Curious about the unsung heroes of river crossings? That’s exactly what the S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des \u00f6stlichen F\u00fchrungsseils der Rumpenheimer F\u00e4hre is. It stands as a testament to a time when ingenuity met necessity.
This tower is part of the Rumpenheim Main Ferry. It is a vital component of a cable ferry system. The ferry connects Offenbach-Rumpenheim with the opposite bank of the Main.
Since the early 17th century, a ferry service has existed here. Rumpenheim was once a Hanau-M\u00fcnzenberg exclave. Later, it became a Hessen-Kassel exclave on the Main’s south side. The ferry provided the only way to access this territory without leaving the county.
Picture the Mainf\u00e4hre Rumpenheim in operation. Two guide cables prevent the ferry from drifting. One cable stretches west and the other east of the ferry route. The eastern cable spans 173 meters. It is secured to lattice masts. The western cable spans 144 meters. This one is attached to steel pipe masts.
The S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des \u00f6stlichen F\u00fchrungsseils is essential to the eastern cable system. This tower ensures the cable remains taut. This ensures safe and controlled ferry crossings.
Interestingly, the ferry almost disappeared. In 1960, Offenbach planned to discontinue the ferry service. The city intended to build three additional Main bridges. However, these bridges were never constructed. The ferry continues to operate to this day.
The Mainf\u00e4hre Rumpenheim has a unique history. From the late 1940s to 1971, it operated as an overhead cable ferry. Remnants of this era still exist. An insulator remains on the northern mast. It supports the eastern guide cable.
A Binnenschifferforum entry suggests a pipe mast near Rumpenheim Palace once supplied power to the overhead line. But the traverse’s orientation is incorrect. It couldn’t have directly connected to the southern mast of the eastern guide cable.
The current ferry dates back to 1946. It has been in use in Rumpenheim since 1972. It is larger than its predecessor. Previously, it was stationed on the Moselle River. Two diesel engines power the ferry. They generate 26 and 42 hp.
The ferry can carry a maximum load of 8.4 tons. Individual vehicles must not exceed 4.9 tons. The Mainf\u00e4hre Rumpenheim operates daily. Service is available from at least 8:00 am to 8:30 pm. Summer months offer extended hours.
The S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des \u00f6stlichen F\u00fchrungsseils stands as a reminder. It embodies the ingenuity required to keep this vital crossing operational. It connects communities and preserves a piece of local history. Next time you cross a bridge or board a ferry, remember the towers. They are the silent guardians ensuring safe passage.