Klimahaus Bremerhaven

About the museum

Klimahaus Bremerhaven opened in June 2009 in the Havenwelten district between the Alter Hafen and Neuer Hafen harbors. The project, which cost around 70 million euros, was part of the redevelopment of Bremerhaven’s harbor district and was intended to make the topic of climate tangible for a broad audience.

The cloud-like, curving building is based on a design by Bremen architect Thomas Klumpp, who also designed the Universum in Bremen. Around a concrete core stretches a shell of about 4,700 individually shaped glass panes; around 11,500 square meters of exhibitions are open to visitors.

The centerpiece is the “Reise” (Journey) along longitude 8° 34′ E: it leads from Bremerhaven via the Swiss Alps, Sardinia, the Sahel, Cameroon, Antarctica, Samoa, and Alaska to a Hallig (a small undiked North Sea island) – each with a recreated climate, plants, and live animals. It is complemented by the “Perspektiven” area on the Earth’s climate history and the playful “World Future Lab”. In 2025, the immersive permanent exhibition “Wetterextreme” (Extreme Weather) with a lifting platform was added.

Since its opening, more than seven million people have visited. Klimahaus is also a registered zoo with around 250 animal species and has been run as a nonprofit company since 2026.

Highlights

• The “Reise” along the 8th meridian through nine places and climate zones
• Walk-in Antarctic station with sub-zero temperatures and a hot, humid rainforest in Cameroon
• Immersive exhibition “Wetterextreme” with a lifting platform
• Live animals and aquariums, including a coral reef
• Playful “World Future Lab” on climate protection decisions
• Striking glass shell made of around 4,700 panes

Permanent exhibitions

• Die Reise – A tour through nine places on the 8th meridian with recreated climate zones, landscapes, animals, and portraits of the people who live there.
• Wetterextreme – Since spring 2025: an immersive ride on a lifting platform through heat, torrential rain, and a hurricane, concluded by accounts from people affected; extra charge.
• Perspektiven und World Future Lab – The Earth’s climate history, human-made climate change, and a look ahead to the year 2050, complemented by an interactive game about climate-friendly decisions.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Klimahaus Bremerhaven gGmbH

Director

Ingrid Hayen (Geschäftsführerin)

Visitors per year

approx. 400,000 (2025)

Admission & discounts

The day ticket and afternoon ticket do not include the “Wetterextreme” exhibition. With a valid same-day Niedersachsenticket, 10% off regular day tickets. The Bremer FreiKarte and Klimahaus vouchers are accepted. Coat check for jackets €1.50 (children free), backpacks free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Certified by “Reisen für Alle”; over 90% of routes are accessible, and all exhibition areas can be reached by elevator (with announcements). Currently, due to faulty automatic door openers, not all routes can be used without an assistant. The “Wetterextreme” platform cannot be used with a power wheelchair or stroller. Free loan of wheelchairs and rollators. Tours for blind and visually impaired visitors on request. Some exhibition rooms are dark.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

The exhibition is designed for all ages; step stools help small children see the exhibits. Passports for children in the “Reise” area (€1.50). Children’s birthday parties for ages 6 and up as a treasure hunt or safari (approx. 1 hour) or as an evening flashlight tour (approx. 1.5 hours). Children’s jackets free at the coat check. Children up to and including age 13 only when accompanied by an adult; over 90% of the routes are accessible and suitable for strollers.

Getting there & parking

The connecting canal between the Alter Hafen and Neuer Hafen is closed, and both bridges are impassable; signposted detour via Van-Ronzelen-Straße. The Havenwelten parking garage remains accessible.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Pescatarian restaurant “Längengrad” (10:00–17:00, hot food until 16:00) and “Café südwärts” in the exhibition; shop “8° Ost” (11:00–18:00). Pets other than assistance dogs are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Up to 150 guests.

Kyoto conference room (up to 150 people), Montreal workshop room (60), Rio auditorium (100), as well as celebrations at stations of the exhibition journey (e.g., the Samoa beach) with in-house catering; wedding ceremonies are not offered, only wedding photos.

Plan your visit