Bremerhaven & The German Emigration Center

Do you know how your ancestors got to the USA?

All Year Round

Dates:  , 

Between 1830 and 1974 more than 7 Million people boarded their ships in Bremerhaven in search for a better life in the New World. All this and more is waiting to be experienced and marveled in the biggest city on the German North Sea Coast!

The most evident sign of the cities’ emigrant history is the German Emigration Center. Since August 2005 more than 550,000 visitors followed the paths of their ancestors in this unique museum, among them 5,000 Americans searching for their own personal history or following the path of an emigrant biography. The museum touches you, informs you, throws light on the topic of emigration, invites you to experience and offers state of the art research facilities.

The emotional presentation of history by way of stagings and the thorough academic approach to this special topic, contributed to the awarding of the renowned prize „European Museum of the Year 2007“ to the German Emigration Center.

To get a first hand impression of the extraordinary emigrant story Bremerhaven has put together a 2-day package tour for groups and individuals. Arrival is possible daily, accommodations are included and a choice of two exciting museums are part of the program, but don’t worry you still have enough time to stroll along the dyke, take a harbor cruise or just enjoy the maritime atmosphere.

Take the opportunity to feel the signs of the past in Bremerhaven during the „Lütte Sail 2008“ (August 27th -31st 2008). On this festive weekend, with many maritime attractions you can witness windjammers from 20 nations in the harbors of Bremerhaven, which invite you to „open ship“.

Another exciting event in Bremerhaven will take place the beginning of October 2008: “Elvis the Train 2008” - October 1st, 1958 Elvis first set foot as a soldier on the Columbus Quay in Bremerhaven. This 50th anniversary will be grandly celebrated in Bremerhaven with various exhibitions and a big 50/60ties party. To top it off a historical train will take Elvis fans from Bremerhaven to the Ray Barrracks.

First day / 1. Tag
After settling into the hotel of your choice, enjoy a walk along the River Geeste followed by a visit to the Bremerhaven Historical Museum. Experience how this important port came into existence. The enormous steam engine, the shipyards, the shelter and the former fish shop are only a few of the many exhibits on your tour.

Second day / 2. Tag
After breakfast you will board one of our barges for a harbor cruise. The captain will be your guide and will talk about the highlights of this cruise while showing you the largest ships in the world. We then continue to the German Emigration Center Bremerhaven. 7 Million emigrants left Germany in the last 200 years or so. Were your parents, grand - or great grand parents part of that group? The museum has a huge electronic databank with emigration details. Try to find your ancestors! A must for those of German descend! Then wander over to the other side of the dyke and walk the embankment promenade with its huge, modern lock and inhale the North Sea air!

Dates/availability (prices valid for 2009):
Daily arrival possible in 2009
From November until March entrance to Zoo at the Sea or Atlanticum instead of harbor cruise

Prices/conditions

Package includes:

• One overnight stay

• Breakfast in your hotel

• Entrance Historical Museum Bremerhaven

• Entrance German Emigration Center

• Harbor cruise with a barge (April – October)

• Detailed travel documents incl. city and regional maps

• Travel insurance with regard to insolvency (German law)

• Travel cancellation expenses insurance

Please call us for further information and bookings!