German Emigration Center Bremerhaven
Journey through 300+ years of German emigration with immersive exhibits and personal family stories. A powerful look at migration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
German Emigration Center Bremerhaven
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey through 300+ years of German emigration with immersive exhibits and personal family stories. A powerful look at migration.
"Absolutely amazing museum, especially interesting for immigrants, but also anyone interested in the history of emigration. "
Allocate Plenty of Time ⏳
Plan for at least 5-6 hours to truly absorb the exhibits and research. You might even need more!
Audioguide is Your Friend 🎧
The included audioguide is very helpful and offers information in both German and English.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Emigration Journey
Exhibition Halls
Step into the shoes of emigrants, experiencing their hopes, fears, and the realities of ocean crossings. Interactive displays bring history to life.
Family Research Area
Research Section
Trace the footsteps of your own potential ancestors or explore the fates of historical families. A truly personal connection to the past.
Atmospheric Interiors
Various Exhibition Rooms
Immerse yourself in recreated historical settings, from ship cabins to bustling port towns, offering a tangible sense of the era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time
Prepare for an Emotional Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Plenty of Time ⏳
Plan for at least 5-6 hours to truly absorb the exhibits and research. You might even need more!
Audioguide is Your Friend 🎧
The included audioguide is very helpful and offers information in both German and English.
Photography Fee 📸
There's a small extra charge of 1.5 euros for taking pictures inside the museum.
Check Out Nearby Hafen ⚓
Explore the 'Alten/Neuen Hafen' area for other attractions like the zoo and more museums.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Plenty of Time ⏳
Plan for at least 5-6 hours to truly absorb the exhibits and research. You might even need more!
Audioguide is Your Friend 🎧
The included audioguide is very helpful and offers information in both German and English.
Photography Fee 📸
There's a small extra charge of 1.5 euros for taking pictures inside the museum.
Check Out Nearby Hafen ⚓
Explore the 'Alten/Neuen Hafen' area for other attractions like the zoo and more museums.
Follow Your Immigrant Card 🗺️
Use the provided immigrant card to follow a specific person's journey and fate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the German Emigration Center for its deeply immersive and interactive exhibits that bring the history of emigration to life. Many highlight the emotional impact of following real family stories and the value of the research facilities. While some find the museum's political undertones and 'creepy' figures a bit much, the overall consensus is a powerful, educational, and highly recommended experience.
"This place is probably my favorite museum to date. If you have ancestors who came from Europe you will probably enjoy this museum very much. I spent 6 hours just in the emigration portion and could have spent more. Ensure you save time for some research, if that interests you. I spent a little over an hour there and they chased me out at 6:00, closing time."
gweiland007
"Absolutely amazing museum, especially interesting for immigrants, but also anyone interested in the history of emigration.
The rooms allow you to feel like you're immigrating to another continent, replicating the atmosphere of the time and journey. You also get your own card of immigrant to follow their fate, investigating the reasons, process and results of their immigration.
There is a lot of information, inserted in atmospheric interiors. For example, you open a tab in the basin to read about daily life on a ship they used to cross the ocean.
Audioguide is included and is very helpful. All info is both in German and in English.
To take pictures you need to pay an extra 1,5 euros.
Spent about 5 hours there, getting tired by the end.
The museum is fully accessible (at least for a stroller) with the only exception of one of the toilets. You have to start by coming to an elevator with a staff member, but all the other elevators are easy to find and use."
Irina Kanishcheva
"The most didactical museum you can imagine. It has a clear political program. Totally overcrowded and the museum does not miss any opportunity to educate you. The creepy life size migrants are more like a part of an experience park than a museum"
Andrea Pető
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The German Emigration Center is located in Bremerhaven, Germany. It's easily accessible by public transport within the city. If arriving by car, there is parking available nearby. Many visitors arrive in Bremerhaven via train and then take a short bus or taxi ride to the museum.
Bremerhaven is accessible by train, making it a feasible day trip destination from larger cities like Bremen or Hamburg. The journey time will vary depending on your starting point.
After your visit, consider exploring the 'Alten/Neuen Hafen' area, which offers a pleasant waterfront experience with other attractions like the zoo and maritime museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential holiday closures.
Admission fees apply, and it's recommended to check the official website for current pricing. There might be discounts for students, seniors, or families.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons, to save time and guarantee entry.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but there is a small fee (around 1.5 euros) to take pictures. Professional photography may require special permission.
The museum may host temporary exhibitions or special events. It's advisable to check their website for any current or upcoming programs that might interest you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 5-6 hours is a good amount of time to explore the exhibits thoroughly. Some even spend longer, especially if they delve into the family research section.
Absolutely! The museum is highly interactive, allowing you to participate in the experience rather than just observe. You'll follow the stories of real emigrants.
The museum is generally accessible, with elevators available. One of the toilets might be an exception, but overall, it's considered accessible for strollers.
Upon entry, you'll often receive an 'immigrant card' that allows you to follow the personal story and fate of a specific emigrant throughout the exhibition, making the experience more engaging.
The center covers over 300 years of German immigration history, showcasing the journeys and lives of people who sought new beginnings across different eras.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities might vary, many museums have a cafe or restaurant on-site. It's best to check the museum's official website for current information on food and beverage services.
The museum is located in Bremerhaven, a port city, so you'll likely find various restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, offering local and international cuisine. The harbor area is a good place to start looking.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can take photos for personal use, but there is a small fee of 1.5 euros. This helps support the museum's preservation efforts.
While generally permitted for personal use, always be mindful of any specific signage indicating areas where photography might be restricted, especially in sensitive exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: The audioguide is available in English and can help explain complex historical contexts in an accessible way for older children. The museum is also generally accessible for strollers, making it easier to navigate with little ones.
🌍 History Buffs & Genealogists
Recommendation: Prioritize the family research area if you're keen on tracing your ancestry. Allocate ample time for this section, as it can be incredibly rewarding. Don't miss the opportunity to use the audioguide to gain deeper insights into the historical context of each exhibit.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Tip: The audioguide is an excellent companion for solo exploration, providing rich context and narrative. The museum's immersive design also makes it easy to get lost in the stories without feeling isolated.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Emigration Experience
Visitors often highlight the interactive nature of the exhibits. You're not just a passive observer; you're encouraged to engage with the displays, read personal accounts, and even follow the journey of a specific emigrant using a provided card. This personal connection makes the historical events more tangible and emotionally resonant. The museum effectively uses sensory details to enhance the experience, from the sounds of the port to the visual representation of life at sea.
This focus on personal narratives and interactive storytelling sets the German Emigration Center apart. It’s a place where history comes alive, offering a profound understanding of the motivations, challenges, and hopes of millions who left their homeland in search of a better future. The Bremerhaven emigration museum is a testament to the enduring human spirit of exploration and resilience.
Researching Your Ancestry
The research section is designed to be user-friendly, with staff available to assist. You can explore databases, historical records, and passenger lists to uncover details about who your ancestors were, where they came from, and their eventual destinations. This aspect of the museum adds a deeply personal dimension to the broader historical narrative of emigration.
Even if you don't have a specific research goal, exploring the stories of real families within the museum can be incredibly inspiring. It provides context for the broader patterns of migration and the individual choices that shaped so many lives. The Bremerhaven emigration museum truly connects the past to the present through these personal discoveries.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit