An overnight stay in Bremen ~ Campervan Castaways

An overnight stay in Bremen

After arriving on the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam, we make our way across to Germany. It’s a drive which takes longer than expected due to heavy motorway traffic and congestion. Eventually we reach our first stop and an overnight stay in Bremen.

Luckily there’s a good motorhome Stellplatz on the edge of the centre which is ideal for us. The parking area resembles more of a campsite for motorhomes, being amongst trees and having an amenity building and plenty of space. Surprisingly, this rather large Stellplatz is really busy with motorhomes, despite only being April.

To enter, there’s a barrier system and payment is made on exit at a pay machine, costing €23 for the night, Stellplatz am Kuhhirten seems a good choice. There’s a good dump and fresh water fill for €1 and an electric hook up option too. Electric is never really a thing we go for, so we’re happy to park up without hooking up tonight.

An evening walk into Bremen

It’s time to relax with a cuppa and begin to get into travel mode again after a few months at home, it usually takes about a week to adjust again!

Once we’re refreshed, it’s time for an evening walk into the city centre which is easy enough from the Stellplatz area. This turns out to be an ideal time of day to visit, with the sun just setting over the historic centre and hardly anyone else around.

Cobble streets lead us into large squares with wonderfully ornate buildings and Rathaus or town hall. Another majestic building is the cathedral, which happens to be shimmering a bright glow of orange off the setting sun.

Plenty of character

Bremen is located in north west Germany, historically a trading town due to its position on the Weser river. Today, its UNESCO listed Roland statue, standing 10m high forms part of the city’s tourism appeal. Looking down over the market square since 1404 it really is an interesting sight to see representing the city’s rights and freedoms.

Walking into the narrow streets of Bottcherstraße is a treat too. This alley of brick buildings housing small shops, cafes and arts is simply delightful.

Another worth while sight comes in Bremen’s oldest quarter, Schnoor. Here we find some lovely architecture of half timbered houses, meandering the cobbles passing through pleasant alleys of traditional buildings.

River walk

As darkness falls and our walking tour of Bremen comes to an end, it’s time to return to the camper. This time we walk back on a riverside path, enjoying the waterside outlook.

Along the way we come across numerous summer type holiday homes along with allotments, and recreation areas. It looks the kind of place that will be bustling later in summer, perhaps with boating activities and picnics.

The path leads us back to the motorhome area and a cup of tea before bed. The amenity block has good hot showers, toilets and a dishwashing area, making a useful addition to our stay.

After filling up and emptying the tanks the next morning, it’s time to pay our fee and hit the road again. As Hamburg is in our minds for our next stop, we begin to look at what parking’s are available and return to the motorway.

It’s another fine weather day for April, so we’re hoping to reach the city early and take a good look around on foot.