The Weser is the longest river flowing solely through Germany. In Bremen the river runs directly along the Old Town. Bremen’s first harbour was built on a tributary of the Weser, the Balge. At that time the Old Town was an island situated between the Balge and the Weser. Beginning in the 13th century, the bank of the Weser was also used as a harbour and Schlachte came into being as a wooden river bank reinforcement.

The green areas along Osterdeich are part of the dike that protects the city centre against flooding. Osterdeich runs directly along the Weser over a distance of about 2.5 km. The protective embankment against Weser water begins at Tiefer, goes past the Wallanlagen, the Sielwall ferry and Weser Stadium, skirts Pauliner Marsch until it finally ends at Hastedter Brückenstrasse. As a recreational area and path for strollers, Osterdeich is popular among locals and visitors to the city alike.

The term “Schlachte” is derived from the Low German word “Slait” and refers to the pile-like structures of the 13th century that reinforced the bank of the Weser and served as protection against waves and ice. Rebuilding work on Schlachte as part of the “City on the River” project started during Expo 2000. The harbour wall classified as a historical monument and dating in part from the 17th and 18th century was integrated seamlessly. Today Schlachte stretches from Tiefer with its adjacent green areas on Osterdeich all the way to Weserbahnhof, the gateway to Überseestadt.

Work started in 1993 with the remodelling of Obere Schlachte. A lively street with restaurants, cafés and beer gardens came into being at the site where taverns and pubs already existed in the past.

Since Schlachte was transformed into a leisure spot, a special kind of theatre enjoyment has been available in Bremen, i.e. in a maritime setting. Theaterschiff began showing plays on “swaying planks” in December 2002. Evening after evening a wide variety of performances have taken place on Theaterschiff since then. From its own productions to guest performances right through to concerts and readings, there is something for everyone here.