- Annual maritime festivities in Bremerhaven draw approximately 50,000 attendees.
From sailing vessels to tugboats and steamships, approximately 70 watercrafts lured around 50,000 individuals to Bremerhaven's "Maritime Week" from midweek till Sunday, figures revealed by Michael Gerber, executive director of Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH. That's approximately 10,000 more attendees than the previous year, he added. "Bremerhaven has proven, for the fourth time, that the 'Maritime Week' isn't just marked in people's calendars but also deeply cherished in the hearts of our guests."
The offerings included the sailing school ship "Alexander von Humboldt II" and replicas of Spanish galleons. A boat tour was also available, with approximately 5,200 enthusiasts jumping on the opportunity, organizers disclosed. In total, 13 watercrafts, from three-mast sailing ships to speedboats, offered journeys.
The festivities were punctuated by a diverse lineup of 180 market stands and nearly 40 distinct musical performances: on land, four stages offered a mix of sea shanties, German pop, and rock. Approximately 5.85 million euros were invested in the "Maritime Week" 2024, Gerber mentioned. "That's money well-spent, contributing to positioning Bremerhaven as a warm and attractive city."
The "Maritime Week" serves as a prelude to the major windjammer festival "Sail", which happens every five years. In the interim, Bremerhaven hosts the "Maritime Week". The upcoming "Sail" is slated for August 2025.
The diverse musical performances during the "Maritime Week" featured not only sea shanties but also German pop and rock, attracting many music lovers. The sailing school ship "Alexander von Humboldt II" often hosts live music events, making it a popular spot for music enthusiasts visiting the watercrafts.