Vegesacker Weserflohmarkt

Browsing with a view of the Weser

Vegesack is the maritime centre of Bremen's north: an old harbour town at the mouth of the Lesum and Aue rivers into the Weser, with a museum harbour, promenade, and historic town centre. Twice a year, the Weser river promenade here becomes the stage for the Vegesacker Weserflohmarkt – a flea market in the state of Bremen that draws its special charm from its location directly on the wide river. Where else can you go bargain hunting while watching the ships on the Weser?

Stalls of private sellers line the promenade. Only used goods are sold: household items, clothing, records and CDs, books, decorations, and all sorts of curiosities. New goods are not allowed – this makes the market a true treasure trove paradise for anyone who loves browsing and haggling. Catering stands ensure that you can take a relaxed break from bargain hunting with a snack or a coffee with a view of the Weser.

Harbour history since 1623

The Vegesack harbour was built between 1618 and 1623 by order of the Bremen Senate – as the first artificial river harbour in Germany. It became necessary because the Weser became increasingly silted up upstream, and the large trading sailing ships could no longer reach the Schlachte in Bremen's old town. From the small settlement by the harbour, whose name goes back to the old inn Thom Fegesacke, a flourishing shipping town grew. This history is still palpable today: the museum harbour with its historic ships and the approximately 1.8-kilometre-long Maritime Mile along the Weser make the district a lively showcase of North German maritime tradition.

A Sunday in Bremen's North

The Weserflohmarkt takes place twice a year – once in early summer, once in September – always on Sundays from morning until afternoon. It is more than just a market: a convivial gathering on the promenade, where the neighbourhood meets and guests from all over Bremen's north and the surrounding area come together. Those who combine their visit to the flea market with a walk along the museum harbour or a detour into the historic town centre will experience Vegesack at its most beautiful – maritime, cosy, and typically North German.