Question: What if I told you that Bremen-Nord is more than just a district? It’s a storybook waiting to be opened. Bremen-Nord is a northern district of Bremen. It sits where the Lesum River meets the Weser.
Let’s explore this fascinating part of Bremen together. About 400 years ago, Germany’s first artificial harbor was built here. This harbor boosted Vegesack’s importance significantly.
Vegesack is the central section of Bremen-Nord. It features the harbor which is now a museum. You can also enjoy the Weser promenade and the Kitohaus here.
The district of Vegesack was established long before the 14th century. It became a preferred berth for sailing ships. They sought shelter in winter or during stormy seasons. Workshops, accommodations, and pubs emerged to serve the sailors.
The name “Vegesack” appeared first in 1453. Its origin remains a mystery. It might come from the pub “Thom Fegesacke”.
Vegesack often changed hands through history. It was Swedish in 1648. Then Danish in 1712. Briefly Bremish in 1802. French in 1810. Finally, it became part of Bremen again in 1939.
Between 1619 and 1623, Germany’s first artificial harbor was built in Vegesack. The river Weser had become too shallow. Big ships could no longer reach Bremen’s harbor. So, goods were transshipped in Vegesack to smaller boats. These boats then carried goods to Bremen.
In 1863, Adolph Bermpohl founded the forerunner of the German life boat service here. He taught navigation in Vegesack.
Later in 1893, a fishing company arose. By the mid-1930s, it was Europe’s biggest herring fleet. Vegesack was its port. The company closed in the 1960s.
Johann Lange founded the Lange shipyard in 1805. In 1817, this company constructed Germany’s first steaming ship named Die Weser.
The Lange and Ulrich shipyards were in Vegesack in the early 19th century. These shipyards preceded the Bremer Vulkan shipyard. Together with the Janssen/Sager shipyard, Vegesack was the greatest shipbuilding site on the Weser.
In 1896, the Bremer Vulkan shipyard was founded. It became the greatest shipyard for civilian shipbuilding before World War I. The Vulkan Group became Germany’s greatest shipbuilding company in the 1970s. It employed about 22000 workers. The Vegesack shipyard closed in 1997.
The Lürssen shipyard was founded in 1875. It remains one of Germany’s greatest shipyards. Its headquarters are at the Vegesack harbor. Production facilities are across the Weser in Lemwerder.
Bremen-Nord is a vibrant district. It mixes historical significance with modern life. Its story is etched in shipyards, harbors, and the spirit of its people. It is a blend of tradition and progress. Bremen-Nord is a testament to Bremen’s maritime legacy.