Day 4 – Bremerhaven

Once again, the last day of a trip had arrived. But before heading home, we wanted to explore Bremerhaven.

Our first destination was the German Emigration Center. My grandfather had emigrated from Bremen to Argentina in 1927. Shortly before Christmas, he boarded the ship “Sierra de Cordoba” and arrived in Buenos Aires about four weeks later. He returned later on—but that’s another story. Since my grandfather had died a year before I was born, I never got to meet him and never had the chance to ask him personally about his journey. That made me all the more curious to see the Emigration Center.

It truly exceeded all my expectations.

We first entered a room designed like an old waiting hall. There was a presentation on emigration to the New World. Millions of people once began a new life from here, without knowing what lay ahead. Some simply wanted to escape the economically tense situation in Europe; later, more and more Jews fled from the Nazi regime.

In the next room, mannequins depicted scenes of departure. You could see the luggage they carried. Even today, you could still feel the tension those people must have experienced. A few even changed their minds at the last moment—the fear of the unknown and the certainty of never seeing their loved ones again was too overwhelming.

Again and again, we had the opportunity to listen to emigrants’ biographies. Some managed to start a completely new, happy life; others regretted their decision and never truly felt at home in their new country.

In the next room, we boarded one of the symbolic ships via a wooden gangway.

We were then shown the cabins of the various travel classes, as well as the dining room reserved for first-class passengers.

For that time, the ships were relatively comfortable—even for those traveling third class. Of course, by today’s standards, they are hardly comparable.

The next room was dedicated to Ellis Island, the “Island of Tears” in New York.

Following this, there was information about the immigrants’ first days in their new homeland. For many, it was not easy to adjust to new habits and especially to a new language.

Another section of the exhibition focused on the topic of “migration” in general and the problems modern-day migrants often face.

Finally, we entered a room with computers where we could research our own families. And I actually found my grandfather in the database—a special feeling!

After visiting the Emigration Center, we walked along Bremerhaven’s shopping street.

We strolled up and down, visiting a few souvenir shops.

At lunchtime, we had a fish meal planned with our friends. In a cozy restaurant in the harbor, we ordered delicious fish platters.

Fresh from the sea—it always tastes best.

Afterwards, we wandered through the small shops in the harbor. It was very relaxing to spend this time with our dear friends.

In the afternoon, we headed to the Weser beach, where we ordered cappuccino and cake at a cozy café.

We looked out over the sea one last time and enjoyed the warm rays of sunshine.

After a short walk along the beach, we drove back.

As ist was still very warm, I decided to quickly dive into the lake and swim a bit. The water was wonderful

In the evening, we spent more relaxed time with our friends, barbecuing in their garden. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful vacation.

The next morning, we had to get up early. At 7:00 a.m., we were already on our way back home, where we arrived just ten hours later.

This short holiday by the North Sea will remain a fond memory forever.