Roland Statue
A towering stone symbol of freedom and civic pride, Roland has guarded Bremen's independence since 1404.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Roland Statue
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering stone symbol of freedom and civic pride, Roland has guarded Bremen's independence since 1404.
"Roland is not just any statue; he's carved into the spirit of Bremen itself. "
📸 Photo Op Alert!
Capture Roland with the Town Hall for an iconic shot. Early mornings offer fewer crowds.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the Marktplatz and old town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Roland Statue
Marktplatz, Bremen
A towering symbol of freedom and civic pride, this 1404 statue is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Symbol of Independence
Marktplatz, Bremen
Roland's sword and shield represent justice and imperial rights, a powerful statement of Bremen's autonomy.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Marktplatz, Bremen
Part of a stunning ensemble with the Town Hall, this iconic landmark is a testament to Bremen's rich history.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand Roland's Significance
Location & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Op Alert!
Capture Roland with the Town Hall for an iconic shot. Early mornings offer fewer crowds.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the Marktplatz and old town.
🕰️ Check Store Hours
Many shops in the city center close on Sundays, plan accordingly.
💡 Fun Fact!
Roland's shoe size is 92! Look closely at the details.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Op Alert!
Capture Roland with the Town Hall for an iconic shot. Early mornings offer fewer crowds.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the Marktplatz and old town.
🕰️ Check Store Hours
Many shops in the city center close on Sundays, plan accordingly.
💡 Fun Fact!
Roland's shoe size is 92! Look closely at the details.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Roland Statue as a powerful symbol of Bremen's freedom and independence, noting its impressive presence in the historic Marktplatz. While its historical significance is highly appreciated, some find it a quick stop, best enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of the city's charming old town. +1
"In the heart of Bremen’s Marktplatz, standing tall and proud, is a stone figure who has watched over the city for centuries: Roland. At first glance, he might seem like just another medieval knight carved in stone—but look closer, and you’ll discover that Roland is one of the most powerful symbols of freedom and civic pride in all of Europe.
The current statue was erected in 1404, replacing an earlier wooden version that had been destroyed by the Archbishop of Bremen. That act alone says a lot—because Roland is not just any knight. He is a legendary figure from the court of Charlemagne, a symbol of justice and protector of the city’s independence. In medieval times, placing his statue in front of the town hall was a bold statement: “We govern ourselves here.”
Roland’s presence declared that Bremen was a free imperial city, with rights granted directly from the Holy Roman Emperor, not subject to local lords or the church. He holds a sword (Durendal) and a shield bearing the imperial eagle, affirming those freedoms. Some say his slightly open mouth symbolizes free speech, and that as long as Roland stands, Bremen will remain free. That belief was so strong that during World War II, a wooden replica was made and hidden to protect the original from destruction.
The statue stands over 5.5 meters tall, making it one of the largest surviving Roland statues in Germany. And unlike many monuments, this one isn’t just historical—it’s deeply symbolic. Roland is the silent guardian of Bremen’s identity: not just a knight, but a timeless voice of resistance, autonomy, and justice.
In short, visiting Bremen without standing before Roland is like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. He’s not just carved in stone—he’s carved into the spirit of the city itself."
Rey R.
"Lovely City but all stores are closed except a few restaurants in the city center on Sundays."
Onur Ozkan
"One of the coolest historical symbols in Bremen 🗿
The Roland statue stands tall right in front of the Town Hall 🏛 and is seriously hard to miss. It’s more than just an old statue it stands for freedom and independence 🗽, and locals are really proud of it 🇩🇪
You don’t need much time here ⏱️ but it’s totally worth stopping by if you’re exploring the old town 🏘 The whole square has such a great vibe with the Rathaus, the cathedral ⛪️ and street performers 🎻
Also, fun fact: this statue is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🏆
So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. Grab a photo 📸, soak in the atmosphere 🌤 and enjoy a little slice of history."
Saeed Yadegari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Roland Statue is located in the heart of Bremen's Marktplatz, easily accessible by public transport. Tram lines 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10 stop nearby at 'Domsheide' or 'Rathaus'. It's also a pleasant walk from the main train station (Bremen Hauptbahnhof).
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Marktplatz is limited. It's recommended to use public transport or park in one of the city center garages like 'Parkhaus Mitte' or 'Parkhaus Domshof' and walk a short distance.
Yes, Bremen is a bike-friendly city. There are bike racks available around the Marktplatz, making it a convenient option for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Roland Statue is an outdoor monument located in the public Marktplatz and is free to view at any time.
As an outdoor monument, the Roland Statue is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding buildings like the Town Hall have specific visiting hours.
Yes, the Roland Statue is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Bremen Town Hall.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You only need about 15-30 minutes to appreciate the statue itself and take photos. However, it's part of the Marktplatz, so allow more time to explore the surrounding area.
The current Roland Statue, erected in 1404, is made of stone. It replaced an earlier wooden version.
Roland symbolizes freedom, justice, and Bremen's independence from feudal and church authority. He is a protector of the city's rights.
Yes, many guided tours of Bremen's Old Town and Marktplatz will include detailed information about the Roland Statue and its historical significance.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings are ideal for fewer crowds and softer light. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful golden hour light, but the square will be busier.
Try framing Roland with the magnificent Bremen Town Hall in the background. Shots from slightly lower angles can emphasize his imposing height.
Drone usage is generally restricted in city centers and around historical monuments due to privacy and safety regulations. Check local ordinances before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the statue itself doesn't have interactive elements, the surrounding area offers plenty to keep families engaged. Consider a short, family-friendly guided tour that highlights the fairy tale aspects of Bremen. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as exploring the square can be tiring for little ones.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pair your visit with a tour of the Bremen Town Hall, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, to fully grasp the political and architectural significance of the Marktplatz ensemble. Consider booking a specialized historical walking tour that focuses on Bremen's medieval history and the Hanseatic League to gain deeper insights.
📸 Photographers
+1Experiment with different times of day: early mornings offer a serene atmosphere and soft light, while late afternoons can provide warm, golden hues. Look for unique angles, perhaps from slightly below, to emphasize Roland's imposing stature. Don't forget to capture details like his sword and shield, and the intricate carvings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Symbolism of Roland
His presence on the Marktplatz, facing the Town Hall, was a bold declaration of self-governance. He holds a sword, Durendal, symbolizing justice, and a shield bearing the imperial eagle, affirming the city's imperial freedoms. Legend has it that his slightly open mouth represents free speech, and that as long as Roland stands, Bremen will remain free. This belief was so strong that during World War II, a wooden replica was hidden to protect the original from potential destruction.
Today, Roland remains a powerful emblem of Bremen's identity, a silent guardian of its history of resistance, autonomy, and justice. Visiting Bremen without acknowledging Roland is like missing a core piece of the city's soul.
Roland and the UNESCO World Heritage Site
This UNESCO status means the site is protected and preserved for future generations. Visitors can appreciate not only the historical and symbolic significance of Roland but also the architectural grandeur of the Town Hall, which showcases Hanseatic Gothic and Renaissance styles. The entire Marktplatz area, with Roland at its center, offers a captivating glimpse into medieval urban life and political power.
+1Fun Facts and Legends
Another fascinating aspect is the legend that as long as Roland stands, Bremen will remain free. This belief underscores the deep connection the city has with its iconic symbol. The statue's slightly open mouth is also said to represent free speech, further emphasizing its role as a guardian of civic liberties. These stories and details make the Roland Statue a memorable and engaging landmark for visitors.
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