e-travelguide
0871 508 8768

Search for a Hotel Anywhere

Search This Site

Bremen, Germany

Make the most of your time in Bremen, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

With a history stretching back more than 1,200 years, Bremen is one of Germany’s most fascinating and unique cities. It has long been one of Germany’s most significant economic and industrial hubs, lending it a wealth and grandeur that few European cities can rival. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, the city has been largely restored to its original magnificence, offering visitors a tremendous range of historical and cultural sites, as well as a vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

Bremen enjoys a unique status in Germany, as it is the only independent, two-city state within the German Federation. A member of the Hanseatic League - an alliance of trading guilds - until the 14th century, following World War II Bremen became an American enclave within the British zone of occupation. This occurred because the Americans required at least one port within their zone. As a result, Bremen was not included in the new Land of Lower Saxony formed around it and secured Bremen and the port of Bremerhaven’s independence as a Federal State in its own right.

Evidence of Bremen’s long and fascinating history is clear to see wherever you go, from the baroque and Renaissance tableau of the market square, to the magnificent Town Hall; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Schnoor Quarter is the most tangibly historic part of Bremen, a veritable maze of narrow, cobbled alleyways and squares lined with 15th and 16th century houses and some of Europe’s most unique shops.

But Bremen is certainly not a city to rest on past glories. The city’s growing wealth has ensured it has retained its reputation as a centre for art and culture. Bremen is one of Europe’s most important economic and industrial centres, with ‘Made in Bremen’ labels adorning everything from satellite systems to essential Airbus parts. Bremen is also home to the Mercedes-Benz factory, while the city’s ports are Europe's largest self-contained container terminal, ranking first in terms of international automobile import and export. This incredible wealth has been put to good use, restoring the old city to its former grandeur after being devastated by World War II bombing raids, and bolstering its artistic heritage. Nowhere is this most evident than on Böttcherstrasse.

Bremen’s economic success has also contributed to an incredible social dynamism. The city is home to more than 1,000 pubs, cafés, restaurants, bistros and bars and boasts a reputation for freedom, tolerance and liberality that has made Bremen one of Germany’s most fun and friendly cities.
 

©e-travelguide.info 2003 - 2009