Bremerhaven Matjes Days & Harbour Spectacle
Fresh Matjes, Music, and US Cars in the Schaufenster Fischereihafen
About Matjes Days Bremerhaven
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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.
Matjes Days Bremerhaven — edition 2026
From July 10 to 12, 2026, the Schaufenster Fischereihafen celebrates its 34th anniversary with the Bremerhaven Matjes Days and the Harbour Spectacle. Planned are a 34-meter long Matjes snack, Nieuwe Haring hand-filleted at the Dutch Matjes cart, the US car meet Fish & Cars, live music, cocktails, arts and crafts, and beach chairs with a harbour view. The sea rescuers (DGzRS) will be present with their information mobile daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. Opening hours are Fridays 3 PM to 10 PM, Saturdays 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sundays 11 AM to 6 PM; around 50,000 guests are expected. Free admission.
Programme Matjes Days Bremerhaven 2026
Three days of Matjes, maritime flair, and live music at the Schaufenster Fischereihafen – dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Schaufenster. Organizer: Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH.
Opening Hours
- Friday, July 10, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday, July 11, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, July 12, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Culinary Highlights — Matjes in Focus
- 34-meter long Matjes sandwich — fitting for the 34th anniversary of the Schaufenster, a highlight to try
- Nieuwe Haring — freshly caught and hand-filleted at the traditional Dutch Matjes cart
- Other fish specialties from Northern German providers
- Cocktails, beer, and wine at the stands along the harbour basin
Fish & Cars — US Car Meet
The large US car and classic car meet Fish & Cars brings American classics together along the harbour basin – in previous years, over 150 gleaming American classic cars were present.
Sea Rescuers (DGzRS) On-Site
- The information mobile of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) will be available daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Insights into the work of the sea rescuers on the North and Baltic Seas, technical equipment, and training
Music, Arts & Crafts, and Family Atmosphere
- Live music on several stages / corners of the Schaufenster throughout all three days
- Arts and crafts stalls around the harbour basin
- Beach chairs with a direct view of the harbour basin
- Children's programme with interactive activities
The band list and the daily stage timetable will be published by the organizer Erlebnis Bremerhaven shortly before the festival at bremerhaven-erleben.de/matjestage.
Highlights Matjes Days Bremerhaven 2026
- 34-meter long Matjes sandwich for the 34th anniversary of Schaufenster Fischereihafen
- Freshly caught Nieuwe Haring from the traditional Dutch Matjes cart
- US Car Meet Fish & Cars with American classics along the harbour basin
- Information mobile of the Sea Rescuers (DGzRS) daily 11 AM–5 PM
- Live music, cocktails, beach chairs, and harbour flair — Free admission
Prices Matjes Days Bremerhaven 2026
Admission is free. Food, drinks, and goods from the stalls are paid for individually on-site. Getting there: By bus and train to Bremerhaven Hauptbahnhof, then bus or walk to Schaufenster Fischereihafen; parking available by car at the Fischereihafen.
Practical information — Matjes Days Bremerhaven
Getting there
Schaufenster Fischereihafen, Am Schaufenster 6, 27572 Bremerhaven. Accessible by car via the Fischereihafen, with bus connections available. Due to the large number of visitors, arriving early is recommended.
Admission
Admission is free. Food, drinks, and Matjes specialties are available on-site for purchase.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Matjes Days Bremerhaven al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Matjes Days Bremerhaven
Schaufenster Fischereihafen
Am Schaufenster 6, 27572 Bremerhaven