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German Emigration Center Bremerhaven
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Historical site
The German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven is an award-winning experiential museum dedicated to the history of German emigration and immigration. It is located directly at the New Harbor (Neuer Hafen), the historical site from which over seven million people departed for the New World between 1830 and 1974. The museum features an immersive concept where visitors follow the biography of a real emigrant, from the farewell scene at the quayside to the Atlantic crossing on an ocean liner and arrival at Ellis Island. Since its expansion in 2012, the museum also explores the history of immigration to Germany across various eras. The center was named European Museum of the Year in 2007 and impresses with its detailed reconstructions and interactive genealogical databases. It serves not only as an educational facility but also as an emotional monument to the millions of lives connected to the port of Bremerhaven.
- Location: Bremen, Germany
- Top sights: Geeste Nordmole Behelfsfeuer · Geeste Südmolenfeuer · Südmole
- Nearby: Nordenham (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 59 | 52 | 40 | 56 | 69 | 85 | 77 | 62 | 69 | 70 | 76 |
📋 Practical info
Address
H.-H.-Meier-Straße 3, 27568 Bremerhaven
Hours
March-October: daily 10:00-18:00; November-February: daily 10:00-17:00
Entry
€15.80 adults, €8.20 children
Website
Transit
Bus 502, 505, 506 to 'Havenwelten' stop
Parking
Havenwelten parking garage directly opposite
Accessibility
Fully accessible; wheelchairs available for loan
Photos
Photography without flash allowed
Best time
Weekdays after 2:00 PM (fewer school groups)
Audio guide
Personalized RFID ticket for interactive stations (DE/EN)
History & landmarks
modern
1830–1974
Geography
Facts
- The museum opened on August 8, 2005.
- Over 7 million people emigrated through Bremerhaven to the USA and other countries.
- The Emigration Center was named 'European Museum of the Year' in 2007.
- In 2012, the museum was expanded with an annex focusing on immigration history.
- Visitors can search for emigrated ancestors in two international databases.
- The building stands on the site of the historical emigration terminal.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town German Emigration Center Bremerhaven (10)
Wasserstandsanzeiger
Tower in Bremerhaven, displays the water level.
Unterfeuer Fischereihafen/Geestemünde
Lighthouse in Bremerhaven, lower light.
Walter Antrieb
Drive technology exhibition in Bremerhaven.
Altes Unterfeuer Sandstedt
Inactive range light in Lower Saxony.
Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum🏛 museum
Maritime museum in Bremerhaven.
Radarturm
Tower in Bremerhaven, serves as a viewpoint.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the German Emigration Center about?
It is a theme museum that presents the history of German emigration to America and immigration to Germany in an interactive and emotional way.
How does the interactive concept work?
Each visitor receives an identity card and follows the biography of a real historical person through various stations like the quay, ship, and Ellis Island.
Can you search for your own ancestors there?
Yes, there is a family research area with access to international databases where visitors can search for traces of their own emigrated relatives.
Is the museum bilingual?
Yes, all information, exhibits, and accompanying cards are consistently available in German and English, making it convenient for international guests.
How much time should you plan for the visit?
Plan at least 2 to 3 hours to follow the biographies at your leisure. If you want to use the family research facility, you should plan for additional time.
German Emigration Center Bremerhaven: where is it located?
German Emigration Center Bremerhaven is located in Bremen, Germany.
German Emigration Center Bremerhaven: what is there to see?
Highlights include Geeste Nordmole Behelfsfeuer, Geeste Südmolenfeuer, Südmole.
German Emigration Center Bremerhaven: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
German Emigration Center Bremerhaven: why is it worth visiting?
The German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven is an award-winning experiential museum dedicated to the history of German emigration and immigration.
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