“Dinner on a boat but no ocean in sight?” That’s the question many ask when they first hear about the Alte Utting. Right here in Munich, a city far from any sea, sits a decommissioned passenger ship. It rests on a railway bridge high above an inner-city road. This is the Alte Utting. It is one of Munich’s most spectacular nightlife spots.
Let’s dive into the story of this unique venue. The ship now known as Alte Utting was built in 1949. For many years, it sailed on the Ammersee lake in Upper Bavaria. From 1950 to 2016, it served as the MS Utting. The ship carried up to 400 passengers at a time. It measured 36.4 meters long and 7.5 meters wide.
In 2016, the MS Utting was retired. It was then bought by Kulturverein Wannda e.V. This group was already known for other subcultural projects. They ran the Bahnwärter Thiel nightclub and the Wannda Circus festival. These venues helped finance the ship project.
Transporting the ship to Munich was quite the undertaking. In February 2017, the hull and other parts were moved from Ammersee. The Autobahn even had to be closed by police for the nighttime transport. Imagine that a ship traveling down the highway.
Once in Munich, the 144-ton ship was placed on a former railway bridge. This bridge is near the Wholesale Market. The conversion into a nightlife and cultural venue began. Due to safety requirements, the opening was delayed for over a year.
Finally, on July 12, 2018, the ship was christened as Alte Utting. Julia Schönfeld-Knor, head of the municipal planning office, did the honors. Since July 26, 2018, the Alte Utting has been open daily.
Today, the Alte Utting serves many purposes. It is a bar, a restaurant, and a discothèque. The engine room even houses a dance floor. It also serves as a music venue and cabaret stage. You can find live music, jazz brunches, and activities for children here.
The Alte Utting quickly became a popular attraction. People come from all over to experience it. Local politicians even want to preserve it permanently. It has become a landmark of Munich. The New York Times has praised the Alte Utting. They called it an example of Munich’s hip nightlife.
Walking along the bridge, you’ll find more than just the ship. There are seating areas and bars. Food options range from pizza to African cuisine. Don’t miss the African home cooking at Afrikanische Zauberküche. Pizzeria Da Vito offers delicious pizzas with creamy burrata.
So, whether you’re looking for a unique dining experience or a night of dancing, the Alte Utting offers something for everyone. It’s a testament to creativity and community spirit in Munich. A ship on a bridge might sound unusual but it is pure Munich.