Step back in time to Duisburg’s maritime past! Nestled in a Rhine River tributary along the towpath, you’ll find a remarkable fleet of historic vessels. Dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, each ship played a unique role in shaping the region’s industrial landscape.
The centerpiece of this open-air museum is the paddle steamer “Oscar Huber” (built in 1922). Until 1966, this powerful vessel hauled up to seven cargo barges at a time. Also on display is the crane ship “Fendel 147” (built in 1922), which served as a bunker ship for coal until the end of the steam era, and the bucket-chain steam dredger “Minden” (built in 1882), which maintained the Weser River fairway between Stolzenau and Hameln until the 1970s.
On land, just a short walk away near the “Schifferbörse,” you’ll encounter Germany’s only surviving historic steam crane (built in 1897). This impressive piece of engineering served as a quay crane in Europe’s largest inland port until 1974.
Together, these historic vessels offer a captivating glimpse into over a century of Duisburg’s maritime heritage. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Germany’s industrial past.
