Name: Torfhafenfest Findorff 2026
Start: 2026-04-25T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-25T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Torfhafen Findorff

Torfhafenfest

About Torfhafenfest

The Torfhafenfest in Bremen's Findorff district commemorates a piece of Hanseatic economic history: peat shipping between the moor villages and the city. The highlight is the arrival of the peat barge armada — historic peat barges with their distinctive brown sails, which sail from Worpswede to Bremen every few years via the Hamme and Wümme rivers and dock at the Torfhafen. The convoy is traditionally led by the Mayor of Bremen. Around the harbour, a colourful programme awaits with introductory boat trips on the barges, live music, hands-on moor activities for families, and regional culinary specialities such as peat baker's cake, peat beer, and Jan Torf.

Dates 25 Apr — 25 Apr 2026

Venue Bremen (04011)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Torfhafenfest — edition 2026

The Torfhafenfest 2026 takes place on Saturday, April 25th, from 3 p.m. to around 10 p.m. at the Torfhafen in Bremen-Findorff. The highlight is the arrival of the peat barge armada from Worpswede around 5 p.m., led by the Mayor of Bremen. This is accompanied by introductory boat trips, live music, and regional culinary delights.

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.

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

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.

Prices Torfhafenfest 2026

Free admission. Introductory trips on the peat barges during the festival (3-5 p.m.).

Practical information

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.

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.