Bremen-anyone been there to help with info and tips?
Nov 14th, 2008, 09:09 AM
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Bremen-anyone been there to help with info and tips?
I am planning a trip with my daughter to check out a grad school in Bremen, Germany and cannot find out too much information about it on Fodors and other sources. Anyone been who could comment on it? Thanks!
Nov 14th, 2008, 08:04 PM
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We lived in Bremerhaven (Bremen's Harbor) about 50 kilometers north for about 15 months. Our daughter was born there. It was 23 years ago and we only visited Bremen briefly.
I thought the area was better as a place to live than to visit. It is very near the North Sea. The wind blows almost constantly, bringing sometimes several weather fronts through the area in a single day. You need a jacket that will repel rain. It very rarely snows. Closeness to the sea moderates temperatures winter and summer. Days are very short in the winter and very long in the summer.
Bremerhaven used to be the largest fishing port in Europe. We ate lemon sole and halibut rather than schnitzels.
We certainly enjoyed our time there.
Regards, Gary
I thought the area was better as a place to live than to visit. It is very near the North Sea. The wind blows almost constantly, bringing sometimes several weather fronts through the area in a single day. You need a jacket that will repel rain. It very rarely snows. Closeness to the sea moderates temperatures winter and summer. Days are very short in the winter and very long in the summer.
Bremerhaven used to be the largest fishing port in Europe. We ate lemon sole and halibut rather than schnitzels.
We certainly enjoyed our time there.
Regards, Gary
Nov 14th, 2008, 09:56 PM
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Bremen has a nice, touristy old town section with cobblestone alleys as well as a pedestrian zone with departments stores and anything you need for shopping.
In summer, you have the seaside resorts not far away. Other destinations would be Worpswede.
As Gary said, a maritime climate dominates.
In your specific situation, I would consider as pros that Bremen has excellent public transportation as well as a huge grid of bike lanes/paths. You can literally bike anywhere, and everybody does so. So there will be no need to get a car.
When housing should not be provided, rents are at a much lower level than in either more famous uni towns (Heidelberg, Tübingen) or in other big cities (Munich, Cologne, Hamburg).
Bremen airport may not be a major hub, but is well connected to both Frankfurt or London for intercontinental connections. Also low cost carriers serve domestic or European destinations. Train connections are also good, just an hour or so to Hamburg.
In summer, you have the seaside resorts not far away. Other destinations would be Worpswede.
As Gary said, a maritime climate dominates.
In your specific situation, I would consider as pros that Bremen has excellent public transportation as well as a huge grid of bike lanes/paths. You can literally bike anywhere, and everybody does so. So there will be no need to get a car.
When housing should not be provided, rents are at a much lower level than in either more famous uni towns (Heidelberg, Tübingen) or in other big cities (Munich, Cologne, Hamburg).
Bremen airport may not be a major hub, but is well connected to both Frankfurt or London for intercontinental connections. Also low cost carriers serve domestic or European destinations. Train connections are also good, just an hour or so to Hamburg.
Nov 15th, 2008, 11:01 AM
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A friend and I were in Bremen for a couple of days in 2001. I thought it was very pleasant, with the Marktplatz (Marketplace) and some interesting buildings, including the Rathaus, outside of which is a recent sculpture of the Bremen town muscians of Brothers Grimm fame.
A couple of walkable areas were fun--the Böttcherstrasse, a brick-paved reproduction of a medieval alley, complete with shops, restaurants, galleries and a museum. The Schnoor, the old quarter of Bremen, contains cottages which have been rented to artists and artisans in an effort to revive old arts and crafts.
There's also good walking in the area Wallanlagen along the canal.
I'm not a shopper, but it seems to me that shopping would be fun there.
A couple of walkable areas were fun--the Böttcherstrasse, a brick-paved reproduction of a medieval alley, complete with shops, restaurants, galleries and a museum. The Schnoor, the old quarter of Bremen, contains cottages which have been rented to artists and artisans in an effort to revive old arts and crafts.
There's also good walking in the area Wallanlagen along the canal.
I'm not a shopper, but it seems to me that shopping would be fun there.
Nov 15th, 2008, 05:06 PM
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Been there as a tourist and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Agree with all that has been said.
The area along the river seemed like a great place to hang out. It was filled with all kinds of folks relaxing and socializing.
I felt the town had a definite "university" feel. Outside of the tourist center there are lots of interesting shops and cafes that reminded me of US university town.
Agree with all that has been said.
The area along the river seemed like a great place to hang out. It was filled with all kinds of folks relaxing and socializing.
