German Emigration Center

The German Emigration Center (Deutsches Auswandererhaus) in Bremerhaven is an immersive museum about emigration and immigration, built on the very harbor where millions of Europeans boarded ships for America. You walk through a recreated quay, cramped steerage decks and the halls of Ellis Island while following the life story of a real emigrant. Named European Museum of the Year in 2007, it is a must for anyone with German roots and one of the top things to do in Bremerhaven.

Where it is and how to get there

Bremerhaven lies on the North Sea at the mouth of the Weser River, about 65 km (40 miles) north of Bremen. Regional trains run from Bremen Hauptbahnhof to Bremerhaven Hauptbahnhof, and the Deutschlandticket covers the trip; from Hamburg, plan on roughly two hours. From Bremerhaven's main station, buses 502, 505, 506, 508 and 509 reach the Havenwelten stop in about seven minutes. Drivers can use the Havenwelten parking garages, with disabled parking right in front of the museum.

Why this museum matters

Between 1830 and 1974, about 7.2 million people emigrated through Bremerhaven, most of them bound for the United States. In the 19th century it was among the busiest emigration ports on the European mainland, which means many American family trees lead back to this harbor. The museum opened on August 8, 2005, as Germany's first museum of migration, and a second wing on immigration to Germany followed in 2012. It draws around 180,000 visitors a year.

What you will see

The tour begins in 1870 and moves through about 340 years of migration history:

• a waiting hall and a recreated quay from 1888, with a ship towering above you
• three steerage decks from the 1850s, 1880s and 1920s
• the registry room of Ellis Island, where officials decided who could stay
• New York's Grand Central Terminal, symbol of a fresh start
• a wing on people who immigrated to Germany and the debates around them

Your ticket activates listening stations along the way, available in German and English; just mention your language when buying. In the Gallery of the 7 Million you can search databases for your own emigrant ancestors at no extra cost, although staff do not take individual research requests. Plan for two to three hours.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, admission is €22 for adults, €18 reduced and €10 for children aged 5 to 16. Family tickets cost €38 (one adult) or €58 (two adults). Reduced afternoon rates apply from 3 p.m.

The museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 1 to October 31 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November 1 to February 28, with last entry one hour before closing. It is closed on December 24 and closes at 4 p.m. on December 31. Photography costs €1.50, and flash and tripods are not allowed. All areas are reachable by elevator. Pets are not admitted, but staff can look after a dog on weekdays if you call ahead.

Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially if your ancestors left Germany for North America. Few museums make the emigrant experience as personal and vivid. Next door stands the Klimahaus Bremerhaven, and the Zoo am Meer, the Atlantic Hotel Sail City viewing platform and the German Maritime Museum are all within walking distance, so a day trip from Bremen or Hamburg is easy to fill.