I booked my trip to Bremen on a whim thanks to irresistibly cheap return flights and was excited to explore a city I knew relatively little about. I briefly googled before booking, just to make sure I wasn’t buying flights to an airport 100 miles from the city I wanted to visit – anyone who’s ever flown with Ryanair will know what I mean here. After confirming the city centre was just a tram ride away from the airport I blocked out the dates in my calendar and began to get excited for mulled wines and exploring.
I stayed in an AirBnB apartment, a short distance from the city centre, which was easily accessible by tram. A last minute work trip meant I had slightly less time in Bremen than originally anticipated but still more than enough to take in the sights. If you’ve come here following Sunday’s post you’ll already know that Botanika was a real highlight of my trip. But that’s not all Bremen had to offer.
First thing’s first: it was the end of November and I was in the mood for a little festive cheer so the Christmas markets were high on my list of ‘must-see’ places. I found two – a modern market in Market Square with handmade trinkets, gallons of Glühwein, (my tipple of choice was Feuerzangenbowle) and vast quantities of bread and potato-based goods. A short stroll from there led me to the Schlachte promenade, down by the river Weser, which played host to a really fun medieval market. Stall holders dressed in traditional garb luring passersby to their stalls with promises of potions, poisons, artisanal crafts and more.
The atmosphere was fun and friendly and as a solo traveller I felt very safe there. The backdrop for the markets was beautiful with stalls flanked by exquisite buildings that were works of art in their own rights.
Naturally I used my visit as an opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping which I mainly did at the markets and a little tucked away street named Böttcherstrasse. I discovered this gem late on my last day but made up for lost time in a lovely little tea shop – Germans have a tea for everything and boy am I glad they do.
I also popped into a terrific indoor market which sold items handcrafted by people with learning difficulties who are supported by a local charity. I was really impressed by the quality of the products – easily on par with the work of some of my favourite London ceramicists – and snapped up some beautiful crockery for my kitchen. I wish I’d been able to bring back more! Even though I was primarily looking for presents for other people I couldn’t resist bringing home a little Räuchermann, (smoking man), of my own which I’ve been wanting since I first went to Germany many moons ago.
Clear skies and milder weather made for good wandering and I really enjoyed taking my time, camera in hand, with nowhere in particular to be. I was bowled over by the city’s stunning architecture and it seemed that around every corner was a beautiful building waiting to be photographed.
I did most of my wandering on my last day – my first day was pretty much taken up with Botanika and a night time trip to the markets. I remembered a little too late that museums in Germany are traditionally closed on Mondays but I did manage to take a peek inside St Peter’s Cathedral. It’s free to visit and was a perfect pitstop when I began to tire.
The church is over 1200 years old and has a bit of a turbulent past having started out as Catholic and ending up Lutheran. Its beauty was breathtaking. I love the stillness of holy places. I always find they give my head the space it craves with living in such a busy city. Unfortunately the tower was closed when I visited but the views from the top are said to be magnificent so that’s definitely something I’d like to see next time I’m here. There’s a small charge of around €1 to go up the tower and if you’d like to go to a concert in the church ticket prices range between €10 and €30.
Although I managed to cram a lot into my short stay in Bremen there are still some things I’d love to see. I think a Summer visit would be ideal for a trip out to Blockland Dykes and of course I’d like to take a tour round the Town Hall and maybe visit one of Böttcherstrasse’s two museums while I’m in the area. I love a good cup of coffee too so a masterclass at and tour of the HAG coffee factory would be right up my street.
I’d love to hear about your travel plans for 2017. Are you planning the trip of a lifetime or revisiting old favourites? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to call back on Sunday for a new post.
Til next time,
LX
I had never heard of Bremen before your posts. Looks the perfect place for a Christmas style break but equally good in the Summer. Definitely hoping to go abroad this year at some point.Its been to long! X
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I really enjoyed it. Lots to see and do but very easy to navigate. Worth considering if you’re planning a trip later in the year.X
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I really enjoyed reading this. Bremen (our hometown) is such a beautiful city and if you ever come back I would recommend for you to check out the “Schnoor” and the “Viertel”, both not too far away from the City Center, with little shops and Cafés.
In 2017 I want to explore more and go to countries outside from Europe, so this year I am more opting for the “trip of a lifetime”.
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Thank you for reading and for your recommendations. I will definitely be back. I loved the people and the place. Have you decided where you might like to go on your trip of a lifetime?X
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Thankful to help. Let me know if you do.
No … I find it so hard to settle for one idea, as I want to see everything but hopefully I can make up my mind in the next months until I can finally go. x Lenja
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I will indeed! I know what you mean – there is so much choice! I am saving for a trip to the Galapagos though I have always wanted to see whales in Alaska. Decisions, decisions!X
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Oh yes, sounds both so good. On the one hand I want to explore all those beautiful northern countries (norway, iceland, canada …) and on the other hand I want to get to know more “exotic” places … puh. Good luck with all your dreams & plans!! x
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Same to you! I visited Iceland in the Summer a couple of years back and loved it. Incredible scenery, lovely people and a more nature-focused way of life. Hope you get there to see it for yourself soon.X
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Thank you. Oh yes that sounds so good, now even more excited. I mean the year is still young isn’t it?! x
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That’s the spirit!X
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I’m so happy you had a lovely trip! I loved the photo of the Christmas market all the lights! The church was also very beautiful!!
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Happy New Year Danielle! How have you been? Glad you liked my post. The church was such a perfect rest stop during the day. X
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Happy New Year Laura!! I am doing really well!! Your posts are always enjoyable to read!!
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That’s nice of you to say and I am very glad to hear this. Likewise!X
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