Bremen, a historic city in northern Germany, is part of the Bremen/Oldenburg Metropolitan Region and serves as the capital of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen. With a rich history dating back over 1,200 years, Bremen is a small but dynamic city, which hosts annual Christmas markets with medieval flair.

THE MEDIEVAL GERMAN GEM

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Visit the Bremen Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)

Running from late November through December 23rd, the Bremen Christmas Market is known for its magical ambiance, traditional handcrafted goods, and seasonal treats. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted almonds, gingerbread, and other Christmas delicacies, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere even on the coldest days.

Walk along the Schlachte promenade

The Schlachte is a promenade along the east bank of the River Weser in the old town of Bremen. Once one of the city's harbours, it is now popular for its restaurants, beer gardens and river boats. During the Bremen Christmas Market, visitors can enjoy the "Schlachte-Zauber" along the Weser River. This part of the Christmas market takes on a medieval theme, with stalls and activities reminiscent of historical times. Here, you can find traditional crafts, watch artisans at work, and enjoy hearty medieval foods and drinks.

Take an underground history tour through the city

The underground tour in Bremen takes you beneath the city's surface to explore its ancient cellars, tunnels, war bunkers, and hidden passages. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts. Tours typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Most tours are conducted in German, but some operators offer English-speaking guides or provide audio guides in multiple languages. Below is a link to a tour given in German, for € 16 per person.

Shop in the narrow streets of Schnoor

The Schnoor Quarter is Bremen's oldest district, characterized by narrow lanes and historic buildings that now house boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Walking through Schnoor is like stepping back in time, offering a picturesque glimpse into the city's past.

Explore science at the Universum Museum

This museum offers a hands-on, interactive approach that encourages visitors to explore, experiment, and discover. The museum is divided into three main thematic areas:

Technology: This section explores the human-made world, including inventions, machines, and the principles of physics that underlie everyday objects and technologies.

Humans: Focusing on the biology and psychology of human beings, this area delves into topics such as perception, emotions, and communication. It offers interactive exhibits.

Nature: This section examines the natural environment, from local ecosystems to global climate patterns. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Earth's biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.

A regular ticket costs €18 and students with a student ID pay €12.

Rent a boat, kayak or paddle board & explore the water

The Weser River is the main waterway in Bremen, providing a scenic route through the city. Paddling along the Weser allows you to see landmarks like the Weser Tower, the Schlachte Embankment, and historic warehouses. There are also kayak rentals along some more nature oriented routes.

Stroll through the Bürgerpark or the Wallanlagen

Bürgerpark is Bremen’s largest and most popular park, located near the city center. Spanning over 200 hectares, it serves as a green oasis offering a wide range of activities. There is a lake, restaurants, a mini-golf course and an enclosure with deer and goats. Wallanlagen is a historic park located along the former city walls of Bremen. It has an old windmill with a café in it, and various historic statues.

Visit the most medieval German street in town

Böttcherstraße dates back to the Middle Ages, originally home to cooperages (barrel makers). Böttcherstraße is lined with unique shops offering local crafts, artworks, and souvenirs. It's a great place to find souvenirs. It has interesting old buildings and art museums. The street has several restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy local cuisine, coffee, and pastries. Some popular spots include the Kaffeehaus Classico and the Ratskeller, known for its historic wine cellar and traditional German dishes.

Get a mediocre self-portrait drawn by a street artist

Several street artists and performers roam the city of Bremen. It is always a fun time (and a funny piece of memorabilia) to support such street artists, even if the result is not going to win any beauty prizes.

Check out our video of fun things to do in Bremen!

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