Welcome to Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven, located on Germany’s northern coast, is a bustling port city known for its rich maritime heritage, modern attractions, and fascinating museums. As one of the most important ports in Europe, Bremerhaven serves as a gateway to Germany's North Sea coast and the historical city of Bremen. Cruise passengers arriving in Bremerhaven can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the city’s unique maritime museums to relaxing along the waterfront promenade. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, or enjoying a scenic walk along the harbor, Bremerhaven offers a memorable experience for visitors with 6-10 hours to explore.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships dock at the Bremerhaven Cruise Terminal, which is located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city center. The terminal is modern and well-equipped, offering convenient transportation options to explore both Bremerhaven and nearby Bremen. Bremerhaven is a popular port for cruise passengers, with over 300,000 visitors arriving each year. From the terminal, visitors can easily access the city’s key attractions, including the German Emigration Center, the Climate House, and the Harbor Worlds area.

Transportation Options

There are several convenient transportation options available for getting from the Bremerhaven Cruise Terminal to the city center and nearby attractions:

• Taxis: Taxis are available at the terminal and can take you to the city center in about 10 minutes.
• Shuttle Services: Some cruise lines offer shuttle services that transport passengers to key locations, including the city center and major museums.
• Public Buses: Bremerhaven’s public buses run regularly between the cruise terminal and the city center, with several stops along the way.
• Trains: Bremerhaven is well-connected by train to the city of Bremen, which is about 45 minutes away by train.

Nearby Towns and Cities

Bremerhaven is located near several charming towns and cities that are perfect for a day trip:

• Bremen: 65 km (40 miles) away, about a 45-minute train ride. This historic city is known for its beautiful old town, UNESCO-listed Rathaus, and the famous Bremen Town Musicians statue.
• Cuxhaven: 50 km (31 miles) away, about a 45-minute drive. A popular seaside town with beaches along the North Sea coast, perfect for relaxing or enjoying coastal walks.
• Oldenburg: 80 km (50 miles) away, about 1 hour by train or car. A charming city with a medieval old town, beautiful parks, and a grand palace.

Local Foods

Bremerhaven is known for its delicious seafood and hearty German cuisine. Here are a few local dishes to try:

• Fischbrötchen: A traditional German fish sandwich made with fresh seafood, usually herring or smoked fish, served in a crusty roll with onions and pickles.
• Labskaus: A northern German specialty made from corned beef, potatoes, onions, and beets, often served with pickled herring and a fried egg on top.
• Bremer Klaben: A sweet, spiced fruit loaf similar to Stollen, popular during the holiday season.
• North Sea Shrimp: Fresh, small shrimp caught in the North Sea, often served with bread or in a salad.
• Kale and Pinkel: A hearty winter dish made with kale, smoked sausage (Pinkel), and potatoes, popular throughout northern Germany.

Top 5 Attractions

Bremerhaven offers a range of interesting attractions that showcase its maritime history and modern culture. Here are the top five things to see:

• German Emigration Center: This award-winning museum tells the story of the millions of Europeans who emigrated to America through Bremerhaven. Entry is around €15 per person.
• Climate House Bremerhaven: A unique interactive museum where visitors can experience the world’s different climate zones. Entry is around €16 per person.
• Harbor Worlds (Havenwelten): A waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Zoo at the Sea and the German Maritime Museum. Free to explore; individual attractions may charge entry fees.
• German Maritime Museum: Learn about Germany’s rich maritime history and explore exhibits that include historic ships and artifacts. Entry is around €9 per person.
• Zoo at the Sea: A small but fascinating zoo located on the harbor, featuring marine animals like seals, penguins, and polar bears. Entry is around €10 per person.

Interesting Facts

Bremerhaven is a city with a fascinating history and unique features. Here are some interesting facts about the city:

• Bremerhaven was founded in 1827 as a port for the city of Bremen, giving the landlocked city access to the North Sea.
• The city played a major role in European emigration, with over 7 million people departing from Bremerhaven for the United States between the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Bremerhaven is home to one of the largest container ports in Europe, making it a key hub for international shipping and trade.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Bremerhaven is located on the North Sea coast, at the mouth of the Weser River, in the federal state of Bremen. The city is surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, with sandy beaches, marshlands, and picturesque harbors. The nearby North Sea coast is famous for its tidal flats, which are part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to Bremerhaven can enjoy scenic walks along the waterfront, explore nearby fishing villages, or take boat tours to experience the region’s natural beauty.

Local Customs and Culture

Bremerhaven is known for its maritime traditions, and visitors will find the locals warm and welcoming. It is customary to greet people with a polite “Guten Tag” (Good day) or “Moin” (a northern German greeting used at any time of day). Tipping in restaurants and cafes is appreciated, with 10% being a common amount. The city’s maritime history plays a central role in its culture, with annual events such as Sail Bremerhaven, where historic tall ships gather in the harbor, drawing crowds from around the world. Visitors should also take the time to explore Bremerhaven’s maritime museums to better understand the city’s deep connection to the sea.

Family-Friendly Activities

Bremerhaven offers a range of activities that are perfect for families with children of all ages:

• Children up to 6 years old: Visit the Zoo at the Sea, where young children can enjoy watching playful seals, penguins, and other marine animals.
• Children 7-12 years old: Explore the interactive exhibits at the Climate House, where kids can experience different climate zones and learn about the environment.
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: Discover the history of European emigration at the German Emigration Center, where teens can learn about their ancestors’ journeys to the New World.

Google Maps

Bremerhaven

*Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app.*