Werder Bremen might not play at the top of the Bundesliga anymore, as was the case in previous decades, but the fantastic atmosphere in the impressive Weserstadion has never faded away. Given its location in the centre of Bremen, you have plenty of time to discover the city and its many cafes.
The Weserstadion owes its name to the river Weser that flows past the stadium. Located on a floodplain, the stadium is surrounded by a lot of nature. The Weserstadion has 42,800 seats, of which 10,600 are safe-standing places. Inside the stadium, the Ostkurve will provide an electric atmosphere. Don't forget to sing along with Werder's club anthem before the game: Lebenslang Grün Weiß.
Ever since Werder was founded in 1899, football has been played on grassy fields along the Weser. In 1909 the Weserstadion was opened. At that time it was not more than a field with one wooden stand. Over the years, the stadium has been frequently renovated. The last time was from 2008 to 2011 when a second ring and stands closer to the field were added. The glass panels on the outside and solar panels on the roof made the stadium more modern. Due to a lack of money for a third ring, the sixty-meter-high iconic floodlights have been preserved.
SV Werder Bremen, founded in 1899, is one of the most decorated clubs in German football. Back in the day, the club won many regional championships. With the introduction of the Bundesliga in 1963, Werder Bremen is one of the six clubs that play with a champion star above the logo with four league titles (1965, 1988, 1993, 2004). You can find all of Werder’s trophies in their museum inside the stadium. In recent years, however, Werder Bremen often finds itself in the lower ends of the Bundesliga. In 2021, Grün-Weiß was even relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. It took hem only one season, however, to return to the German top flight.
The Weserstadion is located on the Franz Böhmert-Straße, behind the Osterdeich, named after former chairman Franz Böhmert. Böhmert worked at Werder Bremen for 41 years in various positions. He started as a club doctor and worked his way up to the position of chairman. Under his reign, Werder Bremen became champion of Germany twice and won the European Cup II. Franz Böhmert-Straße stretches behind the north and east side of the stadium. The tennis club Rot-Weiss is also located on the street. And if you are looking for some refreshment during your visit to Bremen, there is a swimming pool behind the stadium.
On May 8, 2004, Werder Bremen became champions of Germany for the fourth time in club history. In Munich, title rival Bayern was defeated 1-3. The Domshof was packed with ecstatic fans. Every square meter was filled with celebrating Werder supporters. This is still an important day in Werder's history. Bremen's inner city is recognizable for its old-fashioned buildings and historical monuments such as Bremen Cathedral.
On May 15, 2021, prior to the match against Regensburg to secure promotion to the Bundesliga, a march was held from the Marktplatz in the city centre to the stadium. About twelve thousand supporters walked along. Werder Bremen managed to win 2-0, securing promotion.
If you want to learn more about the rich history of Grün-Weiß, the Werder Bremen museum is definitely worth a visit. In the so-called 'Wuseum' you will be treated to more than 120 years of football history. From its foundation in 1899 to the present day. You will find all the trophies Werder won in their history. You can also follow a tour that takes you back in time with the help of old images. The Wuseum is located on the north side of the stadium. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00. Entrance costs €4,-.
Because the Weserstadion is located quite centrally in Bremen, there are plenty of cafes nearby where you can drink before the game or watch the match on TV screens. One of the cafes is Eisen. Located on the Sielwall, café Eisen is easily recognizable by the graffiti-sprayed yellow facade. Once inside, you can see shirts of Werder Bremen and St. Pauli hanging above the bar. Matchday or not, Eisen, which is about a fifteen-minute walk from the stadium, is always packed.
On the corner of Hamburger Straße and Oranienstraße, you will find Union Bar Und Deichstube Am Brommyplatz. Immediately recognizable by its white facade, the Union Bar is a suitable place to enjoy a Bremen-brewed Deich beer and watch football. Near the Union Bar you will also find Taubenschlag, Wirtshaus and Brommy. Plenty of choice.
To visit a Werder Bremen match, depending on the opponent, it will cost at least €25. At Werder Bremen, they work with three categories: A, B and C. Category A for top matches, B for average Bundesliga matches and C for other matches. Tickets can easily be ordered via the official Werder Bremen website.
The Weserstadion is easily accessible by both car and public transport. Around the stadium, there is enough space to park your car. If you plan to travel to the stadium by public transport, tram 3 can take you there.
Beeld: Shutterstock, BSR Agency
