Brake (Unterweser)

Weser Island and paths by the water

Harriersand is an approximately 11-kilometre-long island in the Weser and Brake’s local recreation area. Its sandy beach and abundant trees invite you to walk, cycle and linger. The island offers a different focus from the maritime history in the town centre: here, the emphasis is on paths through the landscape and breaks at the beach. If you would like to include Harriersand in your plans, you can take the “Guntsiet” passenger ferry. It runs from the ferry landing at Brake’s Stadtkaje to the island; it is best to check current sailing times with the operator.

The Stadtkaje also offers views of the Weser landscape: the riverside promenade invites you to linger and provides views of harbour facilities, ship traffic and Harriersand on the opposite bank. North of the town centre begins Brake’s seaport quay, with grain silos, cranes, warehouses and open storage areas. It extends for about two kilometres downstream along the Weser. The Stadtkaje puts the open waterfront and views centre stage, while the quay brings the scale and working life of the harbour into view.

Historic buildings in Brake

Built in 1731 by Addick and Elisabeth Addicks, the Fischerhaus is the oldest surviving house in Brake. Original wooden beams and hand-painted wall tiles have been preserved inside. Another glimpse into the city’s history can be found in Golzwarden: the St. Bartholomew’s Church, built in 1263, is the oldest church in Brake. You can explore it on a guided church tour. If you are planning a tour, ask the Tourist Information Office for current dates.

The Arp Schnitger Centrum is dedicated to the life and work of the organ builder, who was born in Schmalenfleth. Four display panels, along with audio and video presentations, explain his significance. Visits and guided tours are available on request. The different stops offer different themes for exploring the city: the Fischerhaus focuses on preserved architectural features, Golzwarden on its long church history, and the Centrum on the life and work of an organ builder.

Harbour and maritime history

The Unterweser Maritime Museum presents the 200-year history of Brake harbour. Part of the Maritime Museum of the Oldenburg Unterweser is housed in Brake’s Telegraph. The Telegraph Tower displays ship models, ship portraits and nautical instruments. Expert guided tours of the city’s maritime past are held regularly in Brake. Groups can also book city walks and night watchman tours for other dates by arrangement; they can be held in Low German with prior notice. Contact the Tourist Information Office for current dates and arrangements.

Brake in the wider Wesermarsch destination

Brake is in the Wesermarsch. The Wesermarsch is known for its marsh landscapes, which are well suited to cycling and walking tours. The Deutsche Sielroute is a circular cycling route through the Wesermarsch that also runs right through Brake. Along its regional route, it brings the marshes and moorland, sluices, harbours and towns on the Weser and North Sea coast to life. The route’s flat terrain is particularly suitable for cycling with children or on an e-bike. For a broader picture of the region: the Wesermarsch is characterised by 60 kilometres of Wadden Sea coastline and 90 kilometres of riverbanks along the Weser and Hunte. Marsh landscapes, the Wadden Sea coast and riverbanks along the Weser and Hunte define the landscape of the Wesermarsch.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Stadland, Nordenham, Lemwerder, Sehestedt, Elsfleth, Butjadingen, Jade, Berne.

Back to the main travel guide: Wesermarsch.