A prominent German port city, Bremerhaven is a great place to explore the country’s maritime roots. Its waterfront area is full of character, with sleek modern buildings and shipping company HQs standing alongside container vessels and cluttered docks. Slightly out of town is Geestemünde’s Fischereihafen, a charming fishing port that houses oceanfront restaurants and a fantastic aquarium.
A global shipping hub, Bremerhaven is one of the largest container ports on the planet. Cars are its specialty, with Bremerhaven importing over 2-million vehicles a year. Simply watching ships cruise in and unload their cargo is an experience in itself. Bremerhaven is also brimming with natural beauty, with gorgeous sunsets, cruising seabirds and wild storm tides.
Bremerhaven is relatively walkable, especially around the waterfront area. The city is also well-serviced by a local bus network, which runs to attractions like the museums and zoo. Most visitors arrive at one of the city’s three train stations and walk or take a taxi to their hotel.
As well as a commercial history, Bremerhaven is steeped in social significance. Millions sailed from the port to New York’s Ellis Island, with the German Emigration Centre offering a fascinating insight into the migrant experience. For those interested in Bremerhaven’s seafaring history, the German Maritime Museum showcases a collection of beautifully preserved vessels.