The port city of Wilhelmshaven in Lower Saxony is located on the north-west coast of the Jade Bay. A weekend trip to the city also offers the opportunity for relaxing walks on the beach.
In 1853, the Prussians bought a 30-hectare site on the Jade Bay from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. A base for the Prussian navy was to be built here. A few years later (1869), the war harbour was inaugurated. With the inauguration, the town that grew up around the harbour was given the name Wilhelmshaven. In 1873, the town was granted municipal rights.
To this day, Wilhelmshaven is a naval base and one of the largest locations of the German armed forces. In addition, one of the largest crude oil transhipment centres in Germany has developed and the JadeWeserPort, which was established in 2012, is the only deep-water container port in Germany.
All this is also noticeable in the cityscape. The harbour is the heart of the city, around which life is centred. If you fancy a walk on the beach, Wilhelmshaven offers plenty of variety. In addition to the beach, which is right next to the harbour, you will find wonderful stretches of beach not far away that invite you to relax.
Places of interest in Wilhelmshaven
On the way to Wangerooge we stopped in Wilhelmshaven. Unfortunately, one day in Wilhelmshaven is hardly enough to get an impression of the city.
Travel information about Wilhelmshaven
Arrival
By plane
The nearest international airport is about 120 kilometres away in Bremen. JadeWeserAirport is about 10 kilometres south of Wilhelmshaven. Smaller aircraft can land and take off here.
By train
Direct regional trains run hourly from Osnabrück and Bremen to the main station in Wilhelmshaven. The East Frisian Coastal Railway departs from here.
By bus
The central bus station (ZOB) is located directly in front of the main railway station. Some companies offer regular bus connections to the city.
By car
Those travelling to Wilhelmshaven by car can take the A 29 and A 1 motorways.
By boat
Twice a day, a passenger and bicycle ferry sails from Eckwarderhörne to Wilhelmshaven. If you come with your own boat, you can find a berth at the yacht clubs.
By bike
Several long-distance cycle routes lead into the city, such as the North Sea Coast Cycle Route and the Sea Route. The Ems-Jade Trail and the Tour de Fries also lead to and through the city.
On foot
From Leer on the Ems to Wilhelmshaven you can walk along the Störtebekerweg.
On the way in …
By bus
There are 6 bus lines running through the city, departing every 20 minutes or so.
From May to October, the 7th bus line, which for whatever reason is called line 8, runs every hour from the main railway station to Südstrand. In winter, this line only runs every 2 hours.
At times when the number of passengers is low, you can take the call-sharing taxi. These run according to the timetable on the routes of lines 2 and 4.
On foot
The city centre is quite small and can be explored very well on foot.
By bike
The cycle paths in the city are quite well developed.