Bremen, amazing rathaus, markt and art nouveau area

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June 27th 2013

Published: June 27th 2013

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evangelia

Swineherd and pigs sculpture

At the beginning of busy downtown pedestrian area.

Bremen, smallest state in Germany. About 3 and half hours by train with two (tight) changes from Paderborn - quite a challenge as there were some hold ups with railworks. We had 8 minutes to change at Bielefeld and we knew it was touch and go. The conductor had very limited English and all I had was a phrase book, however, a young Mexican girl helped us out with her knowledge of some German and English. The conductor rang ahead and just as we were getting off the train in a panic, an announcement (in German) said that the connection to Nieberg was going to wait for us. This was related to us in English by our Mexican friend. All was well after a swift dash down the stairs, along the passage, up the stairs to the new platform and on to the next train. As usual, the lifts were not working and anyhow we did not have time to muck around!

Back to Bremen! Weather still cool but off we went to the historical Marktplatz (Market Square) - one of the most impressive in terms of beautiful (Weser renaissance buildings) - gabled buildings with ornate scrolling and decoration. In

Near our hotel

Windmill is a restaurant

front of the town hall is a large imposing statue of Roland (one of Charlemagne's knights) and beside the town hall is a statue of the mascots of the town "Town Musicians of Bremen" by the German sculptor, Gerhard Marck. The donkey has a shiny nose from people rubbing it for good luck! These fairytale characters appear all over the town as is expected!

From the Markt we walked down Bottcherstrasse. This street was commissioned by the character who invented decaff coffee in the 20's and all the buildings have been built and decorated in the Art Nouveau style. I love this style so I was thrilled to amble through this area of the city.

The end of this street brought us to the Weser River where we promenaded with a too cold wind! We were happy to reach the narrow laneways of the old fisherman's quarter and former red light district called Schnoorviertal. Lots of little restaurants and gift shops and, yes, lots of "Musicians"!

Onwards we went, crossing the river, to the University and theatre district, through some lovely park areas. We completed our historical walk at the St Petri cathedral - I went in,

Town Hall (Rathaus)

One of the many impressive buildings around the (UNESCO) Marktplatz

Greg stayed out - as is the norm. I have been in so many Gothic cathedrals that I feel I am becoming a bit "over them". I did go down some stairs here but not to a crypt this time. It was a room of silence! Smelled very musty. Apparently there is a cellar in this cathedral where there are open coffins containing 8 mummified bodies - no thanks to that! Some young people were lined up to have a look at this gruesome site and even were going to pay for the privilege!!

Walked back to the Bottcherstrasse for lunch. We ate at a large restaurant whose walls were covered with black and white photos of post ww2 political figures snapped during the DDR days and East/West Germany. Name of this place "Standige Vertretung" or "StaeV" for short. We ordered a plate of Bremen Specialties which included some herring, potatoes (of course), and also Bremer Knipp which is a specialty of pork, onions and oatmeal - heartily seasoned and fried crisp. 'Hearty' is a good word to describe food here. Portions are hearty too 😊

Bremen ist gut even when overcast and showery.

"Tschüs" as most