In a nutshell

  • Spending a few days in Bremen and looking for a great day trip? You’ve come to the right place!
  • We’ll show you 6 of the best excursions in the Bremen area — our personal favorites are the Blockland and Bunker Valentin.
  • Traveling with kids? Head to the Havenwelten in Bremerhaven or make a day of it at the North Sea in Cuxhaven.
  • Haven’t booked a place to stay yet? Check out our tips for where to stay in Bremen!

Blockland

River in the Blockland
The Blockland is one of the best day trip destinations near Bremen

What do you need to know? The Blockland is a gorgeous river landscape and an official neighborhood of Bremen. It’s incredibly rural out here — you’ll hardly believe you’re still within city limits. The little Wümme River winds its way through meadows, fields, and past half-timbered cottages. Simply ideal for getting out of the city, and one of the most beautiful highlights in Bremen.

Is it worth it? Totally! The Blockland is the best day trip from Bremen if you don’t want to travel far and are looking for outdoor activities in Bremen. You can go canoeing, ice skating, and much more.

Our tip: Take a bike ride out to the Blockland. Since no public transit runs here, it’s honestly the best way to explore the area. Alternatively, bus lines 20 and 28 get you close, and you can walk the rest of the way.

Bunker Valentin

Bunker Valentin
Bunker Valentin is our favorite day trip from Bremen (Photo: Der Lipper)

What do you need to know? Bunker Valentin is a former submarine bunker in the Bremen neighborhood of Rekum. Built during World War II, it now serves as a memorial, monument, and event venue. The site focuses especially on the history of forced laborers during the war.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. This day excursion from Bremen is sobering, but we think it’s really important to learn about the history of this place. The sheer scale of the structure is seriously impressive too.

Our tip: Admission is free. You can find more information on the Bunker Valentin website.

How do you get there? Bunker Valentin is located about 30 kilometers northwest of Bremen. By public transit, you’ll need a good hour to get there; by car, it’s about 40 minutes.

Wümme Südarm

Wümme Südarm
The southern arm of the Wümme is a great stop between Hamburg and Bremen

What do you need to know? The Wümme is one of the cleanest rivers in northern Germany, flowing through Lower Saxony and Bremen. The southern arm of the Wümme, running along the state border between the two, is particularly beautiful. You can take stunning photos of the river here — a real under-the-radar spot near Bremen.

Is it worth it? Yes! We’d definitely recommend making a stop at the Wümme if you’re looking for a scenic destination between Bremen and Hamburg.

Our tip: We especially love the stretch of the Wümme near Ottersberg. You can get to Ottersberg by train directly from Bremen’s main station — or just drive if that’s easier.

Havenwelten Bremerhaven

Havenwelten in Bremerhaven
The Havenwelten in Bremerhaven offer plenty of great photo opportunities (Photo: Der Lipper)

What do you need to know? Not in the mood for nature? Then take one of the best day trips from Bremen to Bremerhaven. The city is part of the state of Bremen but sits right on the North Sea. The standout is the Havenwelten — the harbor district Bremerhaven is known for — where you’ll find the German Maritime Museum, the Columbus Center, and the Klimahaus.

Is it worth it? Yes, Bremerhaven is a great outing for architecture lovers and rainy days. Personally, though, we prefer destinations out in nature.

Our tip: Bremerhaven is one of the best day trips from Bremen with kids. The Klimahaus in particular is fantastic for children. Tickets for the Klimahaus are available on GetYourGuide.

Cuxhaven an der Nordsee

The Kugelbake is the landmark of Cuxhaven
The Kugelbake is the landmark of Cuxhaven

What do you need to know? On warm summer days, a trip to the North Sea is a must. The nearest spot with a beautiful long beach is Cuxhaven. From Cuxhaven station, you’ll need a short bus ride to reach the beach. The highlight is the Kugelbake at the eastern tip of the shoreline.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! We love the North Sea coast, and in Cuxhaven you can take wonderful walks along the beach. It’s also a fantastic destination with kids — perfect for building sandcastles and exploring the tidal flats.

Our tip: Before your visit, check the tide times in Cuxhaven — you really don’t want to make the trip for a swim only to find no water on the beach.

Accommodations: It’s also worth spending the night in Cuxhaven. We recommend the Hotel Deichvoigt.

Oldenburg

Oldenburg Castle
Oldenburg Castle

What do you need to know? If you want to visit another larger city near Bremen, Oldenburg is well worth your time. It’s a seriously underrated pick for a city break in Germany. The standout is the castle and its Schlossplatz. The Lamberti Church right next door is equally impressive.

Is it worth it? Yes! Oldenburg is totally underrated — and in addition to its beautiful buildings, several rivers flow through the city, giving it a really relaxed, laid-back vibe.

Accommodations: If you want to spend the night in Oldenburg, Hotel Wieting is a great choice.