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Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz: Navigating the Danube's History

Explore the captivating history of Danube River navigation at this unique museum in the heart of Austria's Wachau region.

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The Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz an der Donau, nestled in the picturesque Wachau region, showcases the rich history of Danube River navigation. Housed in the baroque Erlahof, the museum features ship models, historical artifacts, and exhibits detailing the evolution of shipbuilding and water transport on this vital European waterway.

A brief summary to Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz an der Donau

Local tips

  • Combine your museum visit with a walk through the picturesque town of Spitz and its surrounding vineyards.
  • Check the museum's website for special exhibitions and cultural events.
  • Consider a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and technology of Danube River navigation.
  • Visit the museum in the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Krems or Melk, take bus line 715 to the 'Spitz/Donau Hinterhaus' stop. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, take the Wachaubahn train to Spitz station, which is about a 20-minute walk to the museum. A single bus fare within the Wachau region costs approximately €4-6. A train ticket from Krems to Spitz is around €6-8.

  • Walking

    From the Spitz town center, walk north on Auf der Wehr. The museum is located at Auf der Wehr 21, a short walk from the Danube river. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from most central locations.

  • Ferry

    If arriving from the south bank of the Danube, take the Spitz-Arnsdorf roll ferry. From the ferry landing in Spitz, the museum is a short walk east on the road parallel to the Danube. Ferry tickets cost €4 for adults and €2 for children (6-14) including bike.

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Discover more about Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz an der Donau

The Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz an der Donau offers a captivating journey through the history of Danube River navigation. Located in the charming town of Spitz, within Austria's scenic Wachau region, the museum is housed in 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, prior to the advent of steamships. Visitors can explore meticulously crafted models of various wooden ship types, including the Ulmer Schachtel, Weidling, and Zillen, each representing a different era and purpose in Danube River transport. These models showcase the evolution of shipbuilding techniques and the ingenuity of the craftsmen who designed and built these vessels. One of the museum's highlights is the reconstructed horse-drawn ship, complete with original harnesses, providing a vivid depiction of how ships were once hauled upstream against the strong currents of the Danube. Accompanying this exhibit is a model of a ship being pulled by 60 horses, illustrating the scale of this operation. The museum also features exhibits on the tools and techniques used in shipbuilding, as well as the traditions and customs associated with Danube seafaring. Another unique artifact is a portable ship organ dating back to 1697, which is still playable today. The museum was founded in 1970, with the collection started by Otto Meißinger, a local historian and descendant of wood traders. In 2005/2006, the museum was redesigned. The museum also has a outdoor area, including a "Picknickzille".

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