Most of Germany’s world-renowned cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are located inland. They tend to attract the bulk of visitors to the country, but there are some excellent alternatives for those seeking something different. Bremerhaven is a modern seaport city that literally translates to Bremen’s harbor. It’s located in Lower Saxony and built near the eastern bank of the River Wisser mouth. Moreover, Bremerhaven is one of the busiest trade ports in Germany and plays an important role in the country’s economy.
So, it should not surprise visitors that cargo ships filled with containers are part and parcel of this city’s character. However, the city has many unique attractions such as excellent shopping destinations, classy eateries, anthropological and maritime museums that are only available here.
It’s time to uncover the 10 best things to do in Bremerhaven!
1. Shop and dine at Das Mediterraneo
David Brembly und Adrian Breitlauch von den Eisbären Bremerhaven waren am Donnerstag, den 08. Juni für ein paar Körbe...
Posted by MEDITERRANEO Bremerhaven on Friday, 9 June 2017
Are you in the mood for a little shopping therapy? Then, Das Mediterraneo might just be the right place for you to charge up those credit cards! This shopping mall’s meant to look like an Italian street that’s filled with brand names, and a few independent brands. Perhaps you’re not interested in purchasing any goods, then no problem, there are several classy restaurants and cafes to satisfy those taste buds.
Das Mediterraneo
Address: Am Laengengrad 12, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: Das Mediterraneo (in German)
2. Experience different climates at Klimahaus
Posted by Klimahaus Bremerhaven on Monday, 12 March 2012
Klimahaus is a high-tech anthropological museum that’s something different from the norm. Visitors have an opportunity to experience varying climates as they are in different parts of the world. It’s best to spend at least 3 hours at this museum, as there’s plenty to see and much information to digest. Doors open at 10:00am and closing time is at 6:00pm, which gives visitors ample time to make the most of their visit.
Klimahaus
Address: Am Langengrad 8, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: Klimahaus
3. Spend a day at the German Maritime Museum
Posted by Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum - DSM on Thursday, 16 March 2017
All first-time travelers to Bremerhaven should visit the German Maritime Museum. This military and maritime museum has a wide range of interactive presentations and models, which detail past events and artifacts. Similarly, to Klimahaus, operating hours are between 10:00am and 6:00pm, but there’s so much to see that it’s possible to spend the entire day here.
German Maritime Museum
Address: Hans-Scharoun-Platz 1, Van-Ronzelen-Straße, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: German Maritime Museum (in German)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. View the town from SAIL City

You may wish to see Bremerhaven from a great vantage point. And there’s no better place to do this then at the ultra-modern SAIL City. An observation deck is located right at the top of the building, and a restaurant that should satisfy most meat-lovers and discerning diners. The platform is safe with ample fencing for those that are afraid of heights.
SAIL City
Address: Am Strom 1, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: SAIL City
5. Meet some furry friends at the Zoo am Meer
Posted by Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven on Thursday, 19 January 2017
If you’re traveling with kids or just fascinated with wild animals, then it’s worth paying Bremerhaven’s local zoo a visit. It’s not a particularly large zoo, but it’s quite modern. The animals are well looked after, and they’re predominantly from the northern hemisphere.
Zoo am Meer
Address: H. H. Meier Strasse 7, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: Zoo am Meer
6. Learn about emigration patterns at the Deutsches Auswandererhaus
Hein Mück is a symbolic figure in Bremerhaven. In our museum shop you can find key chains and mugs decorated with Hein M...
Posted by German Emigration Center, Bremerhaven on Monday, 8 August 2016
Nowadays, emigration seems to be a hot topic as millions of people move around the world for a number of reasons. Interestingly enough, Bremerhaven has its own museum dedicated to this complex and emotional issue. There are plenty of interactive exhibitions that go into detail about migratory patterns in Germany, over the past 200 years!
Deutsches Auswandererhaus
Address: Columbusstrasse 65, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: Deutsches Auswandererhaus
7. Enter the U-Boot Wilhelm Bauer
** U-Boot Wilhelm Bauer ** © Kaischy Photography #kaischy #bhv #havenwelt #uboot Meine Stadt Bremerhaven High Quality on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaischy-photography/11949969156/sizes/l/
Posted by Kai Lemke on Tuesday, 14 January 2014
It’s not often one comes across an intimidating-looking submarine from the World War II era. And this is the main reason why this is one of the most unique and coolest attractions in Bremerhaven. Visitors have an opportunity to enter the submarine and see what it was like for the sailors to live and operate within this confined space.
U-Boot Wilhelm Bauer
Address: Museumshafen, Hans-Scharoun-Platz 1, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: U-Boot Wilhelm Bauer
8. Watch the ships at the Container-Aussichtsturm
Container-Aussichtsturm
Posted by mawifo.de on Thursday, 11 August 2016
With so many cargo ships entering and leaving this port city it would make sense to view all this from an elevated position. Fortunately, there’s such a place available, and it’s aptly made up entirely from shipping containers. From this outlook post, visitors have an excellent view of the entire harbor, and an opportunity to watch ships being loaded and unloaded.
Container-Aussichtsturm
Address: Steubenstrasse zwischen Nordschleuse und Verbindungshafen, Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: Container-Aussichtsturm
9. Enjoy a few entertaining moments at the Columbus Center
Posted by Columbus Shopping Center on Tuesday, 20 January 2015
Do you have an hour or two available and don’t know what to do with your time? No problem, the Columbus Center is a conveniently located modern mall with a ton of shopping and culinary options. You’ll find everything from clothing and décor shops, right through to a cute gelato shop and enticing Japanese restaurant. You can also view the maritime activity on the river alongside the mall.
Columbus Center
Address: Obere Buerger 127, 27568 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
Website: Columbus Center (in German)
10. Sample the finest fish at Fischraeucherei Franke
Posted by Doris Treleaven on Friday, 7 October 2016
This is one of the city’s finest eateries and specializes in smoked fish. It’s renowned amongst the locals and usually offers customers better deals than the local fish market. The exterior and interior of the Fischraeucherei Franke are rustic looking and contrast the modernity of Bremerhaven. Customers also have an opportunity to view their fish while it’s being prepared, as the smokers are visible.
Fischraeucherei Franke
Address: Am Pumpwerk 2, 27572 Bremerhaven, State of Bremen, Germany
An enjoyable and modern maritime city
Bremerhaven may fly a bit under the radar for most visitors to Germany, but it’s still a fascinating modern city that’s worth visiting. The maritime activity is its main draw, but there’s still much to do. Its specialty museums are world class and among the best in Germany. Furthermore, there are abundant shopping and eating options for different budgets, to suit all pockets. Happy traveling!
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×