Discover Wilhelmshaven

Bridge and city history

Wilhelmshaven’s landmark is the Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge. Completed in 1907, it was Europe’s largest swing bridge at the time. It connects the city and harbour waterfront between Bontekai and South Beach. At 159 metres long, it lets you cross the harbour entrance on foot, by car or by bicycle. When ships with tall masts enter the harbour, the bridge swings open to let large vessels pass. Following a major refurbishment in 2011–2012, this is a structure where the city’s history and harbour operations come together before your eyes.

Historic traces are also part of the cityscape in the Prussian city centre: Wilhelminian-era buildings, ornamental squares and parks tell the story of Wilhelmshaven’s development. The town hall, built by Fritz Höger in 1929, is recognisable by the two clinker-brick lions at its entrance. Other historic sights include Christ and Garrison Church, as well as medieval mound churches in Heppens, Neuende, Fedderwarden and Sengwarden. If you prefer to explore this history in context, you can join guided tours focusing on the imperial era; they introduce you to the city’s sights.

Maritime collections and the Wadden Sea

The German Naval Museum is housed in the former Scheibenhof workshop, built in 1888 and one of the oldest surviving workshop buildings of the former Imperial Shipyard. The museum explores almost 160 years of German naval history, including the navy’s roles and fortunes through changing times. Highlights include a tour across the four decks of the guided-missile destroyer MÖLDERS, which was decommissioned in 2003. Visitors get a glimpse of life and work on board.

The Wadden Sea Visitor Centre Wilhelmshaven focuses on tides, migratory birds and marine mammals, as well as current issues in coastal and marine protection, such as rising sea levels and marine litter. Its interactive, multisensory exhibits bring these topics to life for visitors of all ages. The permanent exhibition was renovated in spring 2022; across three floors, it explores the natural and cultural history of Jade Bay, as well as the dynamics and ecology of the Wadden Sea. You can discover different ways of learning about the coast and sea, from specific topics in nature to the changes affecting a habitat.

The Coastal Museum’s research lab offers another way to explore: visitors can try out historical, archaeological, physical and biological research methods. For families who like to include different topics in their stay, the museums offer a variety of starting points—from life on board to how coastal areas are studied.

South Beach, canal banks and green paths

South Beach is considered unique on the German North Sea coast and has been one of Wilhelmshaven’s attractions since 1929. Together with the Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge, it is an important part of the city’s maritime character. The Ems-Jade Canal runs along its northern bank at Bontekai, showcasing another aspect of the city’s relationship with water. For a change of pace, visit the Rüstringer City Park, Wilhelmshaven’s largest green space. Its walking and running paths, a pond where you can ride pedal boats and opportunities to watch ducks offer several ways to spend time outdoors.

Excursions offer a range of experiences: boat trips to Butjadingen depart from Wilhelmshaven. The South City & Beach Tour passes sculptures and monuments along the southern part of the city and South Beach, described as special, quirky and interesting. This gives you maritime impressions, city history and walks to choose from when planning your visit, without having to focus on just one side of the city.

Choose accommodation to suit your interests

When looking for accommodation, start by thinking about what you want your stay to focus on: the imperial era and historic buildings, naval history, the Wadden Sea, or walks and outdoor activities. Then base your choice on the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Breddewarden, Salzgitter, Braunschweig, Wolfsburg.

Go to the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.