Go for a stroll through Bremen’s oldest district and find a maze of cobbled alleys lined with quaint half-timbered houses containing galleries, craft stores and cafés.
Schnoor Quarter is an enchanting district huddled against the eastern border of Bremen’s old city walls and the Weser River. The city’s oldest neighbourhood is a delightful jumble of 15th- and 16th-century houses crowded along twisting alleys. Admire the preserved medieval character of the Schnoor District when you wander through the narrow lanes. Find a range of locally made treats and treasures, such as handicrafts, jewellery and hearty German fare.
Enter the little neighbourhood and begin exploring its pedestrianized alleys. Schnoor was established as a neighbourhood for local fishermen, which may be where the district got its name. Schnoor, or “schnur,” is the German word for string, which would have been produced by the fishermen residing by the banks of the Weser River. Explore the winding streets and note the architecture of the half-timbered houses. Some date back to the 15th century, but most are from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Check out some examples of heritage architecture, such as the Concordenhaus. The 14th-century St. John’s Church was established by Franciscan monks and its grand size contrasts with the surrounding huddle of houses.
Explore the collection of shops and boutiques selling handcrafts, souvenirs, jewellery and curios. Galleries such as Kunstgalerie show the work of local artists. Choose from a range of cosy cafés and restaurants with outdoor dining in the tiny cobbled plazas. Try a local cake or pastry paired with a coffee. For traditional German cuisine, grab a table at an old-fashioned beer garden. In the evening, check out what’s showing at one of Schnoor’s theatre venues, such as Packhaustheater im Schnoor or Theaterfreunde.
Schnoor Quarter is a captivating district in the southeastern edge of Bremen’s Old Town. Reach the district on foot from the tramstops near Wilhelm-Kaiser-Brücke and St. Petri Dom. A good time to visit Schnoor Quarter is on weekends between 1 April and 31 December. During this time, while the rest of Bremen may have closed down for a sleepy Sunday, Schnoor’s shops are open and bustling.
