Where traditionality meets modernity, Bremen, the Hanseatic city in the heart of north-west Germany, is a cauldron of attractions and offers visitors much to be explored.

Home to the world-famous Town Musicians of Bremen, the Hanseatic city in the heart of north-west Germany, has a rich history as an episcopal city and a merchants’ settlement that dates back to the 8th century.

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) says that Bremen is a multifaceted city where history, tradition, science, nature and culture blend. Tradition meets modernity and urban quality of life meets northern German congeniality in this one of the tiniest states of Germany.

The historical Marktplatz square and surrounding streets are the city’s beating heart while the stone Roland statue on the square stands facing St Peter’s Cathedral as a symbol of independence and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the magnificent Town Hall. Just a stone’s throw away, the Town Musicians of Bremen have been enshrined in bronze in their very own statue. The board has also listed some of the top sites to discover.

Schnoor

Lined by buildings that are centuries old, Schnoor and its narrow lanes are now the home of many craft enterprises, artistic fountains and sculptures. In immediate proximity there are also very modern buildings that fit in perfectly with the historically developed setting. In terms of gastronomy, Schnoor offers a broad range of culinary delights ranging from German to Spanish, Italian and Irish cuisine.

Universum Bremen

The Science Centre has over 4,000 sqm of interactive exhibitions from the world of science for you to explore. Discover how a polygraph machine works, a contest of ‘man vs machine’ , or experience of standing in a tilted room, over 250 exhibitions here are waiting to be explored. At multimedia stations with comprehensive accompanying texts, the curious learn everything they want to know about a subject. Additionally, various research institutes present their latest work. A newly built ‘TechnikStudio’ encourages logical thinking and creativity. 

Schlachte

The Schlachte, located in the heart of Bremen directly along the Weser, has seen a lot in its 800-year history and has displayed many different faces. GNTO says that as a former waterfront harbour, it has been transformed into today’s maritime gastronomic mile with numerous restaurants, bars and pubs. Stroll along the Weser and enjoy one of the many local beer gardens. Even in the cold season, the Schlachte does not lose its very special charm: in December, the annual Schlachte Magic casts its wintry and mystical spell on its visitors. At this very special Christmas market one can expect treats, arts and crafts, jugglers, pure entertainment and a very magical atmosphere. As dusk falls, the historical maritime medieval market is bathed in atmospheric blue light.

The Musical Town

Also known to be the Musical Town, Bremen Town Musicians are without doubt the pride and joy of the city. According to a legend, a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster set off on a journey to Bremen in search of a better life. Small, but perfectly formed, this saying could have been created with the bronze statue of the Bremen Town Musicians in mind. At two metres tall, the statue of these animals by Gerhard Marcks is a great popularity with locals and visitors alike. 

The Town Musicians once made their way to Bremen looking for a secure future. The hope for a good life in the beautiful Weserstadt has not only been shared by the current occupants. It has been the hope of many people who have come to Bremen from all parts of Germany and around the world since time immemorial. In the tradition of a cosmopolitan Hanseatic city, Bremen considers immigration as enrichment and has an active, welcoming culture.