I felt the town had a definite "university" feel. Outside of the tourist center there are lots of interesting shops and cafes that reminded me of US university town.
Nov 16th, 2008, 03:04 AM
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Bremen has a most beautiful old town, with an impressive medieval city hall and the "Schnoor" quarter with picturesque old houses.
Here is a 360° picture of the market square:
http://www.bremen.de/sixcms/detail.p...hauptid=551441
The attractions include:
- Bremen has 23 museums. The most significant are:
- The Universum, an excellent, state-of-the-art science museum
www.universum-bremen.de
- The Übersee-Museum, also an excellent museum of ethnology and trade.
www.uebersee-museum.de
- Wilhelm-Wagenfeld-Haus, a design museum dedicated to the famous Bauhaus master
When you are in the area, you may go to Papenburg (2 hours by train, 1:30 by car). Papenburg is a charming historical town and is the location of the Meyer Werft where you can see how cruise ships are built (they have just finished the Celebrity Solstice).
www.meyerwerft.de
Other daytrips from Bremen include Hamburg and Münster.
Here is a 360° picture of the market square:
http://www.bremen.de/sixcms/detail.p...hauptid=551441
The attractions include:
- Bremen has 23 museums. The most significant are:
- The Universum, an excellent, state-of-the-art science museum
www.universum-bremen.de
- The Übersee-Museum, also an excellent museum of ethnology and trade.
www.uebersee-museum.de
- Wilhelm-Wagenfeld-Haus, a design museum dedicated to the famous Bauhaus master
When you are in the area, you may go to Papenburg (2 hours by train, 1:30 by car). Papenburg is a charming historical town and is the location of the Meyer Werft where you can see how cruise ships are built (they have just finished the Celebrity Solstice).
www.meyerwerft.de
Other daytrips from Bremen include Hamburg and Münster.
Nov 16th, 2008, 05:21 AM
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Visited Bremen at Christmas two years ago and found they had two Christmas markets going on. One was a huge "traditional" market centered around the cathedral. It featured lots of tasty Wursts, Gluhwein and sweets. It was similar to a carnival.
Down along the river was a Renaissance Faire-like celebration with mead, big chunks of roasted meat, wild game sausages and lots of "interesting" characters. And herring was everywhere! Yecccch. I believe this was called the "Bremen Zauberfest" (magic festival).
Throw in all the fabulous bars and restaurants along the quay and you'll truly savor the nightlife of Bremen. We tried to eat at Schüttinger, which is a local brewpub and highly recommended for its value, but even at 6:00pm nothing was available without a reservation. The nearby Rathaus (city hall) restaurant made a fantastic substitute.
Since we were only overnighting in Bremen as we drove from Amsterdam to Luebeck, I never really got the chance to enjoy the sights. I don't think any of my research on Bremen particularly impressed me which is why we left first thing in the morning.
Down along the river was a Renaissance Faire-like celebration with mead, big chunks of roasted meat, wild game sausages and lots of "interesting" characters. And herring was everywhere! Yecccch. I believe this was called the "Bremen Zauberfest" (magic festival).
Throw in all the fabulous bars and restaurants along the quay and you'll truly savor the nightlife of Bremen. We tried to eat at Schüttinger, which is a local brewpub and highly recommended for its value, but even at 6:00pm nothing was available without a reservation. The nearby Rathaus (city hall) restaurant made a fantastic substitute.
Since we were only overnighting in Bremen as we drove from Amsterdam to Luebeck, I never really got the chance to enjoy the sights. I don't think any of my research on Bremen particularly impressed me which is why we left first thing in the morning.
Nov 16th, 2008, 10:32 AM
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Otzi-how was the drive from Amsterdam? I am trying to fit in looking at several schools in the Netherlands with a drive over to Bremen.
I really really appreciate everyone's thoughts on this town as most of the guidebooks aren't as indepth on the info.
I really really appreciate everyone's thoughts on this town as most of the guidebooks aren't as indepth on the info.
Nov 16th, 2008, 10:41 AM
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The ride from Schiphol to Bremen took less than 4 hours. We travelled during the Christmas holidays and although there seemed to be constant flurries, nothing stuck to the roads. Nice flat country on excellent highways, but boring as hell. We stopped a couple times along the way to enjoy the fine art of cheese-making.
