Arne Hückelheim, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Bremen is a city straddling the Weser River in northwest Germany. It’s known for its role in maritime trade, represented by Hanseatic buildings on the Market Square. The ornate and Gothic town hall has a Renaissance facade and large model ships in its upper hall. Nearby is the Roland statue, a giant stone figure symbolizing freedom of trade. St. Peter’s Cathedral features medieval crypts and twin spires.