Have you ever wondered how a street got its name? The Warturmer Heerstraße in Bremen has a fascinating history, much like the city itself. Standing here today, you are standing on a piece of history that stretches back for centuries and offers a glimpse into Bremen’s evolution.
You’re standing on a street called “Warturmer Heerstraße”, which translates loosely to “Watchtower Road”. This street was named after a small village called “Ware” which, in turn, was named after a fish weir that stood here on the river Ochtum. This village was already mentioned in 1201, making “Ware” one of the oldest villages in the region. The “Heer” part of the name comes from the fact that this road was once the main trading route from Bremen to Delmenhorst and Oldenburg.
The Warturm, or “Watchtower”, was built in 1309 to defend Bremen’s outer borders. The tower stood right next to the Ochtum, a vital river for the city. The Warturm, also known as the “Torn to de Warebrughen”, formed a part of a system of watchtowers that protected Bremen from invaders. For a long time, local farmers were in charge of maintaining the tower and its surrounding area. The road passing through the village became known as “Warturmer Heerstraße”.
For centuries, the “Warturmer Heerstraße”, which became a paved road in 1523, remained the main trading route out of Bremen. Then, in 1813, the Warturm was destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. This meant the end of the watchtower, however, the Zollhaus or “Toll House” on the other side of the road survived! Today, the Toll House, now known as the “Storchennest” or “Stork’s Nest”, is a restaurant and one of the oldest buildings in Bremen.
The “Storchennest” is not just a place for a nice meal. It is a silent witness to almost eight hundred years of history. This street, its history – It’s a story of life, trade and wars in and around Bremen. The Warturmer Heerstraße, with its old, well-preserved buildings, invites you to wander through time. The “Storchennest” restaurant with its traditional style offers a real taste of Bremen’s rich history – it’s simply enchanting!