Bürgermeister-Smidt-Gedächtniskirche

Bürgermeister-Smidt-Gedächtniskirche is a three-nave church in Bremerhaven featuring pointed-arch windows and glazed clinker brick decoration on its facades. The structure displays characteristic Gothic Revival details throughout its exterior, with a distinctive roof design that crowns the overall composition.

Construction began in 1846 but failed due to weak foundations, prompting a restart in 1853 using 522 wooden piles to ensure stability. This approach allowed the structure to be completed and became a landmark in Bremerhaven's urban landscape.

Sculptures of Jesus Christ, Martin Luther, and Ulrich Zwingli appear above the west portal, placed there in 1883 to commemorate Luther's 400th birthday. These figures shape the appearance of the entrance and connect the building to key figures from the Reformation.

Afternoon visiting hours are available Monday through Friday, and the church hosts regular services on Sundays with additional musical events during the week. Plan your visit around these times to experience the space and its acoustics when services or events are taking place.

The church houses the largest organ in Bremerhaven, crafted by Beckerath with 47 registers. This instrument replaced an earlier one lost during 1944, and remains a striking feature of the interior today.

Location: Mitte

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Address: Bürgermeister-Smidt-Str. 45, 27568 Bremerhaven-Mitte

Website: http://grosse-kirche.de

GPS coordinates: 53.54430,8.57904

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05