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Bremen – heritage

Take time out to explore Bremen's fascinating history

Bremen, the dynamic heart of north-west Germany and the traditional home of the Bremen Town Musicians, has many faces. It is an exciting port city and a hotbed of innovation, where Hanseatic history, cutting edge technology, science and space travel unite to form a fascinating whole.
This cosmopolitan city on the Weser river can look back on over 1,200 years of history. Highlights include the ornate Weser Renaissance town hall and the Roland statue on the historic market square (both UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2004), the Schnoor – the city's oldest quarter, the delightful architecture in Böttcherstrasse and the cathedral. Bremen's best-known monument and its emblem is the statue of the Town Musicians featuring the donkey, dog, cat and rooster from the Brothers Grimm fairytale.

Bremen - innovation

Discover a world of knowledge in Bremen

With exciting interactive exhibitions and science centres, highly regarded universities and pioneering technologies, Bremen has been responsible for a number of projects that prove science doesn't have to be dry and boring. It's easy to see why Bremen and its sister town of Bremerhaven were awarded Germany's first City of Science award in 2005.

How does a tornado arise? Why do flowers smell nice? What are "black smokers"? Learn the answers to these questions and more at the botanika and Universum science centres and in Bremen Ethnological Museum. At the EADS Astrium, you can find out how astronauts eat, sleep and even shower in outer space.

Bremen – vibrant

See the many faces of Bremen

Cologne has its carnival, Munich has its beer festival... and Bremen? In Bremen the celebrations go on all year round! There's something for everyone – with stage entertainment courtesy of a host of colourful characters, from daring acrobats and twinkle-toed dancers to chart-breaking pop acts.

Not a month goes by without some exciting event taking place in this Hanseatic city on the Weser river: the Freimarkt (the oldest and third-largest funfair in the country), a top music festival, the Maritime Festival, an electrifying samba carnival, Germany's biggest 6-day cycle race, musicals and plays, open-air extravaganzas, prestigious art exhibitions and last but not least a traditional Christmas market with stalls along the Schlachte Embankment.

Bremen – maritime

Experience Bremen's maritime heritage

Flowing through the heart of Bremen is the Weser river. This old trading route was the driving force behind the city's emergence as a proud Hanseatic centre. Bremen's sea-faring traditions are still alive and well today and have a big part to play in its unique appeal.

The Schlachte Embankment runs right beside the Weser river and is a magnet for locals and tourists alike. People are always buzzing around, particularly when the sun is out. The banks of the river are lined with cafés and restaurants; from their various terraces and gardens you can watch a procession of modern and old-fashioned boats as they pass by the quayside. Bremen's fast-growing Überseestadt area is home to unusual venues, trendy restaurants and nautically-themed eateries. This vibrant new community for the 21st century has transformed what was once the city docks.