Bremen is close to many attractions in the region, including Serengeti Park, Hodenhagen — Northern Germany’s largest safari and leisure park — and Walsrode Bird Park. The largest of its kind in the world, Walsrode also has a botanical garden and 100,000 tulips that bloom in springtime. Luneburg Heath is a nature park with acres of forest and heather-carpeted fields, while scenic Fischerhude and the surrounding area is a popular destination for cycling or walking trips.

About the City

With 547,685 residents, Bremen is the second largest city in north-western Germany in terms of population, after Hamburg. It is the capital of the region Bremen and located in the state of Lower Saxony. Straddling both sides of the River Weser, Bremen’s urban area covers some 326,7 km2. Its sister city is Bremerhaven (which translates as Bremen’s harbor), is 1,000 years younger than Bremen and situated 55 km to the north.

The Climate in Bremen

The climate in Bremen is warm and temperate with higher than average rainfall, even in February, the driest month. The average temperature in July is 17°C (62.6°F) and 2°C (35.2°F) in December. Light snow can fall in the winter months but in general winters are mild. Bremen’s location close to the North Sea means the weather is often windy.

Visas for Germany

Citizens from any country in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) don’t need a visa or other permit to visit, live, work or study temporarily in Germany. However, expats looking to live and work in Germany permanently will need a residence permit, which can be applied for after entering Germany. Up until 2020, citizens of one of the new EU member states, Croatia, will require work permits for their first year of employment. Citizens of most other countries will require a visa and a residence permit, and must apply and obtain a visa for work purposes before entering Germany. Contact your local German embassy for more information and advice, or see the dedicated website