Delmenhorst

Delmenhorst is a city in Lower Saxony, Germany with almost 75,000 citizens. It is first cited in a document from 1247. In the late 19th century, Delmenhorst became an industrial city among other factories with the city's biggest factory, Nordwolle. In the present days a traveller can find a lot of exhibits of the history in the now-modern city.

Understand
Due to its long history, the style of buildings vary in the city's centre. Around the turn of the century, the city planners wanted to create an 'ideal city' with new building styles. Many buildings at the city's main shopping street, Lange Straße, look very different yet interesting.

By plane
The nearby airport from Bremen. There is a connecting hourly train service from the Bremen central station.

By train
There is a regular train service from Bremen, Oldenburg and other cities.

By car
The heavily used motorway 1 (Autobahn 1 - A1) connects to Bremen in the northeast or Cologne in the southwest. If you're coming from the Netherlands, then the quieter A28 is your choice.

On foot
In the center everything is really close together.

By bike
Riding a bike is one of the preferred means of transport. Bike paths are in excellent condition and usually exist next to every street and pavement. There are routes available for day trips in and around Delmenhorst. See the Do section of this article.

By bus
Buses are widely available. The company for the buses is called Delbus (, German). The central bus station (ZOB – Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof) is located next to the central train station. Normally every bus stop has its own map of the bus system. There is one schedule for the weekday ("Tag", every 15 minutes) and another one for evenings and weekends ("Freizeit", every 30 minutes).

The pricing system is connected to the over-regional VBN (Verkehrsverbund Bremen-Niedersachsen, Travel Association Bremen-Lower Saxony). Prices may have changed, so look here for more information (, English). Adult starts at €1.60, depending on the zones you travel through. Feel free to ask, but don't expect everyone to speak English.

By taxi
This is the most expensive but also the most flexible alternative. If you want to get back to your place, just ask the bar or restaurant you are in to call a taxi for you. In downtown there are stations for taxis at the central station. Tipping the driver (10% of the fare) is a nice gesture.

Talk
German obviously is the first language. However there are quite a lot of people who can also speak some English. You might want to try to speak a little slower, as it might increase your chance to be understood ;). Especially young people speak English. So, if you have a problem, there will probably always be someone who can help you out by translating. Also you might have the chance to speak Turkish at some places, like the numerous kebap shops.

Eat
You can find a variety of different food styles in the city. Greek, Italian, Turkish, Asian, Mexican and of course German cuisine is served. Fast food chains are also present. Additionally, you can find many typical Turkish snack bars which serve Döner Kebap. Some of them are located in the Lange Straße.



Drink
In Delmenhorst, there are many little bars scattered all over the place. There you can drink some German beers.



Connect
In the city's main shopping street, Lange Straße, you can find some cafes with wireless. Also internet cafes are available.

Stay safe
Use caution at night at the central station. Avoid talking to the groups there. Use your normal precautions generally, and you will be safe. You can talk to any police officer in the city. Normally they are wearing black-blue uniforms; however, there still might be some wearing the old green-white ones.

Go next

 * Bremen – Home of the worldwide known Beck's beer and of the soccer team Werder Bremen. The beautiful, quiet city has an interesting history, a lot of nature and more. City is its own state.
 * Hamburg – The city with the biggest harbour in Germany. Great nightlife and a lot of things to see. Also own state.
 * Hanover – The state capital of Lower Saxony surprises with much things to do and to see.
 * Oldenburg – A smaller city to the west. Oldenburg has a nice downtown part.

There is a special ticket for public transportation in Lower Saxony, called Niedersachsen Ticket. Please read here for more information.