Torfhafenfest Findorff
Historic harbour festival with peat barge armada in Bremen's Findorff district
About Torfhafenfest
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Where Peat Came to Bremen
Between 1826 and the early 20th century, up to 300 peat barges docked at the Findorff Torfhafen daily. They brought the peat, cut in the moors, to Bremen as heating fuel — an economic lifeline for the district. The Torfhafenfest, which once again puts the old harbour at the centre, commemorates this history.
The Peat Barge Armada
The centrepiece is the peat barge armada: a fleet of historic barges sets sail from Worpswede in the early morning and sails via the Hamme and Wümme rivers along the centuries-old shipping routes to Bremen. Around 5 p.m., the armada arrives at the Torfhafen — led by the Mayor of Bremen, who accompanies the convoy as a gesture of appreciation. The next day, the barges begin their journey back.
Programme at the Harbour
There is a packed programme around the arrival: introductory trips on the peat barges, live music with an accordion and a shanty choir, hosted by a Bremen radio presenter. For children, there are craft stations for building barge models and the traditional moor-boccia. Information stands explain peat extraction and its ecological significance. Culinary offerings include peat baker's cake, peat beer, the herbal schnapps Jan Torf, sausages, fish, and vegan dishes.
Findorff Tradition
Findorff is named after the moor commissioner Jürgen Christian Findorff, who cultivated the moors on the outskirts of Bremen. The Torfhafenfest brings this heritage to life, combining Hanseatic city history with a vibrant district festival supported by the Findorff business community.
Torfhafenfest — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, the peat barge armada sets sail from Worpswede in the early morning and arrives at the Findorff Torfhafen around 5 p.m., led by Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be introductory trips on the barges, plus live music with accordion (Jonny Glut) and the Neustadt Shanty Choir, hosted by a Bremen radio presenter, moor-boccia, and craft activities for children. Culinary offerings include peat baker's cake, peat beer, Jan Torf, sausages, and fish dishes. On April 26th, the armada begins its return journey.
Programme Torfhafenfest 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Torfhafenplatz Findorff (3:00 PM to approx. 10:00 PM)
Host of the stage programme: Roland Kanwicher.
- 3:00 PM — Opening with Jonny Glut on the accordion
- 3:00 PM–5:00 PM — Introductory trips on the peat barges (approx. 15-45 minutes, for families)
- 4:00 PM — Neustadt Shanty Choir with traditional sailor songs
- approx. 5:00 PM — Arrival of the peat barge armada from Worpswede, led by Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte
- 6:00 PM — Jonny Glut returns with his trio: music for dancing and celebration
Participate & Experience
- Model boat crafting and craft stations for children
- Moor-boccia
- Relax by the water in the "Port Piet" beer garden
Culinary Delights
Peat baker's cake, peat beer, "Jan Torf" (herbal schnapps), sausage and fish dishes.
Getting There
Bus lines 26/27 from the main station to "Findorffallee". Free parking at the Findorffmarkt. The armada's return journey takes place on April 26, 2026.
Highlights Torfhafenfest 2026
- Arrival of the historic peat barge armada from Worpswede around 5 p.m., led by the Mayor of Bremen
- Introductory trips on the peat barges from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Live music: Jonny Glut (accordion & trio) and Neustadt Shanty Choir
- Moor-boccia, model boat crafting, and children's programme
- Regional culinary specialities: peat baker's cake, peat beer, Jan Torf
Prices Torfhafenfest 2026
Practical information — Torfhafenfest
Getting There
The Torfhafen is located at the corner of Findorffstraße / Neukirchstraße in the Findorff district. Cycling or taking BSAG bus lines 26 and 27 from the main station to Findorffallee are recommended. Parking spaces are limited; free parking is available at the Findorffmarkt.
Admission
Admission to the festival is free. It takes place on a Saturday afternoon into the evening.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Torfhafenfest
Torfhafen Findorff
Torfhafen, Ecke Findorffstraße / Neukirchstraße, 28215 Bremen