Valentin Submarine Pens: A Monument to War and Remembrance
Explore the haunting Valentin Submarine Pens in Bremen, a WWII-era U-boat factory built by forced labor, now a powerful memorial and information center.
The Valentin Submarine Pens, a colossal concrete structure in Bremen-Farge, stands as a chilling reminder of Nazi Germany's ambition and the horrific cost of war. Built between 1943 and 1945 by approximately 10,000-12,000 forced laborers from across Europe, this massive bunker was intended to be a state-of-the-art submarine factory, churning out Type XXI U-boats to turn the tide of the Atlantic war. However, the facility was never completed, and no submarines were ever built here. Today, the site serves as a memorial and information center, documenting the history of the bunker, the forced labor, and the devastating impact of the Nazi regime. Visitors can explore the grounds, walk through the immense structure, and reflect on the human suffering that occurred here, making it a powerful and sobering experience. The sheer scale of the bunker and the stories it holds create a profound and unforgettable encounter with history.
A brief summary to Valentin submarine pens
- Rekumer Siel, Bremen, Blumenthal, 28777, DE
- +4942169673670
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on the 1.5 km path around and through the bunker.
- Consider borrowing a multimedia guide (available in English) from the visitor center for a more in-depth understanding of the site's history.
- Be prepared for an emotionally intense experience, as the site deals with themes of forced labor, war, and death.
- Check the opening hours before you go, as the memorial is closed on Mondays and certain holidays.
- Combine your visit with a trip to Vegesack, a nearby Bremen suburb, to see the Schulschiff Deutschland, a historic training ship.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Bremen Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take the Regio-S-Bahn train RS1 towards Bremen-Farge. The journey takes approximately 44 minutes, and trains depart every 30 minutes. From Bremen-Farge station, cross the road and walk to the right to the bus stop. Take bus line 90 for four stops to 'Rekumer Siel'. From the 'Rekumer Siel' bus stop, follow the signs down a side street to the Valentin Submarine Pens. A single train ticket from Bremen Hbf to Bremen-Farge costs approximately €5-€7. A short trip bus ticket is around €3.
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Driving
From Bremen city center, take the A27 towards Bremerhaven. Exit at 'Bremen-Nord, Elsfleth, Ritterhude, Osterholz-Scharmbeck,' and continue on A270 to the end (in the direction of Vegesack, Elsfleth, Farge ferry). Take Farger Straße and Rekumer Strasse towards Neuenkirchen, then turn left onto 'Rekumer Siel'. Limited free parking is available on the memorial grounds. Parking is limited, especially during peak season.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Bremen city center to the Valentin Submarine Pens will take approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €40 and €60. Be aware that ride-share availability may be limited in the Farge area.
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