Discover Brake (Unterweser)

Brake (Unterweser) combines the Weser harbour, views of Harriersand island and architectural landmarks spanning several centuries. There are also cycling routes, maritime exhibitions and guided tours exploring local history and city life. This lets you choose what to focus on when planning your trip: more time by the water, on your bike or discovering the local culture.

Harbour, Stadtkaje and Harriersand

The Braker seaport quay begins north of the city centre. Large grain silos, cranes, warehouses and open storage areas shape the scene; the facility stretches for about two kilometres downstream along the Weser. At the Stadtkaje waterfront promenade, you can linger and take in views of the harbour facilities and ship traffic. From here, you can also see Harriersand, the opposite Weser island, which is about eleven kilometres long. The island is therefore considerably longer than the quay.

Harriersand is Brake’s local recreation area. The island is characterised by its sandy beach and abundant trees; you can walk, cycle and relax there. The passenger ferry “Guntsiet” runs from the ferry landing at Brake’s Stadtkaje to Harriersand. If you are planning to cross, check the operator’s current departure times.

Both sides offer different options for planning your day.

Cycling routes and maritime history

The long-distance German Sielroute and Weser Cycle Route pass right through Brake. This makes it easy to include the town in a cycling trip; the harbour promenade and cultural attractions also offer interests beyond the route itself.

The Unterweser Maritime Museum presents the 200-year history of Brake harbour. Part of the museum is housed in the Braker Telegraph, which has been home to the museum since 1960. The telegraph tower displays, among other things, ship models, ship portraits and nautical instruments. The topics covered also include the harsh life aboard 19th-century whaling ships, maritime folk art and exotic sailors’ souvenirs.

Older buildings also tell the story of Brake: Built in 1731 by Addick and Elisabeth Addicks, the Fischerhaus is the city’s oldest surviving house. Original wooden beams and hand-painted wall tiles have been preserved inside. Golzwarden is home to St Bartholomew’s Church, Brake’s oldest church, built in 1263. You can explore it on a church tour; the Tourist Information Office can provide details of dates.

The Arp Schnitger Centre uses four display panels to present the life and work of the master organ builder. Audio and video presentations explain his significance; Arp Schnitger was born in Schmalenfleth. Visits and guided tours are available on request.

Regular expert-led tours explore Brake’s maritime past. Groups can also book town walks and night watchman tours for other dates by arrangement. With prior notice, they can be held in Low German. For current dates and bookings, contact the Tourist Information Office.

Discover more destinations: Ovelgönne, Stadland, Berne, Lemwerder, Langwarden, Stollhamm, Sehestedt, Butjadingen.

Go to the main travel overview: Wesermarsch.