Ever wondered what it was like to navigate the Danube decades ago? The Donau-Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg offers a glimpse into that world. It is housed on two historic ships. These floating monuments tell the story of Danube shipping.
The Donau-Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg is not just a collection of artifacts. It is an immersive experience. You are standing before the Ruthof/Érsekcsanád and the Freudenau. These ships embody the evolution of river transport.
The Arbeitskreis Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg e. V. founded the museum in 1979. This was in response to the threatened scrapping of the steam boat Érsekcsanád. It had been constructed in Regensburg in 1923. It was originally named Ruthof. The club purchased the ship from the Hungarian shipping company Mahart for 40.000DM. After conservation efforts, the ship arrived in Regensburg on November 4, 1980. The museum officially opened on May 10, 1983.
Step aboard the Ruthof/Érsekcsanád. Numerous signs and models explain the development of shipping on the Danube. Explore the oil bunker, boiler room, and machine room. The bridge, ship’s kitchen, and crew’s accommodation await you. Imagine the work and living conditions of the crew.
In 1987, the former shipping passage at Steinerne Brueke was transferred to the club. In 1995, the club purchased the motorized tugboat Freudenau. It was built in Linz in 1941. It already had diesel propulsion. The Freudenau is preserved almost unchanged. It looks as it did at its decommission in 1993.
The Freudenau is still technically functional. It undergoes regular overhauls. Occasionally, it is still used for trips. You can even charter the Freudenau.
Originally, the Donau-Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg was located on Werftstraße am Unteren Wöhrd. In 2004, it moved to a more central location. Now, the Ruthof/Érsekcsanád and the Freudenau are berthed between the Iron Bridge and the Stone Bridge. This is at the southern shore. Part of the museum is in the Brückturm. It is part of Salzstadel.
The Donau-Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg gives an insight into the history of navigation on the German-speaking Danube. The paddle steamer RUTHOF/ÉRSEKCSANÁD and the motor train ship FREUDENAU showcase the history. The carrier painstakingly renovated both ships. Many original rooms are accessible on board. The steam engine and the diesel engine take up much space. They are both running and functional. Dioramas, models, and display boards provide information.
A visit to the Donau-Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg is a journey through time. It is a tribute to the men and machines that shaped the Danube’s shipping history. The museum is open from April to October. Visit from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 am and 5 pm. Tickets are 3 Euro. Reduced tickets are 2 Euro and family tickets cost 7 Euro. Group tours are available by appointment in German and foreign languages. Special events are offered for school classes. Don’t miss this unique experience in Regensburg.