Bremerhaven - shortlisted in the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism Competition

Bremerhaven, Germany is a unique maritime tourist destination located on the North Sea coast, with a rich history as an important trading port. Today, the city is home to prestigious climate and energy research institutions and strives to share its knowledge with residents and visitors.  

The city goes to great lengths to protect its coastal landscape and other ecologically sensitive areas and ensures its tourism model upholds the same sustainability goals. To preserve the natural beauty and diversity of the region, the city implements practices such as protecting habitats, reducing waste and using resources sparingly to help minimise environmental impacts.

Bremerhaven has outstanding expertise in climate and resource protection. In 2005, Bremerhaven was the first German city to be awarded the title ‘City of Science‘. The coastal city is the German center for the offshore wind energy industry, but science and research extend to topics such as oceanography, climate research, port management, maritime transport, logistics and the food and fishing industry. In addition to the PHÄNOMENTA Science Center, the newly opened 360° Fischbahnhof exhibition, the Historical Museum, the Zoo at the Sea with the North Sea Aquarium, the Climate House, the German Emigration Center and the German Maritime Museum are among the cultural and educational institutions that attract visitors from all over the region.

Bremerhaven has prioritised creating an accessible city for a smooth tourist experience. A tactile model of Bremerhaven's city centre and main railway station, also equipped with Braille, enables visually impaired people to find their way around. Rental e-bikes are available for residents and visitors with wheelchairs, visual impairments, hearing loss, cognitive impairments and mobility impairments. The city has even developed special cycling tours for those with disabilities to allow everyone to enjoy environmentally friendly and outdoor activities.

The city's history and its importance as Europe's leading location for the fish and food industry shape the tourist and culinary experience in Bremerhaven. Bremerhaven's maritime tourist offer is reflected in events such as the international windjammer festival SAIL Bremerhaven, which takes place every five years and attracts over 1.2 million visitors. The ‘Maritime Days‘ and ‘Fish Party‘ events offer a culinary festival for fish lovers and gourmets. The two-hour round trip ‘Tour de Fish’ and ‘Fish Bites Tour’ through the fishery harbour offer exciting travel experiences for different target groups.