Breathe in the salty air. Bremerhaven’s Wehden welcomes you. This district holds stories of change and resilience. Wehden’s tale is interwoven with Bremerhaven’s own. Bremerhaven started as Bremen’s seaport in 1827. Bremen needed a haven for its merchant ships. The Weser River was silting up around Bremen. So, Bremen bought land from Hanover to create Bremerhaven.
But Wehden’s story goes back further. Neighboring settlements like Lehe existed as early as the 12th century. Tiny villages dotted the swampy estuary. Bremerhaven and nearby Geestemünde grew into rivals. Geestemünde belonged to Hanover. In 1924, Geestemünde and Lehe united to form Wesermünde. Then, in 1939, Bremerhaven was annexed to Wesermünde.
During World War II, Bremerhaven suffered greatly. Allied bombing destroyed 79% of the city. The Allies spared key parts of the port. They needed a harbor to supply their forces after the war. After the war, Wesermünde was controlled by the United States. In 1947, the city was renamed Bremerhaven. It became part of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen.
Wehden shares in this history. It has seen the rise and fall of fortunes. It has felt the impact of war and the hope of renewal. Today, Bremerhaven is a city in its own right. It is also part of the city-state of Bremen. The city of Bremen owns the “overseas port” within Bremerhaven. This area is known as stadtbremisch. Bremerhaven manages this area.
Bremerhaven is now a major port. It handles millions of containers and cars each year. The port’s container terminal sits on the Weser River. Bremerhaven imports and exports more cars than any other European city.
The weather here is temperate. Summers are mild. Winters are not too cold. Rain falls throughout the year. Snow is rare.
Bremerhaven attracts tourists with attractions like the Klimahaus Bremerhaven 8° Ost. The German Emigration Center tells the stories of those who left. The German Maritime Museum displays maritime history.
Every five years, Sail Bremerhaven brings tall ships from around the world. This event fills the harbor with impressive vessels.
Bremerhaven has a city council with 49 members. It also sends 15 members to Bremen’s parliament.
The Fischtown Pinguins are Bremerhaven’s ice hockey team. They play in Germany’s top league. Eisbären Bremerhaven is a basketball team.
Bremerhaven is also a center for research and education. The Alfred Wegener Institute studies maritime science and climate. The Fraunhofer Society has research labs for wind energy. Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences offers a range of programs.
Bremerhaven is twinned with several cities. These include Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in France and Grimsby in the UK.
As you explore Wehden, remember its past. This district is part of a city shaped by trade, war, and resilience. Wehden continues to evolve. It carries the spirit of Bremerhaven forward.