Bremerhaven
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Bremerhaven is a city in the federal state of Bremen, Germany. It is located at the eastern bank of the Weser river mouth, opposite the town of Nordenham. Population: 120,900 (2003)
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History
The town was founded in 1827, but there were settlements there as early as the 12th century. These tiny villages were built on small islands in the swampy estuary. There were early plans to found a fortified town at the place in order to protect the ships leaving or entering the Weser, and in 1672 Swedish colonists tried unsuccessfully to erect a castle (Carlsburg) there.
Finally, in 1827 the city of Bremen bought the territories at the Weser mouth from the kingdom of Hanover. Bremerhaven was born and became a second harbour to Bremen, despite the distance of 50 km between the places. Due to the trade with and the emigration to North America the port and the town grew fast.
The kingdom of Hanover founded a rival town directly beside Bremerhaven and called it Geestemünde (1845). Both towns grew and established the three pillars of trade, shipbuilding and fishing. In 1927 Geestemünde and some neighbouring municipalities were united to become the new city of Wesermünde, and in 1939 Wesermünde and Bremerhaven were merged. The town and the port were destroyed in World War II; in 1947 it became a part of the state of Bremen. Today Bremerhaven is therefore, confusingly, part of the state of Bremen but is a city in its own right, distinct from the city of Bremen. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the port of Bremerhaven is not part of the city Bremerhaven but under the direct jurisdiction of the city of Bremen.
Tourist attractions
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Bremerhaven has only a few historical buildings, and the city centre is absolutely new. The main attractions for tourists are the German Maritime Museum (Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum) in a historical harbour with many museum ships such as the Type XXI U-boat Wilhelm Bauer, the Seute Deern (a three-masted sailing vessel), and other interesting ships. The fishing port also houses an aquarium (the Atlanticum).
The new zoo is to be reopened on 27 March 2004, after a lengthy rehabilitation. It will feature Arctic wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. Coming attractions will include the Klimahaus, simulating travel adventure along the 8th Parallel.
An imposing hotel in the shape of the famous Burj al-‘Arab will be erected at the sea in the center of the city. All these attractions are within walking distance.
Many tourists watch the many ships in the busy port and the worldfamous Lloyd-werft where great cruiseliners are built or repaired. As of March 2004, the Norway is being overhauled in the port and the Oriana and the QE2 are expected. The Pride of America (80,000 tons) is under construction.
Trade
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The port of Bremerhaven is the sixteenth largest container port in the world, with more than 3,500,000 containers shipped every year; the port is still growing fast. In addition, more than 1,350,000 cars are imported or exported every year via Bremerhaven.
The car in- and export of Bremerhaven is the second biggest in Europe after Rotterdam. This and the container business are both very important for the harbor and both are growing.
Politics
The Bremerhaven government is a coalition between the Social Democrats and the Christian Democrats.
External links
es:Bremerhaven fr:Bremerhaven it:Bremerhaven ja:ブレーマーハーフェン nl:Bremerhaven pl:Bremerhaven pt:Bremerhaven sv:Bremerhaven