In imperial times, the Weser echoed with the horns of the ocean liners: on their decks, the elegant ships of North German Lloyd once transported millionaires and destitute emigrants from Bremerhaven to America. A hub of destiny, Bremen's "gateway to the world". But the era ended and the New Harbour fell silent for a long time - until resourceful urban developers "reinvented" the entire area, with impressive results: if you want to go on a trip around the world today, you no longer have to leave Bremerhaven at all! We show you the highlights.
1 New harbour
The 850 m long and around 100 m wide tide-free basin forms the centre of the new "Havenwelten" in Bremerhaven. The harbour was originally used by Norddeutscher Lloyd, but lost its importance with the world wars and the decline of the transatlantic business. However, the shipping company's former 140 metre long dry dock is still preserved as a grassy area. In addition to the modern Lloyd Marina for pleasure craft, the New Harbour is now home to a smaller second jetty for traditional ships and the berth of the museum steamship.
the berth of the museum steam icebreaker "Wal"
2 Lloyd Marina Bremerhaven
The Swimming jetty only opened in 2005 (with finger pontoons) now offers 200 berths, 100 of which are available for guests. The maximum boat length is 18 metres and you pay 13 euros for a 10-metre boat. Electricity and water are available at pillars on the jetty, tokens are available from the harbour master's office (opening hours: daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.). The facility, which also includes modern sanitary facilities, a bistro with catering and flats as well as hotel rooms, belongs to the "im jaich" chain. Car parking is available. Tel. 0471-142 86 90.
3 New harbour lock
The structure, built in 2005 as a dock lock due to the changing water levels on the Weser, ensures that the New Harbour is tide-free. Usable dimensions of the chamber: 50 metres long (60 metres at peak times), 14 metres wide. Operating hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (1 April to 30 September), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1 to 31 October), otherwise as required. Tel. 0471-941 28 40, VHF channel 69. Directly north of the lock chamber is the historic Simon Loschen Tower in neo-Gothic style from 1856, which still serves as the rear light of the Bremerhaven leading light line.
4 Zoo by the sea
In an exceptional location the landscaped grounds Exciting encounters with around 50 species, mainly sea creatures and animals from temperate and polar climate zones, such as polar bears, sea lions and penguins. Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm (April to September), 9 am to 6 pm (March and October), 9 am to 4.30 pm (November to February); admission: 7 euros (adults), 4 euros (children). Tel. 0471-30 84 10,
5 German Emigration Centre
The experience centre documents the story of the approximately seven million people who set off from Bremerhaven to the New World overseas in the 19th century. The various stages of their journey are impressively recreated. Opening times: 10 am to 6 pm (March to October), 10 am to 5 pm (November to February), admission: 12.50 euros (adults), 6.90 euros (children). Tel. 0471-90 22 00
6 Sail City
With a height of 140 metres, the Sail City is the tallest building on the German North Sea coast and is reminiscent of a billowing sail. A conference centre and a hotel are housed on 19 floors. The viewing platforms at a height of 86 and 95 metres offer views as far as the North Sea. Opening hours: 9 am to 8.30 pm (April to September), 10 am to 4.30 pm (October to March), admission: 3 euros (adults), 2 euros (children). Tel. 0471-30 99 00, www.bremerhaven.de
7 Klimahaus Bremerhaven 8° East
Five continents, nine locations and the different climate zones of the earth can be explored in the elliptical climate house can be explored in a very short time. An impressive journey around the world! Opening hours: 9 am to 8.30 pm (April to September), 10 am to 4.30 pm (October to March), admission: 3 euros (adults), 2 euros (children). Tel. 0471-30 99 00
8 Mediterraneo
Shopping even in bad weather: 40 retail shops, cafés and restaurants under one roof. Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. to Sat.), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (catering)
9 German Maritime Museum
A fascinating Overview of the history of shipping and many "real" exhibits in the museum harbour can be found here. Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm (March to October), closed on Mondays out of season. Admission: 6 euros (adults), 4 euros (children). Museum ships: 1 euro each, Wilhelm Bauer" submarine 3 euros (adults), 2 euros (children). www.dsm.museum.de
Chartering in the district
We are the only company to offer Yacht charter northwest motor yachts in the area. The fleet includes two steel displacement yachts (length: 13, 66 m, berths: 6+2, bow and stern thruster, equipment for coastal navigation, weekly prices: 1550 to 2400 euros). Bremerhaven is around 60 kilometres away from the base in Marina Oldenburg on the Küstenkanal. Info: Yachtcharter Nordwest, Friedrich-Koopmann-Str. 46, 26203 Wardenburg-Hundsmühlen, Tel. 0441-684 15 64.
District information on the Lower Weser
Bremerhaven is located at the junction of the Lower Weser (the name given to the section of the river north of Bremen) and the Outer Weser, the actual estuary of the river in the German Bight. The area is tide-dependent; the average tidal range at Bremerhaven is around 3.50 metres; the exact times of high and low tide can be found in the current tidal calendar. Practical apps are also available. When sailing to Bremerhaven, the current should be taken into account, but it is possible to enter the New Harbour via the lock at any time.
