Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz an der Donau Travel Guide

Located in the charming town of Spitz in the Wachau region, the Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz an der Donau offers a captivating journey through the history of Danube River navigation. The museum is housed within the historic Erlahof, a baroque building dating back to the 13th century.The museum's collection focuses on the era of wooden shipbuilding and rafting on the upper Danube, before steamships. Otto Meißinger, a local historian, began collecting artifacts and documenting boatmen's terminology, forming the basis for the museum's holdings. Architect Kurt Schaefer created detailed ship models to a 1:20 scale for the museum.Visitors can explore exhibits featuring meticulously crafted models of wooden ships like the Ulmer Schachtel, Weidling, and Zillen. A highlight is the reconstructed horse-drawn ship with original harnesses, illustrating how ships were hauled upstream. The museum also showcases shipbuilding tools and techniques, along with the traditions of Danube seafarers. A portable ship organ from 1697 offers a glimpse into their cultural life.The museum has expanded over the years, including renovations in 2006 that improved the entrance and added facilities. Special exhibitions and cultural events are held in the Prälatensaal and outdoors.