Steeped in over one thousand years of history, the north German city of Bremen has seen its fair share of battle and bloodshes since its inception in the year 787. A major trade hub for Northern Germany,  the city has a number of battle scars but is still an attractive spot, with plenty of sites of historical interest.

Ancient Port City

The oldest port city in Germany, Bremen sits on the banks of the Weser River and was founded by Frankish conqueror Charlemagne, and established as a diocesan town. Around 200 years later, the Emperor Otto I granted free market privileges to the town, allowing it to trade openly. The riverside location and close access to the North Sea made trade relatively easy for Bremen, and the town thrived, soon being granted city status. By the 12th Century, Bremen was one of the most affluent spots in Germany, and a major hub for international trade. The arrival of the Hanseatic League, a German trading alliance, in the 1300s strengthened the city´s trade ties, but lessened Bremen´s dominant position as it was obliged to work closely with Germany´s other trading cities. 

Fight for Independence

Affluent Bremen was keen to establish itself as independent of the Hanseatic League, even while reaping the advantages of ties with Northern European traders. The city remained under Hanseatic restrictions for some 300 years, until after a bloody 30-year war, the League was finally defeated in the 1660s. Throughout its early history, the city also fought to become an independent entity, and the 1404 statue of medieval freedom fighter Roland is a lasting tribute to this battle for independence. The city was finally declared an independent state in the early 1800s, and in 1871 became a federal state of the new German Empire. During the 30 years´war of 1618 to 1648, Bremen held out against troops that tried to deny it independent status, and went on to fight off attacks from Swedem and Hanover. The city retains a reputaion as one of the most politically radical states in Germany, and if there was a gight for German independence from Germany, you can bet that Bremen would be leading the charge. Modern Bremen

Although badly damaged during the two World Wars, particularly World War II, Bremen stood its ground and still has plenty of historic attractions to interest the visitor. Burgerpark, Marketplazt and the Schnoor are all good examples of how Bremen appeared before it was damaged by battle, and are pleasant places to wander on foot - with winding cobbled streets and squares and handsome old homes. Many of the city´s medieval homes and religious buildings have been restored, and a trip to St Peter´s Cathedral is a must for any tourist in Bremen. As one of the oldest cities in the country, Bremen is a popular destination for history buffs, and visitors heading here during the summer peak season of July and August should expect to find the streets busy with sightseeing tourists, and to find queues to enter historical buildings.