Rare Old Map of Bremen and Verden: Visscher, 1690: Hamburg, Oldenburg, Lüneberg, Bremerhaven, Stade

Dive into the rich history of Northern Germany with this meticulously detailed map by Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned mapmaker from the Dutch Golden Age. Created in 1690, this map, officially titled 'Ducatus Bremae et Ferdae, Maximaeque partis Ducatus Stormariae, Comitatus Oldenburgi, Albis, Visurgisque Fluminum Novissima Descriptio', focuses on the regions of Bremen and Verden, with notable features including the cities of Hamburg, Oldenburg, Lüneberg, Bremerhaven, and Stade.

In English, the map's title translates to 'The Latest Description of the Duchy of Bremen and Verden, the Greater Part of the Duchy of Stormarn, the County of Oldenburg, and the Rivers Elbe and Weser'. This provides a comprehensive view of the political and geographical landscape of the time, highlighting the significance of these regions within the broader European context.

The map is a testament to the cartographic skills of the Visscher family, and in particular, Nicolaes Visscher II. His attention to detail and accuracy, as well as his artistic flair, are evident in the intricate detailing of the cities and landmarks. Each city is represented with its unique architectural features, providing a glimpse into the urban landscapes of the late 17th century.

From the bustling port city of Hamburg, known for its significant role in international trade, to the historic city of Oldenburg with its medieval charm, each location offers a unique insight into the past. The map also includes the city of Lüneberg, a key salt producer in the Hanseatic League, Bremerhaven, a city formed at the confluence of the Weser and Geeste rivers, and Stade, a town with a rich history dating back to the Viking era. This map is not just a piece of art, but a window into the past, allowing you to explore the history and geography of Northern Germany from the comfort of your own home.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Duchy of Bremen

• Bremen: Known as the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, it was an important member of the Hanseatic League and is known for its rich maritime history.
• Bremerhaven: Founded as a seaport for Bremen, it is situated at the confluence of the Weser and Geeste rivers.
• Stade: Known for its rich history dating back to the Viking era, it was an important member of the Hanseatic League.
• Cuxhaven: Known for its strategic location at the mouth of the Elbe river, it played a significant role in maritime trade.
• Verden: An historic town known for the Verden Cathedral and the infamous Massacre of Verden.
• Rotenburg: Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
• Walsrode: Known for its historic abbey and the world's largest bird park.
• Soltau: A charming town known for its therapeutic salt baths.
• Winsen: Known for its castle, Winsen Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
• Buxtehude: A historic Hanseatic city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Duchy of Stormarn

• Hamburg: One of the largest port cities in Europe, it was a major center for international trade.
• Lüneburg: Known for its salt production, it was a key member of the Hanseatic League.
• Harburg: Known for its historic castle, Harburg Castle.
• Bergedorf: Known for its well-preserved medieval castle, Bergedorf Castle.
• Reinbek: Known for Reinbek Castle, a historic manor house.
• Ahrensburg: Known for Ahrensburg Castle, a significant Renaissance castle.
• Bad Oldesloe: Known for its therapeutic salt baths.
• Ratzeburg: Known for Ratzeburg Cathedral and its four lakes.
• Mölln: Known as the "Eulenspiegel town", it is associated with the folk tale character Till Eulenspiegel.
• Geesthacht: Known for its large hydroelectric power plant on the Elbe river.

County of Oldenburg

• Oldenburg: A historic city known for its medieval charm and the Oldenburg Horse.
• Vechta: Known for its historic St. Georg Church.
• Cloppenburg: Known for its open-air museum, the Museumsdorf Cloppenburg.
• Wildeshausen: Known for its megalithic burial sites.
• Delmenhorst: Known for its historic castle, Delmenhorst Castle.
• Jever: Known for Jever Castle and its famous beer.
• Wilhelmshaven: Known for its strategic location as a naval base.
• Emden: Known for its large seaport and the Emden University of Applied Sciences.
• Norden: Known for its historic center and the Ludgeri Church.
• Leer: Known for its historic harbor and the Leeraner Miniaturland.

Notable Boundaries and Natural Phenomena

• Elbe River: One of the major rivers of Central Europe, it flows into the North Sea at Cuxhaven.
• Weser River: Known for its scenic beauty, it is a major river in northern Germany.
• Wadden Sea National Parks: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is known for its unique tidal mudflats.
• Harz Mountains: Known for its rich mining history and the Harz National Park.
• Lüneburg Heath: Known for its distinctive landscape and the Lüneburg Heath Nature Park.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): This devastating war led to significant changes in the political landscape of the region.
• Peace of Westphalia (1648): This series of peace treaties ended the Thirty Years' War and had a profound impact on the region.
• Swedish-Brandenburg War (1675–1679): This conflict affected the Duchy of Bremen and Verden, which were under Swedish rule at the time.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.