Unisee parkrun (Germany)

Unisee parkrun is currently Bremen’s only parkrun and is about 3 miles from the city centre. It’s easily accessible by car, tram or by foot. If you do drive, there is a large, free car park about a 1-minute walk from the start. The start line is halfway between the car park and the lake and is exactly where indicated on the course map. There are no toilets or facilities at Unisee parkrun.

Unisee parkrun is so-called because it’s the lake (see) by the Uni (of Bremen). The lake itself is actually called Stadtwaldsee, which roughly translates to ‘the city forest’s lake’ and the lake is indeed surrounded by forest. The run briefing on the day was given in German, but I’m sure someone would be prepared to do it in English, if asked. The course itself is two laps of the lake, but one lap is anticlockwise and one lap is clockwise. The tree near the start line marks the turnaround point and it will be clearly signposted. There are a few marshals and arrows along the course, particularly at turning points, but as long as you don’t stray too far from the lake, you can’t really go wrong. The course very flat and mostly on hard trail with some stretches of path, though it does get muddy in the forest sections. Runner numbers are currently very small (often under 40), so you’re assured of a good finish position.

Unisee is a pretty and friendly parkrun with lots to recommend it. The volunteers and runners were very happy to chat afterwards and there was lots of cake. There is a nearby restaurant where breakfast would be possible, but it’s popular and needs to be booked in advance, so drinks and cake at the finish line make more sense. If you’re heading to Germany for a parkrun, Unisee is a good choice.