Bremerhaven Matjes Days & Harbour Spectacle

Matjes, Music, and Engines at the Fish Market Harbour

When young Matjes are in season, the Schaufenster Fischereihafen gets busy: The Bremerhaven Matjes Days & Harbour Spectacle is one of the Seestadt's largest summer festivals, attracting around 50,000 guests to the quayside. At the Dutch Matjes cart, fresh Nieuwe Haring is expertly hand-filleted – and the legendary long Matjes snack is the edible landmark of the weekend year after year. The festival combines culinary tradition, maritime history, and Northern German lifestyle right on the water in the state of Bremen.

From a Small Courtyard Festival to a Volksfest

The history of the Schaufenster Fischereihafen dates back to July 11, 1992, when the marketing association around the historic Packhalle IV first invited people to a small festival. The Packhalle, built in 1906/07, had been extensively renovated in the late 1980s with EU funding and revitalized with a mix of retail and gastronomy. What began as a modest courtyard festival has evolved over the years into a Volksfest (popular festival) that draws tens of thousands to the historic part of Bremerhaven's fishing harbour in the first half of July. Since 2012, the 20th anniversary of the Schaufenster, the long Matjes snack has been a feature: it started at 20 metres and has grown by one metre each year – the proceeds traditionally benefit the DKMS (German Bone Marrow Donor Centre).

Fish & Cars and Maritime Flair

The US car meet Fish & Cars is a crowd-puller: More than 150 gleaming American classics line the harbour basin, providing chrome brilliance against the backdrop of fishing cutters. In between, fine sand with loungers and beach chairs offer a place to enjoy the view of the water – a piece of beach atmosphere right in the middle of the fishing harbour. The Multivision Fischbahnhof 360 Degrees also provides insights into sustainable fishing and the history of the harbour.

Atmosphere and Visitors

The Harbour Spectacle is a family festival with Northern German laid-back charm: Generations stroll between fish roll stands, arts and crafts stalls, and live stages, while children romp in the sand, all set against the backdrop of the Hanseatic harbour with its cutters and cranes. Anyone wanting to experience Bremerhaven and the maritime side of the state of Bremen will find an authentic, down-to-earth summer festival here.

On-Site Info

• Location: Schaufenster Fischereihafen, Am Schaufenster 6, 27572 Bremerhaven
• Admission: Free
• Getting there: By car via the Fischereihafen or by bus; early arrival is recommended due to the large crowds.