Picture a sprawling green space. This is the Pauliner Marsch. It sits nestled between the Weser River and the Osterdeich in Bremen. This area boasts a rich history and offers diverse leisure activities.
The Pauliner Marsch gets its name from the medieval Paulskloster. This monastery managed the Weser meadows. Until the 19th century, the area served as pastureland for livestock. In 1803, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen acquired the Pauliner Marsch. It came from the Bremische Evangelische Kirche.
Around 1890, the construction of the Osterdeich changed the landscape. Over a third of the Pauliner Marsch became Binnendeichsland and was soon built upon. However, sports clubs established the first sports fields in the remaining area before World War I. In 1909, a sports field with a wooden grandstand emerged. Later in 1926, it was upgraded with a concrete grandstand. This was the ABTS-Kampfbahn. It was the precursor to today’s Weser Stadium. Werder Bremen has played there since 1930. In 1925, the Stadionbad opened. Then came the Bezirkssportanlage Pauliner Marsch. Later the Sportgarten was added.
A continuous cycling and hiking trail was created along the Weser. This is the Weserpromenade. It leads past the Kleingartengebiete Im Suhrfelde. It goes to the Rosengarten am Jakobsberg. There you find the sports facilities of the Hastedter TSV. The trail ends at the Bremer Weserwehr.
Let’s talk about the Jürgenshof. It is located at Pauliner Marsch 1. It was once a shepherd’s farm. It belonged to the Paulskloster. From 1560, it was part of the Domstrukturei of Bremen Cathedral. Since 1803, it has belonged to the city of Bremen. The city transferred the farm to the Remberti-Hospital. In 1810, a summer restaurant was built in a new building. In 1870, Johann Jürgens acquired the farm through marriage. In 1969, the Sparkasse Bremen took over the property as a foundation. The Jürgenshof underwent extensive renovation in 1971 and 1972. Since then, a tenant has operated it as a restaurant. Since 1986, a project has been running on the adjacent horse pasture with young people. It promotes the appropriate keeping of animals.
The Karl-Carstens-Brücke connects the green areas on both sides of the Weser. It was built in 1970. Locals call it the Erdbeerbrücke or Strawberry Bridge. Also, the pedestrian bridge over the Weserwehr in Hastedt links the areas. The name Erdbeerbrücke refers to the strawberry fields. They were once common in Habenhausen.
Today, the Pauliner Marsch is Bremen’s “mobile mile”. It lies between the Weser and Osterdeich. The green area includes several plots and wide meadows. The 7,000 square meter Sportgarten is a leisure paradise for everyone. The Sportgarten offers various sports. These include soccer, climbing, swimming, and skating. Jogging and relaxing are also popular. This publicly accessible facility offers space for individual sports and team sports. It hosts events and birthday parties.
In the midst of nature, you can find the animal and landscape project of the association. Two donkeys, several horses and goats live here in open stables. It recalls the area’s long tradition. For centuries, the Pauliner Marsch served as pastureland for the city’s inhabitants. The project continues this historical use. It also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity in Bremen. It is for both people and animals.
So, the Pauliner Marsch isn’t just a green space. It is a vibrant area with a rich history. It is a place where sports, nature, and community come together. It is a testament to Bremen’s commitment to recreation and preserving its heritage.