Home >
Germany >
Car Hire in Bremen
Bremen
Germany's oldest coastal city, Bremen has been called "the ancient town by the grey river" and "the Rome of the north". Now second only to Hamburg among German ports, Bremen grew from a small fishing settlement and was a significant port by the end of the 8th century. During the Middle Ages it was one of the strongest members of the Hanseatic League. The centre of the city is Markplatz, which is overlooked by a 9-metre statue of the city's protector, Roland. Local legend believes that the city will remain free as long as the statue continues to stand. Wallanlagen (Rampart promenade) is a park where the Hanseatic ramparts used to defend the city - they are long gone, but the park is a wonderful place for a quiet stroll from Markplatz, along the canal to the ancient windmill which is still in use. The old quarter of Bremen is at Schnoor, where the old cottages of the fishermen have been restored for artists and artisans to show their craftsmanship. Visitors enjoy not only the atmosphere but also the unusual restaurants and shops. Böttcherstrasse is a reproduction of a brick-paved medieval alley, complete with restaurants, shops and a museum. Try to visit around noon, 3 pm or 6 pm, when the Meissen bells chime for 15 minutes. Although the area has been renovated, there are still some fine historical buildings to be seen. Walking tours of Bremen are popular, while boat trips from the harbour are also available.