The North Sea Town of Wilhelmshaven is more than merely Sea and a Beach
The independent town of Wilhelmshaven is located directly on the North Sea and it belongs to the federal state of Lower Saxony. The access to the sea makes the town interesting and popular among tourists. Wilhelmshaven is also an important place for the economy. Several research institutions and universities have established themselves here. The location of the town, on the sea shore, was also closely connected to the development of Germany in the past.
Journey to Wilhelmshaven
If you want to travel to Wilhelmshaven by plane, you should choose the international airport in Bremen as your destination. It is situated approx. 100 km away from the town which you can then reach in 60-90 minutes travelling time. If you want to travel by car, you need to travel to the end of the motorway A 29. You can reach the A 29 from all directions if you come via the A 7 or the A 1.
With the arrival by train, you can travel to Oldenburg with the inter city, afterwards you can travel by regional train until you reach Wilhelmshaven.
The Structure of Town in Wilhelmshaven
Wilhelmshaven is comprised of 23 urban districts. The district of Heppens currently has the most inhabitants. Although, this was not always the case, it was only as a result of the work to the city, that strengthened the infrastructure here, and which enabled Heppens to develop so well. With two primary schools, one grammar school and a kindergarten, it attracts many families with children to Heppens. The district of Heppenser Deich is particularly popular and this has become a popular peripheral area of town.
The district of Vosslapp is considered to be the working-class district of Wilhelmshaven. This district also proves that the single households lie far below the urban average, as there are several households with children. For those who want to live away from the industry, they move to Vosslapp-Nord, where there are considerably more detached houses than anywhere else in the district.
Toursit Attractions in Wilhelmshaven
The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke is a landmark of the town Wilhelmshaven. It was built between 1905 and 1907. After its completion, it was the largest swing bridge in Germany. The bride is considered to be a connection between the south town and the south beach, so that vehicles and pedestrians have easy access. However, car traffic can only drive on one side so you have to pay attention to the traffic light signal. The boats that travel under the bridge are allowed to be 9 metres in height, otherwise, the bridge would get damaged and this has already occurred a few times during flooding. Forthis reason, the bridge has been extensively renovated on a few occasions in the last few years.
Another landmark is theRathaus “town hall” in Wilhelmshaven. It was built at the start of the 20th Century, 1927-1929. In those days, it was the town hall for the town hall of Rüstringen, before it became incorporated into Wilelmshaven. Today, the 50 metre high tower serves as a water reservoir for the town. You can also climb up the tower and here you will get a view of Wilhelmshaven, the Jade Bay and the mud flats.
Variety of Museums in Wilhelmshaven
Numerous museums and exhibitions can be found in the municipal area of Wilhelmshaven. The museum that receives the most visitors is theDeutsche Marinemuseum “German Marine Museum”. It is situated on the south beach and it opened in 1998. The theme deals with German seafaring since the year 1948 and it is the German Navy that receives the most attention. A permanent exhibition demonstrates the development of the marines and the exhibits also include uniforms and models of ships. The 3000 square metre outdoor area at the museum is interesting and this is where youwill also find speed boats from during the GDR era, submarines and destroyers. Special exhibitions on this theme top off the exhibition.
Directly opposite the marine museum you will find the UNESCO- World-Heritage Site mud flats visitor centre for the national park at the Lower Saxony Mud Flats . The museum deals with the extensive theme of the mud flats. Here you can look forward to comprehensive exhibition which demonstrates the wide-ranging responsibilities of the national park. You will learn something about the animals that live here, about fishing and the mud flats in general. The museum is also good when visiting with children because this theme can also be dealt with in a playful manner. The highlight of the exhibition is a 14 metre long Skeleton of a genuine sperm whale and its plastinated organs. It was beached in 1994 in front of the island of Baltrum.
Cuisine in Wilhelmshaven is more than simply Fish
If you are choosing to take a holiday at the North Sea, then you must also like fish. In Wilhemshaven, the range of cuisine is extensive and you cannot escape fish on the menu. This is also the case at theharbour restaurant Südstrand 101. It is located directly by the large harbour and the next to the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke (Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge), and thus while eating you can sit and enjoy the view. Plaice,codfish and salmon are all fish dishes on the menu and if you would prefer to have meat you will also find a few dishes such as Schnitzel or a rump steak with side orders for 17, 50 euros.
A very popular fish restaurant is the restaurant Banter Ruine. It was founded in the year 1920 and today it is not only well-known in the town for its good cooking. All kinds of fish dishes such as North Sea crabs, redfish and picked fried herring await you here. Variations of Schnitzel from 11, 50 euros and different kinds of steak round off this extensive selection of food.