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Bremerhaven is a city in the federal state of Bremen, Germany. It is located at the eastern bank of the Weser river mouth, opposite the town of Nordenham, and is twinned with Grimsby in England. Population: 117,705 (2004)

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The town was founded in 1827, but there were settlements there as early as the 12th century. These tiny villages were built on small islands in the swampy estuary. There were early plans to found a fortified town at the place in order to protect the ships leaving or entering the Weser, and in 1672 Swedish colonists tried unsuccessfully to erect a castle (Carlsburg) there.

Finally, in 1827 the city of Bremen bought the territories at the Weser mouth from the kingdom of Hanover. Bremerhaven was born and became a second harbour to Bremen, despite the distance of 50 km between the places. Due to the trade with and the emigration to North America the port and the town grew fast.

The kingdom of Hanover founded a rival town directly beside Bremerhaven and called it b (1845). Both towns grew and established the three pillars of trade, shipbuilding and fishing. In 1927 Geestemünde and some neighbouring municipalities were united to become the new city of b, and in 1939 Wesermünde and Bremerhaven were merged. Most of the town was destroyed in World War II; however the most vital parts of the port escaped the war undamaged. In 1947 the city became part of the Bundesland Bremen. Today Bremerhaven is therefore, confusingly, part of the i of Bremen. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the overseas port is not part of the city Bremerhaven but under the direct jurisdiction of the city of Bremen.

Bremerhaven has only a few historical buildings, and the high street and city centre are almost exclusively post-war. The main attractions for tourists are the German Emigration Center (since August 8, 2005) and the German Maritime Museum (i (a three-masted sailing vessel), and other interesting ships. At the world-famous Lloyd wharf, great cruiseliners are built or repaired. As of March 2004, the i (80,000 tons) is under construction. The fishing port also houses an aquarium (the Atlanticum). The zoo reopened on 27 March 2004, after a lengthy rehabilitation. It features Arctic wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. Attractions include the i simulating travel adventure along the 8th Parallel.

Many tourists watch the many ships in the busy port. Every five years Sail Bremerhaven is held, a large marine manifestation that attracts tall ships from all over the world. The last time it was held was in 2005, to coincide with Sail Amsterdam.

The port of Bremerhaven is the sixteenth largest container port in the world, with more than 3,500,000 containers shipped every year; the port is still growing fast. In addition, more than 1,350,000 cars are imported or exported every year via Bremerhaven.

The car in- and export of Bremerhaven is the second biggest in Europe after Rotterdam. This and the container business are both very important for the harbor and both are growing.

The Bremerhaven government is a coalition between the Social Democrats and the Christian Democrats.

Bremerhaven is home to the basketball team Eisbären Bremerhaven who play in the highest German Bundesliga (basketball).