Charming Bremen as a business travel destination
Until recently, I - Merel Kolenberg, Business Travel Consultant - used to travel abroad once a year with my father. Ideal to discover beautiful destinations and also to be able to judge directly from the eyes of business travelers. So we took several city trips and visited sunny islands. Unfortunately, COVID-19 threw a spanner in the works of travel. My father is a big fan of German cities and after Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart, our last trip in 2019 went to Bremen.
Bremen is located in northern Germany on both sides of the Weser River, the river to which the ancient Hanseatic city probably owes its origins. Bremen, which together with Bremerhaven forms Germany's smallest state, has the charm of a lively metropolis. Here traditional and modern, the quality of life of the big city and North German coziness go hand in hand. Bremen is very compact, making it a walking city par excellence. History, culture and lifestyle are often only a short distance from each other.
Transportation options
Bremen can be reached in as little as 4 hours by car. The train takes you from Amsterdam Central Station to Bremen Hauptbahnhof within 4.5 hours. We had booked a direct flight with KLM departing from Amsterdam and were already at the airport in the Hanseatic city within an hour. For a small additional fee, I had booked business class as a surprise. In addition to the extra legroom, we were served a sandwich with orange juice and chocolate as "dessert." Bremen Airport is only 4 kilometers from Bremen Altstadt and you travel to and from the city center quite quickly and easily. By car it takes 10 minutes, streetcar line 6 takes 16 minutes and has a frequency of every 6-10 minutes.
Comfortable stays in Bremen
We stayed in an annex of the Best Western City Hotel a 3-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof, in a spacious apartment with cooking facilities. However, Bremen also offers a wide choice of hotels which are perfect for business travel. Such as:
- Atlantic Grand Hotel Bremen **** located downtown
- Dorint City Hotel Bremen **** located 450 meters from the city center
- Steigenberger Hotel Bremen **** located 1.4 kilometers from city center
- Courtyard by Marriot Bremen **** located 1.1 kilometers from city center
- Parkhotel Bremen ***** located 1.8 kilometers from city center
What to do in Bremen?
Bremen is Germany's second most important export port after Hamburg. Transportation and logistics are considered the most important sectors in Bremen as Bremerhaven. In addition, the automotive industry (Daimler) and aviation (Airbus) are of great significance to the city. This is also reflected in the many activities Bremen has to offer. For example, you can visit the second largest Mercedes factory in the world and the Airbus visitor center.
We began our journey of discovery with a cruise on the Weser and through the Port. While this mini-cruise does not win the top prize for the most beautiful tour, it gives a good impression of port activities as they were and are today in and around Bremen. We also visited Brauerie Becks, where you will take a tour and be taken through the history of the company and the brewing of beer. Of course, the tour concludes with a tasting.
A city walk is really a must with the St. Petri Dom, the stone Roland, City Hall, the statue of the City Musicians centered on the historic Marktplatz. Via the Böttcherstrasse you arrive at the Weser Promenade where you can enjoy a drink on the waterfront. Here you will also find the world famous restaurant and hotel ship Alexander von Humboldt. Of course, there is much more to do and see for both young and old. Bremen may not be the most obvious destination for a city break, but it is definitely worth it.
Business manners in Germany
- Speak German. The usual language of communication during business meetings in Germany is not English, but the native German language. This is especially true in traditional small and medium-sized businesses. It is therefore appreciated when German is spoken. Germans, for their part, are perfectionists. They can therefore sometimes be reluctant to speak English.
- Stay formal. Business culture in Germany is more formal than in the Netherlands. Etiquette is important and tutoring is the norm. However, there are looser manners in sectors where many already young people work. For Germans, hierarchy is very important. There is a clear separation between work and private life. Private matters are not discussed in the workplace.
- Be pünktlich. In other words, be punctual. Schedule business appointments well in advance. An appointment in Germany is often in writing and binding. Appointments at the end of the day are often not desirable. Be on time for appointments. This is because it can affect your relationship with a business partner if an appointment is missed.
- Use titles. When someone introduces themselves with a title, address them by that title. Make sure the correct title is used. Germans value titles and respect academic achievement and the status that goes with it. First contact is often brief and formal. First names are not used unless indicated by the interlocutor.
- Know the kitchen. Germans love delicious and high-quality food and drink. Typical German dishes and delicacies are: Sauerkraut mit Eisbein und kartoffelstock, bratwurst, curry sausage, berlinerbollen, lebkuchen. In this, Germans have the habit of having lunch with hot dishes.
- Choose formal attire. Good preparation is important for a business meeting. Include documentation, preferably in German. When selling technical products bring the technical specifications. At a business appointment, formal dress is natural. Germans are conservative when it comes to clothing at business appointments.
Would you like more information about travel options to Bremen or are you curious about another German destination? Then be sure to read our blog about the lively city Leipzig or take contact with us. We will be happy to help you organize your next business trip!
Travel Well!
Merel Kolenberg
Business Travel Consultant
