Thread by @CharmOfCulture

Next in the series on Germany’s 16 federal states: Bremen 🇩🇪

Germany’s smallest state is a historic Hanseatic city-state on the Weser River.

With a legacy of trade, maritime power, and independence, Bremen packs centuries of history into a compact area.

Lets explore🧵

The state of Bremen consists of two separate cities: Bremen and the North Sea port of Bremerhaven.

Bremen joined the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages, becoming a major trading hub.

Though small, it retained independence for centuries and remains a proud “Free Hanseatic City.”

📍 Bremen’s Old Town

The heart of the city is the Marktplatz, one of Germany’s most beautiful squares.

Here you’ll find the Town Hall and the Roland Statue, a medieval symbol of civic freedom and market rights.

📍 Bremen Town Musicians

A bronze statue near the Town Hall depicts the animals from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

Donkey, dog, cat, and rooster stand atop each other, symbolizing cooperation and cleverness.

Rubbing the donkey’s hooves is said to bring good luck.

📍 Schnoor Quarter

A maze of narrow alleys lined with 15th–18th century houses.

Once home to fishermen and artisans, today it’s filled with small shops, cafés, and galleries, preserving the charm of Bremen’s medieval past.

📍 Bremerhaven

Located 60 km north of Bremen, Bremerhaven is one of Europe’s largest ports.

It’s home to the German Emigration Center, which tells the story of millions who left Europe for the Americas, and the Klimahaus, a museum exploring global climate zones.

Cuisine & Traditions

Bremen blends maritime and northern German flavors:
-Knipp, a hearty oat-and-meat dish
-Labskaus, a sailor’s meal of corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot
-Fresh North Sea fish and smoked eel
-Locally brewed Beck’s beer, one of Germany’s most famous exports

Thanks for checking out my thread!

Follow along as the series continues

Next up: Hamburg 🇩🇪