Bremen’s Marketplace

In the large market square of Bremen, a limestone knight looks out across the centre of town.

Towering in height, a sword in one hand and a shield resting on his torso, he is a symbol of a once powerful city (not that Bremen should be dismissed these days).

A protector and a beacon of strength, this stone paladin has stood in the same place for more than 500 years.

His name is Roland, so he is known as the Bremen Roland. Erected in 1404, he is more than just a statue. He represents the independence from the Catholic Church that the city enjoyed, part of a movement that would gradually spread across this part of Europe.

To stand here, and look up at the Bremen Roland, is to instantly connect yourself to the important heritage of the city.

These days, Bremen is the second-largest city in northern Germany (after Hamburg), and is a fascinating place.

As well as having a reputation as a friendly and fun destination (as is often the case with a university town), it blends its beautiful heritage buildings with modern industry focusing on things like aviation and space.

But when you visit Bremen, I recommend you start your exploration at the Bremen Roland and the Bremen Town Hall right next to it. These two elements of a World Heritage Site are a perfect introduction to the city.

To understand why they’re both such important sights, it helps to look back to the time when the iconic statue was added to the landscape of Bremen,

The Bremen Roland

The Bremen Roland was erected in 1404 as a representation of the rights and privileges that Bremen had as a free and imperial city – controlled by the governing merchants and the guilds, not by the church or feudal lords.

To be a free city in the Middle Ages was something to be proud of, something they might erect a statue to boast of. For Bremen, which was part of the Hanseatic League with cities like Lübeck, it also meant it was wealthy and had the funds for an imposing symbol in the market square.

And the Bremen Roland is indeed imposing. In total, it is 10.2 metres high, with a column supporting the main statue which is 5.5 metres tall. The statue itself was carved from limestone, with the shield painted gold.

The man depicted in the statue is called Roland, who was one of twelve ‘paladin’ – fictional knights of legend who were part of Charlemagne’s court in the 8th century. It’s said he is the protector of the city and if his statue ever falls, so will Bremen.

Just behind the statue stands the Town Hall of Bremen. If the Bremen Roland was a symbol of the city’s power, then this imposing building was the practical embodiment of it.

The Bremen Town Hall

The Bremen Town Hall was the meeting place for the leaders and influential merchants of the region.

Inside these elaborately decorated walls, decisions and deals were made that helped Bremen become an important trading point and member of the Hanseatic League.

The lower level of the Bremen Town Hall was used for merchants and theatrical performances. It was formed of one large hall with oak pillars that encouraged a free flow of conversation and easy negotiations.

On the upper level, the more important figures of the city would do their business. The decorations of the rooms here show the difference in status from those below.

Models of ships hang from the ceiling, large paintings show the conquests of the time, on one wall a story is written out for all to read.

A small room off the main hall is decorated entirely in gold.

Look up at the ceiling and you’ll see painted faces looking back at you.

Doorways, windowpanes, chairs and desks – they all have detailed and intricate designs worked into them.

Most of the population – now and for centuries before – only see the exterior of this building. The interior, however, is much more impressive and fitting of the role this town hall had in the history of Bremen.

How to visit the Bremen Town Hall

The Bremen Roland is in the main marketplace and you are able to see it for free at any time of the day. It is right in front of the Town Hall so you’ll be able to see the building’s exterior at the same time.

To visit the inside of the Bremen Town Hall, you’ll need to take a guided tour. It is best to book one of these in advance.

The tours are run by the local authorities and cost €9 for a standard ticket. There’s normally one in English each day, which you can book here in advance.

The tour of Bremen Town Hall is a great way to see the different rooms of the building and learn more about what they were used for. You’ll also get explanations of the artwork and design elements inside.

The Town Hall has two main sections – the Old Town Hall from the medieval days and the New Town Hall, which was built in the early 1900s.

Although you will be able to see the difference between the two, they connect harmoniously and feel like the same building.

You can find out more information at the official website of the Bremen Town Hall.

The Bremen Roland and Bremen Town Hall are just two of the things to do in Bremen. There are centuries of heritage here and those stories are told in an excellent selection of museums and galleries.

But Bremen is also a university town and has a fun and relaxed atmosphere to it, especially along the banks of the river where people gather to eat and drink.

I would definitely recommend this excellent and affordable city tour to see the highlights of Bremen when you visit.

Or there are some other great tour options here:

Soaking up the atmosphere, having a beer by the river in the evening, walking through the squares in the morning – these are the things that are particularly enjoyable in Bremen when you stay overnight.

I’ve got some accommodation tips here so you can make it more than just a day trip.

Time Travel Turtle was supported by DB Bahn, the German National Tourist Board and Youth Hostels in Germany but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.