Bremen, Germany’s smallest state, is located in the north of the country, about 75 miles southwest of Hamburg. The city is often associated with the four piggyback animals – characters from the brother’s fairy tale Grimm » Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten » (The Bremen Town Musicians). An iconic bronze statue on the Bremer Marktplatz (Bremen’s main square) is one of the most photographed in the city. attractions
But Bremen, stretched out on both sides of the River Weser, offers so much more. The city, once a member of the medieval Hanseatic League, is home to a unique street built entirely in the Art Nouveau style, there is a medieval quarter and the magnificent Bremer Rathaus (Bremen Town Hall), which is one of the most important examples of gothic brick. Architecture in Europe.
Bremen Town Musicians
Bremen’s famous pets are a rooster, a cat and a dog riding a donkey on their backs: these characters from Brother Grimm’s fairy tale “Bremen Town Musicians” (Bremer Stadtmusikanten) have been immortalized by the German sculptor Gerhard Marck, who created a bronze statue. of fairy tale animals. Located next to City Hall, the Bremen Musicians are the most photographed attraction in the city and the donkey’s nose is golden and shiny from all visitors who touch it for good luck.
Beck Brewery
World-famous Beck’s beer is brewed on the riverbanks in Bremen. Beck’s and its local version, Haake Beck’s, have been created here since 1879.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery, take a tour that includes access to the brewing rooms, malt silos, and fermentation tanks, and then check out the Beck’s Beer Museum.
Bremen Town Hall
In the heart of Bremen, you will find the amazing Marktplatz (market square) in the city center. It is dominated by the opulent Bremen Town Hall. The building, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, dates back to the 15th century and is one of the most important examples of brick Gothic architecture in Europe.
Wine connoisseurs should visit the City Hall restaurant. The Bremer Ratskeller has been offering German wines for over 600 years, and one of the oldest German wines, dating back to 1653, is still stored in its original barrel in the restaurant’s basement.
Bremen Roland
Another famous citizen of Bremen is Knight Roland, the city’s centennial protector. Charlemagne’s knight was immortalized in 1404, and his imposing 10-meter statue, holding a sword and shield decorated with the imperial eagle, stands guard for Bremen and its people.
In 2004, Roland was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, and you can find him in Bremen’s main square in front of the impressive cathedral.
Böttcherstraße
The most famous street in Bremen is Böttcherstraße , a unique street built entirely in the Art Nouveau style. Walk through the spectacular golden entrance and you will find a narrow path lined with red brick and sandstone buildings that are adorned with intricate facades, reliefs, colorful windows, and the city’s Glockenspiele. From Bremen’s main square to the river Weser, Boettcherstrasse is home to museums of arts and crafts shops, as well as the Hilton Hotel, housed in the historic Atlantishaus.
Schnorr neighborhood
Filled with well-preserved medieval houses, the small neighborhood of Schnoor is a great place for a stroll. Its crooked streets are home to old fishermen’s houses that have been transformed into cafes, specialty shops and art galleries. Keep an eye out for the Hochzeitshaus , which claims to be the smallest hotel in the world.
Chop Chocolatier
For a sweet memory, check out Hachez, a traditional Bremen chocolatier. Located near Bremen’s main square, the shop offers everything from pralines and cocoa truffles, to the famous Bremen Kluten (chocolate covered mint sticks).
Christmas market in Bremen
If you arrive in town at Christmas, you are in luck. Bremen is home to an excellent Christmas market with traditions like a massive pyramid and nativity scenes along the waterfront. There’s a medieval market, steaming cups from the Feuerzangenbowle, and delicious food straight from the sea.
