Best things to do in Bremerhaven

Sitting next to the river Weser, Zoo am Meer is home mainly to Nordic and aquatic species. Opened in 1928 under the name Tiergrotten, the zoo has expanded greatly over the decades to accommodate a greater variety of animals. Some of the more popular animals here are the polar bears, the South American sea lions, seals, and Humboldt penguins. Look for a number of reptiles and land animals, such as the mountain lion and the chimpanzee. Check for animal feeding times on the zoo's website.

Follow the journey of the 7 million Europeans who left their homeland via the port of Bremerhaven and headed for the New World at Deutsches Auswandererhaus, where you'll experience the process through interactive exhibits. When you enter, you are given an electronic boarding pass, each with the personal story of an individual who either emigrated or found a new home in Germany. Listen to the evolving story you've been assigned to find out what kind of life your person ended up living. Visit the 1950s-style Roxy Cinema to watch short films about immigration in Germany and European emigration to the United States and Argentina. You can even search for your own ancestors using the museum's research facilities. The onsite restaurant blends culinary traditions of the Old and New World. Its large outdoor terrace features views of the harbor.

War and boat buffs will want to see U-Boot Wilhelm Bauer, an exhibit where you can board and explore a World War II submarine. This craft is the only surviving submarine of the German navy of the time period. Most areas of the sub are open to exploration, and you can experience just how little space the men had here. Descriptions are offered in English. Keep in mind that navigating the small spaces may be difficult for visitors with mobility issues.

Travel the world longitudinally via the eighth meridian and venture into a host of climate zones at Klimahaus Bremerhaven. Nearly 600,000 visitors per year come to experience the climates of Isenthal in Langeness, Germany; Switzerland; Sardinia, Italy; Kanak, Niger; Ikenge, Cameroon; Antarctica; Samoa; and Alaska--and ending right back in Bremerhaven. The exhibit, which spans about 18,800 sq m (4.6 acres), is equal parts educational and artistic.

Originally built in the late 1800s, Schaufenster Fischereihafen served as the largest fishing port in Europe until the 1960s. Still bustling with activity, the restored port now offers a maritime adventure world, boat rides around the harbor, and a look of old fishing boats. A visit to the aquarium and a meal of seafood will make this visit complete.

A hands-on museum, Deutsches Schiffahrts Museum details the history of ships from medieval times through modern day. With many interactive exhibits, such as remote-controlled ships, plus models you can climb on and explore, the attraction makes for an interesting outing for children as well as adults. You can even board a recovered submarine that was pulled from the sea after World War II and restored for use by the German navy. The event schedule online will give you a glimpse of special events occurring during your intended visit.

The German Maritime Museum (German: Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum (DSM)) is a museum in Bremerhaven, Germany. It is part of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Scientific Community. The main museum building was opened on 5 September 1975 by then-president of Germany Walter Scheel, though scientific work already had started in 1971. In 2000, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the museum, the Hansekogge, a ship constructed around 1380 that was found in the Weser river in 1962, was presented to the public after having undergone a lengthy process of conservation in a large preservative-filled basin.

The museum consists of the building planned by Hans Scharoun as well as several museum ships in the Old Harbour of Bremerhaven, including the Seute Deern windjammer. Since 2005, the buildings and 8 ships are listed as protected heritage ensemble.

Meyer Werft lets you tour one of world's leading builders of luxury passenger ships. Take in the size of the ships, as well as the engineering necessary to construct them, while you learn about the history of the shipyard and the processes that take place inside. Group tours are only available in German, but you can ask for notes in English at the shop. Private English tours can be arranged through the tourist office if you are willing to spend more money for one.