Nov 16th, 2008, 12:39 PM
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You probably found the website of Bremen's tourist information yourself already, so just for sake of completion:
http://www.bremen-tourism.de/btz/eng...men.cfm?m=0.02
http://www.bremen-tourism.de/btz/eng...men.cfm?m=0.02
Nov 16th, 2008, 04:39 PM
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Hello DF:
Here are some comments on our visit to Bremen a couple of years ago. I agree with the comments above and add these for what they are worth:
BREMEN
(4) The Villa Restaurant
Goetheplatz 4
With a single exception noted later, this was the most memorable meal we had on the trip. We arrived without a reservation because our preferred choice on a Saturday night was booked. Upon our arrival, the courtyard was packed with cocktail party revelers, but I bulled my way into the restaurant and was met by the delightful co-owner who offered us the last available table. It turned out that the party-goers had a private dining room for a special occasion. We had a 6-course menu of the owner's selection, all small portions and just fabulous. This restaurant warrants a return if that ever becomes possible.
(5) The Park Hotel
This was our home in Bremen and a fantastic place. We had drinks on the veranda and then moved inside to a table overlooking the lake for a wonderful (and mightily expensive) dinner.
Enjoy yourself. Gradyghost
Here are some comments on our visit to Bremen a couple of years ago. I agree with the comments above and add these for what they are worth:
BREMEN
(4) The Villa Restaurant
Goetheplatz 4
With a single exception noted later, this was the most memorable meal we had on the trip. We arrived without a reservation because our preferred choice on a Saturday night was booked. Upon our arrival, the courtyard was packed with cocktail party revelers, but I bulled my way into the restaurant and was met by the delightful co-owner who offered us the last available table. It turned out that the party-goers had a private dining room for a special occasion. We had a 6-course menu of the owner's selection, all small portions and just fabulous. This restaurant warrants a return if that ever becomes possible.
(5) The Park Hotel
This was our home in Bremen and a fantastic place. We had drinks on the veranda and then moved inside to a table overlooking the lake for a wonderful (and mightily expensive) dinner.
Enjoy yourself. Gradyghost
Nov 16th, 2008, 06:09 PM
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dutyfree:
a word about the oft-mentioned "Bremerhaven"...Bremen's port. It has a long and important history. During the period from c.1880-1914, this port was one of four major ports on the North Sea....emigrants from Russia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and indeed, all over Central and Eastern Europe, made their way to either Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam or Antwerp, to reach the ships that would take them west....(passage to America was in the vicinty of $40 for steerage class, and a bit more for a bit more comfort)...to England (short sail to Southhampton..or slightly longer cruise to Liverpool), to North America (Montreal, Halifax, Boston , NY, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Galveston)....
The conditions for steerage passengers on most shipping lines were bleak, on others a bit better.
I traced some large Romanian groups (60-120+) of young people (ages 15-30+), who had walked across the face of Europe to get to the aformentioned Bremerhaven...and set sail to Canada or the USA.
Conditions at the port during those years were sadly akin to Dante's Inferno....every possible flim-flam criminal element, including those specializing in "shanghai-ing" unsuspecting migrants, was at work at all of these ports.
My research was ably supplemented by German historical documents recounting the "police blotters" of the day, even though it was quite well known that the German port police turned the other cheek more often than not...
Just some intersting historical background that probably means nothing very important to the OP's question or to anyone else...unless you've had ancestor's who came through these ports at that time.
stu t.
a word about the oft-mentioned "Bremerhaven"...Bremen's port. It has a long and important history. During the period from c.1880-1914, this port was one of four major ports on the North Sea....emigrants from Russia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and indeed, all over Central and Eastern Europe, made their way to either Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam or Antwerp, to reach the ships that would take them west....(passage to America was in the vicinty of $40 for steerage class, and a bit more for a bit more comfort)...to England (short sail to Southhampton..or slightly longer cruise to Liverpool), to North America (Montreal, Halifax, Boston , NY, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Galveston)....
The conditions for steerage passengers on most shipping lines were bleak, on others a bit better.
I traced some large Romanian groups (60-120+) of young people (ages 15-30+), who had walked across the face of Europe to get to the aformentioned Bremerhaven...and set sail to Canada or the USA.
Conditions at the port during those years were sadly akin to Dante's Inferno....every possible flim-flam criminal element, including those specializing in "shanghai-ing" unsuspecting migrants, was at work at all of these ports.
My research was ably supplemented by German historical documents recounting the "police blotters" of the day, even though it was quite well known that the German port police turned the other cheek more often than not...
Just some intersting historical background that probably means nothing very important to the OP's question or to anyone else...unless you've had ancestor's who came through these ports at that time.
stu t.
Nov 16th, 2008, 07:46 PM
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My daughter and I are thoroughly enjoying everyone's suggestions and info. She is particularly interested in the two Christmas markets now! Keep any previous trip reports and info coming as I am adding it to my file for the trip.
Nov 17th, 2008, 03:02 AM
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I was in Bremen for work in September of last year and found it to be reasonably nice. Some specific points...
The University
I was actually working at the university, so if your daughter's graduate school program is on the main campus I can comment on it. Overall fairly typical of northern European faculties constructed during the (I'd guess) '70s: modern, a bit drear, not necessarily in the best repair but not bad. Not particularly political in tone. The campus is served by the tram system, a nice plus, and some days there was a small market at the tram station stop.
Train station area
I stayed at a newly constructed (and very nice) Swisshotel near the train station. Area immediately around the station is a bit seedy, with a strong immigrant feel and a bit of pornography, but not bad. As you walk towards the waterfront things get progressively nicer, with good shopping, and finally the tourist areas. Very charming.
Airport
It's small but very close to town and modern, and benefits from a tram line that goes all the way to the station. Served by low cost as well as mainline airlines (I arrived on AirFrance, deparated on Ryanair) so she can get around easily and cheaply.
The University
I was actually working at the university, so if your daughter's graduate school program is on the main campus I can comment on it. Overall fairly typical of northern European faculties constructed during the (I'd guess) '70s: modern, a bit drear, not necessarily in the best repair but not bad. Not particularly political in tone. The campus is served by the tram system, a nice plus, and some days there was a small market at the tram station stop.
Train station area
I stayed at a newly constructed (and very nice) Swisshotel near the train station. Area immediately around the station is a bit seedy, with a strong immigrant feel and a bit of pornography, but not bad. As you walk towards the waterfront things get progressively nicer, with good shopping, and finally the tourist areas. Very charming.
Airport
It's small but very close to town and modern, and benefits from a tram line that goes all the way to the station. Served by low cost as well as mainline airlines (I arrived on AirFrance, deparated on Ryanair) so she can get around easily and cheaply.
Nov 17th, 2008, 03:48 AM
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A Bremen tradition that is fun to watch has to do with people who are not yed married by their 30th birthday. You may be lucky and see a party in front of the cathedral.
When a guy turns 30 and is still single, he has to sweep the stairs of the cathedral (to show what a neat and useful husband he'd make, I guess) until a girl comes and kisses him. A woman has to polish the door handles of the main portal instead of sweeping to prove her housewife qualities.
Maybe this was a serious way of finding a partner in former times - nowadays it is an excellent excuse for that person's friends to party and make fun of him or her.
When a guy turns 30 and is still single, he has to sweep the stairs of the cathedral (to show what a neat and useful husband he'd make, I guess) until a girl comes and kisses him. A woman has to polish the door handles of the main portal instead of sweeping to prove her housewife qualities.
Maybe this was a serious way of finding a partner in former times - nowadays it is an excellent excuse for that person's friends to party and make fun of him or her.
Nov 17th, 2008, 04:52 AM
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Every year around october ther is a large (carnival) fair: www.freimarkt.de
Agree with above replies; nice historic city center, good shopping, good food, young/vibrant feel (university) etc. All in all a pleasant city.
Just recently a large mall has opened near the waterfront: www.waterfront-bremen.de
Agree with above replies; nice historic city center, good shopping, good food, young/vibrant feel (university) etc. All in all a pleasant city.
Just recently a large mall has opened near the waterfront: www.waterfront-bremen.de
Nov 17th, 2008, 08:27 AM
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I think that you all need to write for the travel books as you are providing me with some wonderful information that I cannot find anywhere. Keep it coming-I am getting soooo excited about visiting that area.
Nov 17th, 2008, 08:01 PM
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We went to Bremen a couple of times within the last 5 years. One of our favorite places to eat is the traditional Ratskeller (cellar under the Townhall) which served 300 kinds of german wine along with an extensive traditional german menu at reasonable prices. It's a must see/experience.
What's great about Bremen is the architecture in the oldtown and the Schnoor district. I second Gradyghost's recommendation of the Park Hotel, it's a nice hotel to stay but the Hilton is also great for its strategic location in the heart of old town. I would say avoid staying around the train station (though it is a skateboarder's heaven). Once you cross the river toward the old town, then the street will turn into a nice long shopping lane which will take you through a shopping maze where you need to turn left to reach the ornate townhall.
What's great about Bremen is the architecture in the oldtown and the Schnoor district. I second Gradyghost's recommendation of the Park Hotel, it's a nice hotel to stay but the Hilton is also great for its strategic location in the heart of old town. I would say avoid staying around the train station (though it is a skateboarder's heaven). Once you cross the river toward the old town, then the street will turn into a nice long shopping lane which will take you through a shopping maze where you need to turn left to reach the ornate townhall.
