Bremen lies on the Weser River at an average elevation of 20 meters above sea level – one of Germany's lowest major cities. The old town and cathedral sit on a natural river dune at just 5–8 m; the surrounding Weser marshland lies even lower and is protected only by dykes. The Geest highlands to the east rise to 20–40 m.
That works out to roughly 66 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 33 m, putting Bremen about 13 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 20 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53.0753° N, 8.8080° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | 8 | Germany |
| Hanover | 58 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Bremen (20 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | 21 | Italy |
| Lübeck | 18 | Germany |
| Rostock | 18 | Germany |
| Kiel | 23 | Germany |
| London | 11 | United Kingdom |
| Brussels | 29 | Belgium |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Bremen above sea level?
Bremen averages 20 m above sea level. The old town dune sits at 5–8 m; the Weser marshes at 0–3 m; the eastern Geest at 20–40 m.
Is Bremen at risk of flooding?
Yes. The Weser estuary funnels North Sea storm surges to Bremen. A dyke system has protected the city since the Middle Ages; the severe 1962 flood still inundated the lower city.
Why does Bremen Cathedral stand on a dune?
The early medieval settlement was founded on a natural sand dune above the Weser marshland – the only dry building site in the swampy river landscape, and a strategic advantage that led to the founding of the bishopric here.