
U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer Bremerhaven
Explore the only surviving WWII Type XXI U-boat, the Wilhelm Bauer, a floating museum offering a tangible link to naval history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer Bremerhaven
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the only surviving WWII Type XXI U-boat, the Wilhelm Bauer, a floating museum offering a tangible link to naval history.
"Absolutely fascinating - a genuine U-Boat floating in the harbour."

Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be navigating tight spaces and climbing ladders. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the U-boat.
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your :admission_tickets: online in advance, especially during busy periods.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore the Type XXI U-boat
Interior of the submarine
Step inside the only surviving Type XXI U-boat, a marvel of WWII engineering. Experience the cramped quarters and advanced technology of its era.
Maritime History Immersion
Bremerhaven Maritime Museum
Gain insight into naval history and the life of submariners. The U-boat offers a tangible connection to a significant period of the 20th century.

Witness Pioneering Technology
Various sections of the U-boat
Discover the 'Wunderwaffe' technology that made this U-boat ahead of its time, designed for extended underwater operations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for Tight Spaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be navigating tight spaces and climbing ladders. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the U-boat.
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your :admission_tickets: online in advance, especially during busy periods.
Be Prepared for Claustrophobia
The interior is very confined. If you're prone to claustrophobia, consider this before your visit. :warning:
Read Up on History
Enhance your visit by learning about the U-boat's history beforehand. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be navigating tight spaces and climbing ladders. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the U-boat.
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your :admission_tickets: online in advance, especially during busy periods.
Be Prepared for Claustrophobia
The interior is very confined. If you're prone to claustrophobia, consider this before your visit. :warning:
Read Up on History
Enhance your visit by learning about the U-boat's history beforehand. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer for its historical significance and the immersive experience of exploring a genuine WWII submarine. Many are awestruck by the technology and the tangible connection to the past, though some note the confined spaces might not suit everyone. It's widely considered a must-see in Bremerhaven for history enthusiasts.
"This is definitely worth seeing. For me it was the first submarine I saw and visited. The place is amazing and when you only think was this was going through you get goose bumps. The technology itself is marvelous. I Just wished humankind used the brains for better purposes."
Manafu Tiberiu
"This is the history.
1945 - Launched by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg, on 13 January commissioned on 24 February scuttled by crew in the Outer Flensburg Firth on 4 May
1957 - Salvaged from the seabed of the Firth Repair and structural alterations
1960- On 1 September the submarine, having been christened WILHELM BAUER, is commissioned with the service of the ship Testing Command of the German Ferderal Navy.
1968- Decommissioned on 26 April
1970- Recommissioned with civilian crew in the trials unit of the German army on 20 May, serves the needs of development and research for military and civilian purposes
1982- Decommissioned for good on 15 March
1983- Purchase and preparation for museological use
1984- Opens as a Technical Museum at its present berth in the Old Harbour on 28 April"
Teo T
"A type XXI Uboat yes please!
This thing is awesome to be inside, built towards the end of WW2 they were used by many countries afterwards and ahead of their time! It's amazing inside and so spacious!
A must visit!"
Brian Denny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer is located in the Old Harbour of Bremerhaven, easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive by tram or bus, with stops conveniently located near the Maritime Museum. If you're driving, there are parking facilities nearby, though they can fill up quickly during peak times.
Yes, there are several parking options around the Old Harbour and the Maritime Museum. However, it's advisable to check for availability, especially on weekends or during special events.
The U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer is situated in the heart of Bremerhaven's maritime district, making it a pleasant walk from many central locations. The city center itself is quite walkable, and exploring on foot allows you to see more of the port's atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased online through the official museum website or directly at the ticket counter on-site. Booking online is recommended to avoid queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website for the most current information on daily opening and closing times.
Admission fees are subject to change. Consult the museum's official website for the latest pricing details for adults, children, and potential family tickets.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the museum's website. It's worth checking for any special offers or combined tickets with other local attractions.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online can help manage visitor flow and ensure entry, especially during busy periods. Check the ticketing page for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The interior is a realistic representation of a WWII U-boat, featuring narrow corridors, cramped living quarters, and operational areas. Visitors can truly feel the environment submariners lived and worked in.
Due to the nature of a submarine, accessibility is limited. The interior involves steep ladders and narrow passages, making it challenging for those with significant mobility impairments.
Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the submarine. This allows ample time to take in the details and imagine life aboard.
While self-guided exploration is common, some museums offer guided tours. Check with the museum staff or their website for information on available tours and their schedules.
Photography is generally allowed inside the U-boat, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions posted at the entrance or within the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the U-boat itself doesn't have dining facilities, Bremerhaven's Old Harbour area offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and snack bars. You'll find plenty of options for a meal or a coffee break nearby.
Bremerhaven, being a port city, offers a variety of seafood options. You'll also find traditional German cuisine and international dishes in its restaurants and eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the U-boat against the harbor backdrop is iconic. Inside, focus on the intricate details of the control room, periscopes, and crew quarters for unique shots.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the U-boat, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in very confined areas if it might disturb others.
Given the potentially low light conditions inside, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial. Experiment with wider apertures to capture the atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach kids about history in a hands-on way. Encourage them to imagine life aboard and the technology involved. Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow for a more relaxed exploration. The nearby Maritime Museum also offers broader maritime exhibits that might appeal to a wider age range.
⚓ History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
You'll be able to examine the innovative design features that made this class of U-boat so formidable and learn about its complex post-war journey. The detailed historical context provided by the museum enhances the understanding of its significance. Prepare to be impressed by the engineering and the stories behind this iconic vessel.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Take your time to absorb the atmosphere and details. The confined spaces can foster a sense of shared experience if visiting with a partner. It's a unique attraction that offers a different perspective on maritime history, making for a memorable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Wilhelm Bauer (U-2540)
Launched in January 1945 and commissioned in February, U-2540 was scuttled by its own crew in May 1945 to prevent capture. Its story didn't end there; it was salvaged from the seabed in 1957, underwent repairs and structural alterations, and was recommissioned by the German Federal Navy in 1960 as the Wilhelm Bauer for testing and research purposes. After further service and decommissioning, it was eventually preserved and opened as a technical museum in Bremerhaven in 1984, becoming the only floating example of its type.
Visiting the U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer offers a tangible connection to this complex history. You can explore the very spaces where sailors lived and worked, gaining a profound appreciation for the engineering and the human element of naval warfare. The museum provides a detailed timeline of its journey from wartime vessel to historical artifact.
Experiencing Life Aboard a U-Boat
Navigating the submarine involves walking through narrow corridors and climbing steep ladders between decks. This physical aspect of the visit helps visitors understand the daily challenges faced by the crew. You can imagine the constant hum of the engines, the limited personal space, and the intense focus required for operations.
Many visitors are struck by the advanced technology for its time, particularly the innovations that allowed for extended submerged patrols. The museum effectively highlights these features, offering a glimpse into the technological race of the war. It’s a powerful reminder of human ingenuity, even in the context of conflict.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit