Werder Bremen Fanzone: Getting to know the Bundesliga's northernmost club
Following Hamburg's historic relegation, Werder Bremen are now the Bundesliga's northernmost club, but there is plenty in the city to keep you warm and entertained, as bundesliga.com explains.
History
Werder Bremen took their name from the area of the northern Germany city where the club first commenced training in 1899, the Stadtwerder, an island surrounded by the river Weser. Their Weserstadion dominates the landscape and has been the scene of much drama, both domestic and European. Victory over Diego Maradona’s Napoli in the UEFA Cup in 1989 was a particular highlight while Champions League football became a regular fixture in the early stages of the new millennium.
The city
The Weserstadion, situated in the eastern part of the city, on the banks of the River Weser, not only fits in to the surrounding landscape, it also has a zero impact on the environment thanks to the solar panels which supply its entire energy needs from 16,000 square metres of panelling. Built in 1909, with just one wooden stand, constant redevelopment down the years saw it reach its current form in 2011, with a capacity of 42,100. Given its location, it offers the rather unique option of arriving via one of the various boat shuttles situated along the River Weser. Not only its location on the banks of the River Weser gives the Weserstadion character. The stadium is also home to the 'Wuseum', telling the story of the club and containing the trophies won over the years, including the Bundesliga and DFB Cup from 2004.
Located in northern Germany, one of Germany's few city states Bremen is serviced by its own international airport while enjoying excellent north-south railway connections. The River Weser leads out to the North Sea, meaning the city is also a thriving port. Bremen's most famous monument is the Stadtmusikanten, or town musicians. They take their name from a fairy tale written by the Grimm Brothers. A bronze statue has a hen stood atop a car, on top of a dog, who has clambered a donkey. Don't forget to touch the front hooves of the donkey as it is said to bring good luck.
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