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U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer Bremerhaven

4.6
·4k reviews·Bremerhaven, Germany

Explore the only surviving WWII Type XXI U-boat, the Wilhelm Bauer, a floating museum offering a tangible link to naval history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
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Im Haven

U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer Bremerhaven

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"Absolutely fascinating - a genuine U-Boat floating in the harbour."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Explore the Type XXI U-boat

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

While not always mandatory, booking your tickets for the U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer online can save you time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the official museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket prices to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Prepare for Tight Spaces

This is a real U-boat, so expect narrow corridors and confined spaces. If you're claustrophobic, this might not be the best experience. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking and climbing within the submarine.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hab ich im Urlaub gemacht ✌🏼 Bin btw wieder zu Hause, sorry das derweil nicht so viel kam. Hatte aber leider nicht so den Kopf dafür 😃 #fyp #fy #dasboot #uboot #u96 #dasboot1981 #edit #filmedit
@righteousblackfyre
23.6K likes • 207K views

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.

How does a WWII U-boat become a museum ship in Bremerhaven? Meet the Wilhelm Bauer. ⚓ Join us LIVE NOW for a special Q&A where we dive deeper into it's story. ⚓Watch NOW on our Twitch Channel!
worldofwarships
355 likes • 12.7K views
🐺 LIKE / COMMENT / SHARE / FOLLOW please 🐺 Entering U-2540 “Wilhelm Bauer” (Type XXI) U-Boot in the Maritime Museum of Bremerhaven, Germany 🇩🇪 : a submarine of Nazi Germany's Navy (Kriegsmarine), the only floating example of its type. Completed short before the end of WW2, it was a so called "Wunderwaffe", fitted with pioneering submarine technology. It was the first submarine which could stay ...
historywolftours
278 likes • 6.7K views

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:

Submarine "Wilhelm Bauer" in Bremerhaven, Germany #uboot #submariner #submarine #uboat #history #sea #ocean #underwater #museum #travel #underwatership #ostsee #captain #bremerhaven #germany #highlightseveryone #europe #deutschland #wilhelmbauer
reycillandsberger
24 likes • 195 views

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

4.6
(4k reviews)

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

Authentic U-boat experience
Fascinating WWII history
Impressive engineering

What People Dislike

Confined spaces

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Admission fees are subject to change. Consult the museum's official website for the latest pricing details for adults, children, and potential family tickets. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer can be a fascinating, albeit intense, experience for families. Children often find the idea of exploring a real submarine exciting. However, parents should be aware of the tight spaces and ladders, which might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

⚓ History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts

For those with a deep interest in military history and naval technology, the U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer is an absolute must-visit. As the only surviving Type XXI U-boat, it offers unparalleled insight into a pivotal era of naval warfare. Instagram+2

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

Solo travelers and couples will find the U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer an engaging and thought-provoking visit. It's an excellent opportunity for personal reflection on history and human ingenuity. The self-guided nature of the tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Wilhelm Bauer (U-2540)

The U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer, originally designated U-2540, was a Type XXI U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine towards the end of World War II. It represented a significant leap in submarine technology, featuring a revolutionary hull design and advanced propulsion systems that allowed for much longer submerged operations than previous U-boat classes. This made it a true 'Wunderwaffe' (wonder weapon) in concept, though it saw limited combat due to the war's end. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing Life Aboard a U-Boat

Stepping aboard the U-Boat Wilhelm Bauer is an immersive experience that transports you back to the realities of WWII naval service. The interior is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing the cramped living quarters, the engine room, and the command center. Visitors often remark on how surprisingly spacious some areas feel, considering the overall confined nature of submarine life. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram+1

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