Car Hire Bremerhaven - Mini guide to Bremerhaven

Located in the northwest of Germany on the North Sea, Bremerhaven is awash with maritime history and boasts one of the biggest container ports in the world. Bremerhaven is also a popular shopping town and hosts one of Europe’s best museums.

The Schifffahrtsmuseum (National Maritime Museum) is the main attraction, featuring historical information and displays on German and worldwide shipping. Exhibits include real ships and the fascinating 14th century Hanse-Kogge. Additionally, the Seute Deern, an old wooden sailing ship, now converted into a restaurant, is in the harbour close to the town.

Despite modern development, Bremerhaven retains its old town of cobbled squares and beautiful churches. Even as you stroll around the many department stores and boutiques, seaport pubs and chic bistros, you won’t lose sight of a ship for long. From the town centre, head down to the attractive promenade and charming harbour, where you can take a boat trip out to the lighthouse.

The town attracts thousands of visitors each year for its week-long Summer Festival, which transforms Bremerhaven into a centre for music, food, dance and beer. The majority of bars and restaurants are centred on the Schaufenster Fischereihafen.

If you have a car, Cuxhaven is a popular beach resort to the north; alternatively, the port of Bremen, to the south, is famous for its highly atmospheric fishermen's quarter. Farther afield, Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg, has many fine museums and galleries. It also boasts wonderful parks and gardens and is well known for its notorious nightlife.

The north-south (Cuxhaven–Bremen) A27 autobahn runs through Bremerhaven, while the A1 runs east-west, south of Bremen. The nearest airport is Bremen Airport; from there, take tram number 6 outside the terminal building to the Bremen Central Railway Station from where trains to Bremerhaven run every hour.