Excursions
Bremerhaven and Beyond
Bremen's Bold Move in 1827
The Weser was silting up, and Bremen risked losing its access to overseas trade. In 1827, Mayor Johann Smidt purchased a stretch of land at the river mouth from the Kingdom of Hanover – laying the foundation for Bremerhaven. What began as an engineering necessity grew into one of the most significant emigration ports of the 19th century.
Three Eras, One Weser
This river route carries roughly eight centuries of maritime history. Where Hanseatic cogs once brought wool and wine to Bremen, the steamers of the Norddeutscher Lloyd later carried emigrant families to New York. Today, container ships up to 400 metres long sail the Weser – and you cruise right through it all, bound for the North Sea.
