Our Bremen Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Germany. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? 

We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips. It’s all compiled in this Bremen Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip to Bremen.

  • When is the best time to travel to Bremen?

    When is the best time to travel to Bremen?

    Bremen has an Oceanic climate, with average temperatures ranging from 2ºC in winter to 18ºC in summer.

    • July-August is peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly. As for weather, it’s the best time to visit Bremen, though. 
    • May-June and September-October are great times to visit. The weather is pleasant, you’ll avoid the peak season’s throngs, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable. Keep a jumper just in case, though.
    • Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 9-12 rainy days per month.
  • Bremen basics

    Bremen basics
    • Languages: Primary: German; Secondary: English
    • Plug Types: C and F
    • Electricity: 220-240 V
    • Currency: Euro (€)
    • International Dialling code: +49 421
    • Emergency telephone number: 112
  • How to get to my hotel in Bremen?

    How to get to my hotel in Bremen?

    Bremen Airport Hans Koschnick

    Bremen Airport Hans Koschnick lies 3.5 km south of the city centre. Simply called Bremen Airport, it features 1 large terminal split into 3 sections and 1 runway. It’s home to a good range of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach central Bremen:

    • A taxi takes around 15 minutes. The taxi rank is right in front of the terminal.
    • The tram (S-Bahn), line 6, takes you to the city centre in around 15-20 minutes. The tram station is in front of the terminal.
    • The bus, line 52, can take you to central Bremen in around 20 minutes. The bus station is in front of the terminal.
    • Car hire options can be found in terminal 3 opposite the check-in counters.

    Bremen Hauptbahnhof (Bremen main railway station)

    Known in German as Bremen Hauptbahnhof, Bremen's main railway station sits just north of the Old Town, the city centre. Opened in 1847, it’s a splendid red-brick building listed under the monument protection act. It’s home to a great shopping and dining area and is worth a visit, even if you do not have to take a train. From here, you can get anywhere in Bremen by tram, bus, taxi or hired car (car rental agencies can be found a walk away from the train station).

    foto av Politikaner (CC BY-SA 3.0) redigerad

  • How to get around Bremen?

    Travel tips

    How to get around Bremen?

    Getting around Bremen on foot is the best way to discover the Old Town, which is rather compact. Within 1 sq km, you’ll find landmarks and attractions such as the Marktplatz, Bremen Town Hall and the St. Peter's Cathedral, just to name a few. Central Bremen also hosts lively dining and shopping scenes. For longer journeys, Bremen has a good choice of public and private transport services at hand to get you around the city. See below.

    foto av Norman Oetting (CC BY-SA 3.0) redigerad

  • Bremer Straßenbahn AG

    Bremer Straßenbahn AG
    • The BSAG (Bremer Straßenbahn AG) operates tram and bus networks. They offer the most convenient and affordable way to travel around Bremen.
    • The tram features 4 lines and 46 stations.
    • Tickets can be purchased at BSAG customer centres and sales points. Vending machines are at hand at the airport and at the main train station.

    foto av Uwca (CC BY-SA 4.0) redigerad

  • Taking a taxi in Bremen

    Taking a taxi in Bremen
    • Many taxi companies operate in Bremen. Popular companies include Taxi-Ruf Bremen (0421 14014), Taxi Roland (0421 14433), and Bremer-Taxi IG (0421 38 709 454).
    • Many taxi ranks can be found across the city, mostly near hotels, major attractions and at the main train station.
    • Taxis can be hailed on the street, unless a taxi rank is nearby.
    • Payment of the fare by credit card is usually possible but it’s better to ask the driver before starting your journey.

    foto av Michael Glotz-Richter (CC BY-SA 3.0) redigerad

  • Cycling around Bremen with WK-Bike

    Cycling around Bremen with WK-Bike
    • Bremen features a bike-sharing scheme called WK-Bike.
    • It offers a cool, affordable and healthy way to explore the city on clear days.
    • You just need to download the WK-Bike app on your mobile phone to register.

    foto av Togamek (CC BY-SA 3.0) redigerad

  • What are the main annual events in Bremen?

    What are the main annual events in Bremen?

    Bremen Carnival

    • What: One of Germany’s largest samba festivals, it features colourful costumes, energising Brazilian dance and music, and a true festive ambience. The highlight of the Bremen Carnival is the joyful parade that goes from the Market Square to the bohemian Steintor quarter.
    • When: February
    • Where: in the city centre

    Freimarkt fair

    • What: Attracting around 4 million visitors, the Bremen Freimarkt fair is one of the major festivals in Germany. This gigantic funfair features over 300 attractions and rides.
    • When: October
    • Where: at the Bürgerweide near Bremen's old quarter

    Christmas market

    • What: Bremen Christmas Market is almost a must-see due to its atmospheric ambience. Held in the stunning surrounds of the Old Town, which is especially illuminated for Christmas, it’s a fair filled with shops and delicious street food stalls.
    • When: December
    • Where: Bremer Marktplatz