Imagine gliding on the water surrounded by history. That’s the Augsburger Kahnfahrt.
The Augsburger Kahnfahrt is more than a boat rental. It’s a tradition stretching back to the 19th century. Nestled in Augsburg’s Jakobervorstadt, it offers a unique leisure experience. It features a restaurant and a beer garden.
Paul Kurz, an entrepreneur, had a vision in the 1870s. He wanted to create a recreational area on the Stadtgraben’s wide waters. In 1876, his dream became reality. He opened his business with three boats near the northern Jakobervorstadt’s city wall. His idea quickly became popular. People sought relaxation and a break from everyday life. They enjoyed rowing on the water.
In 1901, architect Karl Albert Gollwitzer had grand plans. He envisioned connecting Augsburg to the Black Sea. He wanted to incorporate the Kahnfahrt area into a harbor. His vision of an “Augsburg Canal Port” never materialized.
During the 1910s, the Kahnfahrt became a haven for a young Bertolt Brecht. The future poet lived nearby. He often visited with friends. The chestnut avenue along the Kahnfahrt even made its way into his essay. He mentioned it in “Bei Durchsicht meiner frühen Stücke”.
The Augsburger Kahnfahrt has operated almost continuously since its founding. The only exception was during World War II. Air raids in 1944 caused severe damage to Augsburg’s canal system. The water supply to the Stadtgraben had to be stopped.
Initially, the boat rental offered wooden boats. People could choose between paddle or rowboats. Since the 1980s, boats made of plastic have been used. Some are even electric boats.
The Augsburger Kahnfahrt is located by the old city wall at the Oblatterwall. The Rundbastei marks the northeastern tip of the Jakobervorstadt. Across from it runs the chestnut avenue. A railing separates the pedestrian path from the water. Benches offer a place for walkers to rest. They can watch the boats drift by. The Kahnfahrt uses the water from the Äußere Stadtgraben. This waterway connects with the Innere Stadtgraben near the Schwedenstiege.
In winter, the water transforms. When frozen thick enough, the area becomes an ice rink. People can ice skate or play Eisstockschießen.
Interestingly, in 1912, two unusual watercrafts debuted here. Wilhelm Artinger and Otto Jaser each built a boat powered by bicycle pedals. The Neue Augsburger Zeitung described Jaser’s first ride. “A fully occupied boat glided around without rowers. It must be a motorboat. But no! A man sits in the middle of the boat pedaling with gusto. He generates the energy for movement.”
So, as you stand here, imagine the laughter, the gentle lapping of water. Think of Brecht strolling along the chestnut trees. The Augsburger Kahnfahrt has offered a timeless escape for generations. It continues to do so today.