Consider the Rhine. It flows powerfully and connects communities. The Rheinfähre Langst-Kierst~Kaiserswerth is a vital part of that connection.
This car ferry crosses the Rhine. It is located at Rhine kilometer 755, north of Düsseldorf. The ferry links Langst-Kierst, part of Meerbusch on the left bank, with Kaiserswerth, a district of Düsseldorf on the right bank.
A regular ferry service likely existed here in the Middle Ages. Kaiserswerth was then an important royal and imperial seat. It was one of the most significant cities on the Lower Rhine. The city had control posts on both banks. They monitored ship traffic and collected customs duties.
Originally, simple boats were used as ferries. These small rowing boats transported people and goods. Lime from the Bergisches Land was a key building material. Fruits and vegetables from the Lower Rhine also made their way across. Treidel horses were even transported. These horses pulled ships up the Rhine from the shore.
From 1825, Gierponte ferries were used. However, ships often got stuck on the yaw line. This disrupted the journey. So, in the 1950s, they switched to motorized ships. These ships used diesel engines.
In the late 1960s, the Schäfer family business took over the ferry service. They maintain it to this day. It is now in its second generation. The construction of the airport bridge in 2001/2002, only 3 km upstream, significantly impacted the Rheinfähre Langst-Kierst~Kaiserswerth. The ferry had been an important shortcut for commuters. With the bridge’s opening, traffic decreased sharply.
Today, fewer commuters and students use the ferry on weekdays. Tourists and day trippers make up the largest share of passengers. The ferry is especially busy on Sundays and public holidays in good weather.
The ferry operates from 7 am on weekdays. On Sundays and public holidays, it starts at 9 am. It runs until 7 pm or 8 pm. The Rheinfähre Langst-Kierst~Kaiserswerth runs as needed.
The current ferry is the Michaela II. It has been in operation since 1993. It is a typical river car ferry with a shallow draft. It is designed as an open double-ended ferry. Up to 17 cars can fit on the open deck. There is also room for up to 250 people. The ship has two main engines and a reserve engine. They provide a total output of 516 horsepower. The engines were overhauled in the winter of 2012/2013.
The Rheinfähre Langst-Kierst~Kaiserswerth is more than just a ferry. It connects communities and offers a unique experience. It allows people to enjoy the beautiful Rhine landscape. It keeps a piece of history alive.