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The Überseeinsel

The sign on our roof says it all. What was once produced on this property landed in cereal bowls: Cornflakes, Smacks, Fruit Loops, etc. And from this crunchy heritage there emerged a new neighbourhood in Bremen.

Visit the Überseeinsel website

Historic black-and-white photo: people swimming in the Weser river – a glimpse into Bremen’s waterfront history near the Überseeinsel

Cereal packaging on the conveyor belt at the old Kellogg’s factory in Bremen – industrial history of the John & Will hotel site

Black-and-white image of the former grain silo before its transformation into the John & Will design hotel

Today starts with yesterday

Most people in Bremen know our part of the Weser quay as an industrial harbour district. In the 60s, Kellogg’s made it its production site. It’s difficult to imagine what this place was like in the 19th century until World War II: the Pipe was a lively, colourful district filled with different trades and more than 20 restaurants. It’s said there was a unique social interaction in the community. Simply put: many different types of people lived in harmony here. And that’s the future we are working on for the Überseeinsel – with John & Will at its centre.

Panoramic river view from the John & Will hotel overlooking downtown Bremen

Looking out from the Überseeinsel over the Weser – river view with an industrial structure on the right edge of the image

Skyline of Bremen’s Überseeinsel at sunset – riverside urban district with a view of the John & Will hotel

Hopfenfänger brewery in the Reislager next to John & Will hotel in Bremen – local food, craft beer and guided tours

Flower blossoms with bees on the Überseeinsel in Bremen – biodiversity and greenery in the sustainable urban district

Renovation phase at Vitaminlager – interior work on the soon-to-open breakfast and event venue at John & Will Bremen

Today is between yesterday and tomorrow

Life is returning to the Weser. John & Will and the Restaurant & Café Vitaminlager have opened their doors, along with other dining spots. Enjoy watching the hops grow during the summer months at the Gemüsewertf (tip: it’s always better with a beer in hand), or test your ice-skating skills in winter with us. Visit a festival or host your own party at the Alte Werft or the Garage. The neighbourhood is bursting with new beginnings, and we want to ensure the story of the Überseeinsel continues… which means a few construction sites are scattered around. But don’t worry – we’ve made sure to install top-quality windows.

Yesterday + today = tomorrow

The real driving force behind the new Bremen development comes from a host of ideas, both big and small. Take, for example, the energy concept, which uses water from the River Weser and net-zero green electricity to produce heating and cooling for the neighbourhood. Because cooling is a by-product of heat generation and nothing is wasted here, there’s an ice rink right on our doorstep in winter.

You won’t have to dodge any cars, as they’ll be parked in the neighbourhood’s mobility hub. And many industrial buildings are being given a new lease of life – first and foremost, of course, the John & Will. Would you like to know how the grain silo was turned into a hotel? Then take a look here!