Bremen City Hall – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Presentation of Bremen, the City Hall of Bremen and the Roland Statue

The City Hall of Bremen and the statue of Roland were classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004:

• The Bremen City Hall, built in 1404, is one of the most important Gothic brick buildings in Europe. It bears witness to the prosperity and autonomy of Bremen throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
• The statue of Roland, dating from 1404, depicts the protector of the city carrying the sword of Justice (known as the Durantal) and the shield decorated with the imperial eagle. The statue is located on the Marktplatz (market square) right in front of the facade of the town hall.

Bremen (Bremen in German) is a city in northwestern Germany with a very prosperous past. Indeed, Bremen belonged, like Lübeck and Hamburg, to the league of Hanseatic cities, the trading cities of Northern Europe. They controlled trade around the North Sea and the Baltic Sea during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Bremen (Bremen) is also known for the tale “The Musicians of Bremen” by the Brothers Grimm. The statue of the animals from the fairy tale can be seen at the entrance of the town hall.

Finally, Bremen is a big favorite in Germany for me. In the heart of the old town, you feel out of time, you stroll through a small village straight out of the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales!

Photograph Bremen

Exterior of the Bremen City Hall

The Bremen City Hall is impressive from the outside. It is the most imposing building on the Market Square after the Cathedral. It is best to be equipped with an ultra wide angle lens to take a picture of it. The statue of Rolland is just in front of the front of the city hall.

Interior of the Bremen City Hall

The interior is also worth a look. First of all, it houses in its basement the largest cellar in Germany with more than 2,000 uniquely German wines! Upstairs, the large halls bear witness to the splendor of the Great Bremen Era.

The market square (Marktplatz)

The market square is the heart of Bremen: here you can find the city hall and the magnificent cathedral, which for me is one of the most impressive in Germany.

Schnoor district

The Schnoor district is a small district made up of narrow streets with old fishermen’s houses dating from the 15th century. Be careful: this district is very touristic and the alleys are quickly crowded! For pictures, avoid going there in the middle of the day.

Photo Tips

Best times to take pictures

• In the evening: I advise to go there at nightfall with the lighting that gives a special atmosphere (on the market place or in the Schnoor district).
• Early morning: depending on the position of the sun, it can be interesting on the market place, but I didn’t have the chance to see a favorable weather for that. It’s up to you to test for me!

Photo equipment to take

• Objectives: wide angle, essential for the city hall and the cathedral.
• Tripods for particularly interesting night shots in Bremen

Photo spots in Bremen

• The market square with the town hall and the cathedral
• The Schnoor district