Bremen’s proud history embodied in stone: spotlight on UNESCO World Heritage
Bremen lives and breathes history and culture. The Hanseatic city on the Weser is not only famous for its fairy-tale musicians, but also for the outstanding UNESCO World Heritage that draws in crowds from all over the world.
Bremen Town Hall and Ratskeller
Bremen Town Hall is the historical heart of the Hanseatic city of Bremen and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only one of its kind on the list of cultural landmarks. In 1405, the cornerstone for the council building was laid at the councillors’ request. It took five years to build the ‘Old Town Hall’ in a multi-storey Gothic style, separated into the lower town hall and the upper town hall, with smaller individual rooms on the north side. In the 16th century, it was given the picturesque Weser Renaissance style façade that still captivates visitors to this day.
As the seat of the regional government, it only opens its doors to the public for guided tours, exhibitions and markets. The underground Ratskeller, home to the largest collection of German wines, is open at all times.
The Bremen Roland Statue, guardian of law and freedom
Erected in 1404, the majestic Bremen Roland Statue stands as a symbol of civil rights, freedom and market rights and is a must-see for any visitor to Bremen. The 10-metre-tall standing figure embodies the independence of Bremen and is a fascinating example of medieval stone sculpture. Roland is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the proud history and tradition of the Hanseatic city.
UNESCO World Heritage Days – celebrating culture and history
Every year, Bremen honours its cultural history by hosting the UNESCO World Heritage Days, an event which highlights the significance and uniqueness of world heritage. This event offers locals and tourists alike the opportunity to rediscover the deep historical roots of the city and the World Heritage Sites, with guided tours, presentations and cultural activities. The next dates for the World Heritage Days are 30 May to 1 June 2025.
Bremen Go – history meets state-of-the-art technology
The innovative augmented reality app ‘Bremen Go’ takes visitors on an interactive trail of discovery around the market square. The app cleverly combines the real world with interesting digital information, images and stories. It explores the depths of the Ratskeller, the golden surroundings of the upper town hall and the Güldenkammer. What is more, the tour guides are none other than the famous Musicians of Bremen!
Sonja Hackmann
+49 421 3080026
Bremen is a Hanseatic City on the Weser in the North of Germany. The city has its own airport and great connections to the railway network. From London Heathrow (LHR), you can get to Bremen (BRE) with Lufthansa in only 3 hours and 50 minutes, with just one stop. From London Stansted (STN), you have also non-stop flights with Ryanair.
