Experience the ocean – and a wordplay – Experience more.

The city was first founded in 1827, while the area has been inhabited since the 13th century. It is one of the most important German ports, the 16th largest  container port in the world, the 4th largest in Europe.

The harbor has one of the world’s largest locks; Panama Channel Size! And an interesting fact for car-fans: Bremerhaven imports and exports more cars than any other city in Europe: 2 million cars each year.

This city is worth a visit.

In the central part of the inner harbour area by the dike, Weserdeich, a new maritime tourist center has emerged, Havenwelten Bremerhaven, with interesting and diverse attractions – and the Mediterraneo Shopping Center (the interior decoration must have been inspired by the “Venice” hotel in Las Vegas, USA).

In addition to the free attractions, you find several museums: Auswanderer Museum, Zoo am See, the Deutsches Schiffarts Museum, the U-boot “Wilhelm Bauer” and Historiches Museum Bremerhaven, Klimahaus® Bremerhaven 8° East (interesting climate zone experience) and SAIL City View Platform (at the Atlantic Hotel).

# 1 Havenwelten

The entire harbour area is great for a sightseeing walk. It is a wonderful free attraction for visitors of all ages.

Beautiful lighthouse, but poor foundation. The tower is leaning (though not as much as the one in Pisa); the lean is clearly visible.

# 2 Industrial port

If you have a bike or a car, you can go outside the city centre and visit the outer port, the industrial port with views of the container port, which is fascinating.

You can have a meal, drink or a coffee in the last bar before New York.

Port areas are dangerous and one must give way for heavy traffic and trains. Most of the area is understandably hidden behind fences, barbed wire and gatekeepers.
Still, you get a glimpse of what it’s about:

Never – not even at Disney World, Florida – have I seen so many cars. Cars on huge parking lots. Cars in parking houses. Cars on trams. Cars on trucks:
Bremerhaven is Europe’s largest import and export port for cars.

A massive port and cars, cars and cars. Among other sights, a kilometre-long vehicle train packed with cars, bumper by bumper.

# 3 Viewing platform SAIL City

Walking in and around the harbor area – and on the dike is an experience, if you like the sea (water) and architecture. It is also nice with a view from the top, from the viewing platform at SAIL City (on the top of the Atlantis Hotel).

# 4 Klimahaus 8° East

The amazing Klimahaus, a modern climate and nature museum with different climate zone experiences.

# 5 Deutsches Schiffarts Museum

A ship and maritime museum with a large indoor exhibit plus ships and other maritime sights on the grounds around the museum (radio tower in the background).

# 6 Zoo am Sea.

Not a big zoo, but a special one and with interesting lay-out and architecture.
For families and other zoo aficionados.

# 7 The U-boot “Wilhelm Bauer”

For everyone interested in submarines here is an opportunity to experience one from the inside.

# 8 Willy-Brandt-Platz

A large and popular (selfie) square, a place with a beautiful view of the water and harbor area. To be visited morning, midday or night with different light.

# 9 Bürgermeister-Smidt Memorial Church

Churches in general are impressive buildings with sightseeing for architecture and history buffs and peace and quiet for worshippers and others.
This is not one of the oldest or most impressive churches, but is has some interesting details. Opening hours are from around midday to late afternoon (check times).

# 10 Restaurants

A visit to a harbour city would not be complete without having some fish for lunch and/or dinner. There are several nice restaurants in Bremerhaven with fine views and delicious menus; including 50 shades of pink (salmons).Above delicious dinner in Pier 6. Below lovely lunch at Strandhalle Restaurant.