Bremen's most impressive modern architectural structures have been revealed through a comprehensive reader survey conducted as part of the "Bremen's Best" series. The weekly feature asks residents and visitors to identify the city's most beautiful locations and must-see attractions, with this edition focusing specifically on contemporary buildings that have captured the public's imagination.
The survey results showcase a diverse range of architectural styles and purposes, from residential developments to cultural landmarks. Each building represents different aspects of Bremen's ongoing urban development and commitment to innovative design while honoring the city's rich historical heritage.
Taking fifth place with 7 percent of the vote, the Europahafenkopf demonstrates how tradition seamlessly meets modernity in Bremen's Überseestadt district. This vibrant quarter continues to serve as both a residential and commercial hub, where modern high-rises now pulse with life in areas once dominated by shipping traffic and cargo operations. The standout feature at the harbor basin's head is the Zech company headquarters, completed in 2023, with its distinctive shed roofs serving as the planners' tribute to the old harbor style.
The Ellener Hof housing project secured fourth place with 8 percent of the votes, earning praise for its innovative approach to sustainable living. This ecological and social model project features approximately 500 apartments in "Bremen Houses" constructed almost entirely from wood. One reader described the climate quarter in Osterholz as "fantastic, reinventing the Bremen house concept." The development houses a diverse mix of residents including young and old, shared living communities, singles, families, and building cooperatives, all reflected in various housing formats. Environmental consciousness takes center stage through climate protection measures, green planning, and bicycle-friendly infrastructure.
The Weserstadion claimed third place with 9 percent of reader votes, cementing its status as a modern architectural landmark. Located directly on the banks of the Weser River at Osterdeich, the stadium accommodates 42,000 soccer fans cheering for SV Werder Bremen. The facility underwent modernization in 2011 and features an impressive photovoltaic system covering 16,000 square meters. One passionate reader expressed their love for the venue "in all four seasons with and without floodlights, but definitely with the four floodlight masts," highlighting these distinctive landmarks as essential features of the stadium's character.
Second place went to Universum Bremen with a substantial 18 percent of the vote. The city's interactive science museum captivates visitors with its exterior resembling a shell or whale that has found its way onto land. Bremen architect Thomas Klumpp designed the building featuring 40,000 stainless steel shingles. Adjacent to the permanent exhibition building's modern contours stands a second, cube-shaped structure partially surrounded by a perforated Corten steel facade. One enthusiastic user noted, "Especially in the evening, when the whale glows in colorful lights, it creates a beautiful picture together with the lake."
Claiming the top spot with 25 percent of reader votes, the Silo Hotel at Kellogg's Pier represents the ultimate success in architectural transformation. One reader praised it as "a defining building of Bremen's industrial culture that serves as an example of successful change." The location once filled the air with the aroma of freshly roasted cornflakes, but today features a pulsating urban design hotel complete with a rooftop terrace and scenic views of the Weser River. Another reader explained their choice: "It is an iconic and unique building with a great central location by the water, and it tells its own story that was preserved during the renovation. Excellent!" This overwhelming support from a quarter of all respondents solidly established the Silo Hotel as Bremen's most impressive modern architectural achievement.
