to explore. I think Bremen is the perfect city to stay overnight in. There are many attractions to see both during the day and at night.
What Airlines Fly to Bremen, Germany?
– Bremen does have an airport. Bremen Airport has access to other major airports throughout Germany and other destinations in Europe. Major airlines that fly to Bremen include Lufthansa, Ryanair, and KLM.
Is Bremen Safe?
– In general, Bremen is a safe city for its size. That being said, always use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Petty and violent crimes to exist, but it is not frequent.
What Region and State is Bremen in?
– Bremen is located in northern Germany. The state is Bremen, technically called the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen or Stadtgemeinde Bremen in German.
Conclusion
For a day trip or multi day trip to Bremen, there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy and experience. From taking a photo at the famous Town Musicians of Bremen statue to catching a festival, there is something for everyone in this less traveled German city. Whether you are trying to visit UNESCO sites or interested in art, culture, and history, Bremen offers it all. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a Beck’s!
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