Exciting ‘Sail’ event celebrates maritime Bremen
The Hanseatic City of Bremen invites all visitors to discover its maritime side with a summer event highlighting its connection to the water.
Visitors to Bremen can stroll along the Schlachte riverside promenade in the sunshine, soaking up the city’s maritime charm and enjoying a refreshing drink to the familiar sound of seagulls’ crying. This is just one of the many ways you can feel just how important the sea is to Bremen.
Schlachte promenade along the Weser
The Schlachte riverside promenade is the perfect place for both locals and visitors to meet by the water on a sunny day. There are a variety of different places to eat and drink, with terraces and gardens boasting lovely views over the water. The quay is lined with both historic and modern ships for a real holiday vibe. During the summer season, there are around 2,000 seats available for guests in the beer gardens and terraces of the Schlachte.
Bremen also offers culinary delights on the water: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of different hospitality options on board the ships lining the Schlachte promenade. One of the real highlights is the Alexander von Humboldt, a three-masted tall ship that even has berths you can stay in overnight.
Boat trips of all kinds leave from the Martinianleger dock on the Schlachte, with a steady stream of tripper boats heading up and down the Weser in the summer. For example, you can head out on a Tour of the Weser and the docks, take a breakfast or candlelight trip or enjoy a foodie boat ride.
Maritime events
International Festival Maritim, 1 – 3 August
The International Festival Maritim in the Vegesack district of Bremen is an event that celebrates the soul of marine life. It combines music, culture and history and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The event takes place on the first weekend in August and is famous for its lively atmosphere, international artists and variety of musical genres, with rock, folk, ballads and much more ringing out from a total of eight open air stages. There are also street musicians popping up in the city’s squares and cafés.
SAiL Bremerhaven – Major marine show, 13 – 17 August
The culmination of the year’s maritime events is SAiL Bremerhaven, which draws visitors from all over the world to the port every five years. This large-scale tall ships festival brings the international sailing community together. The proud ships of all sizes and ages are the stars of the show in the heart of Bremerhaven. There are ‘open ships’ to explore, including yachts, steam ships and motorboats. The varied fringe programme includes some real foodie treats and great music.
Maritime Week, 13 – 21 September 2025
Maritime Week every September is a celebration of the Hanseatic city’s connection to the water. The week of events on the Weser promenade includes a variety of marine activities and experiences. With interesting talks, presentations, exhibitions, exciting boat trips and interactive water sports courses, Maritime Week is a feast for all the senses and a must for anyone interested in maritime history.
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.
