Remember when ferries were the only way to cross the Rhine? The Personenfähre Rheinnixe tells such stories. It once shuttled people between Bonn-Beuel and Bonn city center. Sadly, this ferry service stopped in 2022.
The Rheinnixe wasn’t just any ferry. It was the fourth ferry with that name to serve this route. Since 1980, it carried passengers from the Hans-Steger-Ufer in Beuel to the Brassertufer in Bonn. These landing points were near Steinerstraße and the Rheinpavillon.
Before the bridges we know today, ferries like the Rheinnixe were essential. Especially after World War II when the old Rhine bridge was destroyed. For many years, ferries were the only way to get from Beuel to Bonn. The American occupation forces initially allowed four passenger ferries. The Rheinnixe was the last one operating between Bonn and Beuel.
Interestingly, the right to operate a ferry in Bonn was historically passed down through families. Until 2016, the Schmitz family ran the Rheinnixe. Captain Günter Schmitz and his wife Uta both steered the ferry. After more than 50 years, their children Angelika and Dieter took over.
The Rheinnixe had a varied schedule. It ran every 15 minutes on weekdays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it ran every 20 minutes. There was a break during winter weekdays. The crossing itself only took five to ten minutes. The ferry operated year-round except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Low water levels could sometimes interrupt service.
Did you know the Rheinnixe was sometimes hired by Rhine ship captains? They needed to get crew members on or off their ships. The Rheinnixe would meet the ship and bring them to shore.
Every January since 1988, the Rheinnixe hosted a unique event. The Greek Orthodox Church held a water blessing ceremony on board. Since 2014, it became an ecumenical event with the Catholic Church. Two priests would hold a service in the middle of the river. They would bless the water by throwing a cross into the river on both sides of the ferry.
The Rheinnixe itself was quite a vessel. It was 25 meters long and seven meters wide. It weighed about 50 tons. A Daimler-Benz engine with 130 horsepower powered it. The ferry could carry 150 people plus bicycles. In 1980, the mayor of Bonn christened the ship.
One interesting detail: the captain could use strong electromagnets. These magnets secured the ferry to the landing. The captain could also control the doors from the helm. Many students used the Rheinnixe to get to school. For example, students from the right bank would travel to the Beethoven-Gymnasium.
In 2015, the Rheinnixe got a new Mercedes engine. The ship’s electrical system was also modernized. In early 2016, it received a fresh coat of paint.
Unfortunately, the Rheinnixe faced challenges. Low passenger numbers and costly dredging work led to its end. The sudden death of the ferry captain was another factor. In July 2024, a new owner from Beuel bought the Rheinnixe. While it won’t be a ferry again, there are plans for cultural uses. Think readings and art exhibitions on board. The Rheinnixe will stay at its Beuel berth. It remains a part of the city’s identity. So, although the Rheinnixe no longer crosses the Rhine, its story remains afloat.