The Ratskeller contains the oldest barrel of wine in Germany, dating back to 1653, which is never fully emptied.
The building was one of the few structures in the city center to survive World War II bombing raids largely intact.
The facade features a famous high-relief sculpture representing the 'Last Judgment'.
The cellar contains the 'Bacchus Cellar', which is decorated with paintings and wood carvings from the 18th century.
The Town Hall's main balcony was the site of the city’s official proclamations for centuries.
The interior holds the 'Golden Chamber', an opulent room redecorated in the Art Nouveau style in 1905.
Bremen Town Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed between 1405 and 1410 in the Gothic style, with a Weser Renaissance facade added in the 17th century. It houses the Ratskeller, one of the oldest wine cellars in Germany, which has been in operation since 1405. The Upper Hall remains the largest secular room from the late Middle Ages in Germany. The building serves as the official seat of the President of the Senate and the Mayor of Bremen. Its architecture features stone statues of Charlemagne and the seven prince-electors on its exterior wall. The Ratskeller exclusively stores and serves German wines, maintaining a collection of over 650 different labels.
From the center of the Marktplatz looking toward the west facade for the best view of the ornate Renaissance stonework.
Book a guided tour in advance to access the Upper Hall and the Golden Chamber, as they are not always open for self-guided exploration.
Sample a glass of wine in the Ratskeller to experience the centuries-old tradition of German viticulture.
Visit the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians located just around the corner on the western side of the building.
Do not assume the entire building is open to the public at all times, as it is still a functioning seat of local government.
Guided tours are occasionally cancelled for official state receptions and government events.
Business casual attire is recommended when visiting the state rooms; quiet decorum is expected inside the historic halls.
