Bremen - officially the "Free Hanseatic City of Bremen" - is a maritime port which dates back to the Middle Ages and is also Germany’s smallest state. Historically, Bremen has played a dominant role in the nation’s commercial sector, owing to its riverside location. Today, the airport welcomes visitors from all over the world to explore the history of the area and to enjoy a vibrant selection of attractions and entertainment.
Step back in time
Bremen’s illustrious history as a port was first popularized by the Grimm brothers – the authors of famous fairytales including Cinderella. You can visit the locations which inspired these fantastical tales, such as the Bremer Marktplatz. A stone’s throw from the river, you’ll find this UNESCO World Heritage Site, bordered by the Gothic, copper-roofed Bremen Cathedral and the 600-year-old town hall.
During the winter months, the German Christmas market fills the Marktplatz and the surrounding streets. A highlight of the cultural calendar, a trip to the market is a must during the festive season.
Around the corner, you’ll find the Böttcherstrasse - a romantic lane of Art Nouveau architecture, with a museum dedicated to the Bremen impressionist Paula Modersohn-Becker. Continue strolling through the narrow, red-brick streets to the Glockenspiel Haus and listen as the church bells ring across the city every hour between 12noon and 6pm.
A wonderful windmill
Muhle am Wall – translated as the Am Wall Windmill - is a picture-perfect building nestled in the greenery of Wallanlagen Park. The windmill dates back to 1699 and is one of Bremen’s top heritage sites. Located on the northern fringe of the city’s old town – the alt stadt – the mill has an authentic German restaurant tucked inside.
Beyond Bremen
Having your own set of wheels here is convenient for visiting some of Germany’s most exciting cities. Hamburg is a great place to start, only an hour’s drive eastbound along the A1 freeway. This is Germany’s third largest city and, like Bremen, is a trading port.
Best known for its industrial river promenade, Beatles heritage tour, and the magnificent Elbphilharmonie concert hall, Hamburg is a fantastic place to visit when you’re in the area. The dazzling Hamburg State Opera house will certainly leave a lasting impression. This sparkling glass temple, built upon a former docklands warehouse, hosts a star-studded line-up of the world’s finest classical singers and musicians.
Northwards, a road trip to Norden and ferry ride over to Norderney will open the door to rustic beaches, kitsch German cafes and watersports galore. South-west of Bremen Airport, you can travel 125 miles and enjoy a couple of days in the historic university town of Münster. This is a remarkable place to visit, with a rich intellectual and trading history dating back over 1200 years. The medieval cathedral, cobblestone streets and wooden beam homes promise an enchanting end to your German adventure.
From the riverbanks of Bremen to the Hamburg opera house, car rental at Bremen Airport puts you within easy reach of some truly wonderful attractions. Whether you want to stay close or drive further afield, it’s the most convenient way to explore this spell-binding part of Germany.
