Lost in time, the Mainf\u00e4hre Rumpenheim whispers tales of a bygone era. This is the S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des westlichen F\u00fchrungsseils der Rumpenheimer F\u00e4hre. Today, we’ll uncover the tower’s secrets.
The S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des westlichen F\u00fchrungsseils der Rumpenheimer F\u00e4hre stands as a silent witness. It recalls the history of a vital river crossing. The Rumpenheim ferry, a cable ferry, connects Offenbach-Rumpenheim with the B8 highway. This crossing at Main kilometer 48.06 has a long history.
Imagine the scene. It is the early 17th century. Rumpenheim is an exclave. It belongs to Hanau-M\u00fcnzenberg and later Hesse-Kassel. The ferry is the only way to reach this land without leaving the county.
Fast forward to 1960. Offenbach plans to shut down the ferry. Why? Three new Main bridges are planned upstream. But these bridges never get built. The Rumpenheim ferry lives on.
The S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des westlichen F\u00fchrungsseils is part of the ferry’s ingenious system. The Gierseilf\u00e4hre uses two guide cables. These cables prevent the ferry from drifting. One cable crosses west of the route. The other crosses to the east.
The western cable spans 144 meters. It attaches to steel pipe masts. The eastern cable stretches 173 meters. It is secured to lattice masts. The S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des westlichen F\u00fchrungsseils plays a crucial role. It anchors the western cable on the south side of the Main.
The current ferry boat dates back to 1946. Since 1972, it has served Rumpenheim. It is larger than its predecessor. Before Rumpenheim, it worked on the Moselle. Two diesel engines power it now. They generate 26 and 42 horsepower. The ferry once ran on an overhead line until 1972.
Relics of this overhead system still exist. An isolator remains on the northern mast. It once held a wire piece. A pipe mast near Rumpenheim Palace may have supplied power. But its traverse seems misaligned for a direct connection.
The ferry operates daily. It runs from at least 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Weekdays and summer hours extend beyond that. Fares start at 40 cents for pedestrians. Transporters pay 1.60 euros. Despite its OF-19 line number, the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund does not accept its tickets.
The S\u00fcdlicher Befestigungsturm des westlichen F\u00fchrungsseils der Rumpenheimer F\u00e4hre stands firm. It connects past and present. It reminds us of Rumpenheim’s unique history. The tower is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. It symbolizes a vital link across the Main.