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Rickmer Rickmers: A Floating Legacy

Explore Hamburg's maritime history aboard the Rickmer Rickmers, a meticulously restored 1896 cargo sailing ship offering a captivating glimpse into the life of sailors and the age of windjammers.

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The Rickmer Rickmers, a majestic three-masted barque, is a floating museum ship docked at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken in Hamburg. Built in 1896, this historic vessel offers a captivating glimpse into the bygone era of windjammers and maritime trade. Wander its decks, explore the meticulously restored crew and officer quarters, and delve into fascinating exhibits showcasing the ship's rich history and the lives of the sailors who once called it home. With its distinctive green hull and towering masts, the Rickmer Rickmers is a beloved Hamburg landmark and a must-see attraction for maritime enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Don't miss the chance to climb the rigging for a spectacular view or enjoy a traditional Hamburg meal in the onboard restaurant, making your visit a truly immersive experience.

A brief summary to Rickmer Rickmers

Local tips

  • Consider purchasing the Hamburg Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions, including the Rickmer Rickmers.
  • Climb the rigging for a unique perspective of the harbor, but be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
  • Visit the ship's post office to send a postcard with a special Rickmer Rickmers postmark.
  • Check the schedule for temporary art exhibitions and photography displays that are often hosted on board.
  • Enjoy a traditional Hamburg meal at the onboard restaurant for an authentic maritime experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Rickmer Rickmers is easily accessible via Hamburg's efficient public transport system. From Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (central station), take the S-Bahn lines S1 or S3 to the Landungsbrücken station. Alternatively, the U3 subway line also stops at Landungsbrücken. From the station, it's a short, well-signposted walk to the ship, located at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken. A single ticket for a short trip within Hamburg (covering the city center) costs approximately €1.90 - €3.60.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Hamburg. A taxi ride from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to the Rickmer Rickmers will typically cost between €12 and €18, depending on traffic conditions. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available and may offer competitive pricing. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the vicinity of the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, walking to the Rickmer Rickmers is a pleasant option. From the Landungsbrücken station, simply follow the signs towards the waterfront. The ship is located along the pier, near other attractions like the Cap San Diego museum ship. The walk is relatively short and offers scenic views of the harbor.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in the St. Pauli Piers and Landungsbrücken district, but spaces can be limited, especially during peak tourist season. Parking garages are available, with hourly rates typically ranging from €2.50 to €4.00. Daily rates can range from €15 to €25. Consider using a parking app to find available spaces and compare prices in advance.

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Discover more about Rickmer Rickmers

The Rickmer Rickmers, a proud symbol of Hamburg's maritime heritage, is a meticulously preserved museum ship offering visitors a unique journey back in time. Launched in 1896 by the Rickmers shipyard in Bremerhaven, this three-masted steel barque initially served as a cargo vessel, transporting rice and bamboo from Hong Kong and coal and saltpeter from South America. Its robust construction and elegant design quickly made it a familiar sight on trade routes around the globe. In its early years, the Rickmer Rickmers was a workhorse of the seas, braving treacherous conditions and long voyages to deliver essential goods. The ship's design allowed it to carry substantial cargo, contributing significantly to international trade. The crew, a diverse group of sailors, faced the daily challenges of life at sea, from battling storms to maintaining the ship's complex rigging. These early voyages established the Rickmer Rickmers as a reliable and respected vessel in the maritime world. During World War I, the ship's journey took an unexpected turn when it was seized by the Portuguese government in the Azores and loaned to the United Kingdom. Renamed Flores, it served as a war transport vessel for the remainder of the conflict. After the war, the ship was returned to Portugal and renamed NRP Sagres, becoming a training vessel for the Portuguese Navy. In 1958, the Sagres achieved international recognition by winning the Tall Ships' Race, a testament to its enduring sailing capabilities. In the early 1960s, the Portuguese Navy acquired a new training ship, and the Sagres (II) was retired from service. It was then renamed Santo André and used as a depot ship. However, the story of this remarkable vessel was far from over. In 1983, an organization called Windjammer für Hamburg e.V. purchased the ship, restoring its original name, Rickmer Rickmers, and transforming it into a floating museum. Today, the Rickmer Rickmers is permanently moored at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, one of Hamburg's most iconic waterfront locations. As a museum ship, it offers visitors an immersive experience of life aboard a 19th-century sailing vessel. The ship has been carefully restored to reflect its original condition, with meticulously recreated crew and officer quarters, a fully functional engine room, and a variety of exhibits showcasing its history and the daily lives of its sailors. Visitors can explore the ship's various decks and compartments, gaining insight into the different aspects of maritime life. The crew quarters provide a glimpse into the cramped and often challenging living conditions endured by the sailors. The officer's quarters, in contrast, offer a more comfortable and refined environment. The engine room showcases the technological advancements of the era, with displays of steam and diesel engines that powered the ship. The museum also features a range of exhibits that delve into the ship's history, its role in international trade, and the stories of the people who sailed on it. Visitors can view photographs, documents, and artifacts that bring the ship's past to life. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations further enhance the visitor experience, making the Rickmer Rickmers an engaging and educational attraction for all ages. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Rickmer Rickmers offers the opportunity to climb the ship's rigging. With the guidance of experienced trainers, visitors can ascend to the top of the masts, enjoying breathtaking views of the Hamburg harbor and the surrounding cityscape. This activity provides a unique perspective on the ship's scale and the challenges faced by sailors who worked aloft. In addition to its historical and educational offerings, the Rickmer Rickmers also features an onboard restaurant serving traditional Hamburg cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the stunning views of the harbor. The restaurant provides a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind after exploring the ship. The Rickmer Rickmers also houses a ship's post office, where visitors can send mail with a special postmark, adding a unique touch to their correspondence. This feature connects the ship's past as a cargo carrier with its present role as a museum, allowing visitors to participate in a tangible piece of maritime history. The Rickmer Rickmers is more than just a museum ship; it is a living testament to Hamburg's maritime heritage and the enduring spirit of seafaring. Its meticulously preserved interiors, engaging exhibits, and interactive activities offer visitors a captivating glimpse into the past, while its stunning waterfront location and onboard amenities make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Hamburg. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Rickmer Rickmers is sure to impress. The Rickmer Rickmers is easily accessible by public transportation, with the Landungsbrücken station serving as a major transportation hub. From there, it's a short walk to the ship, making it convenient for visitors to incorporate it into their Hamburg itinerary. The ship is open daily, with extended hours during the summer months, allowing ample time for exploration and enjoyment. A visit to the Rickmer Rickmers is not just a tour of a historic ship; it's an immersion into a world of maritime adventure, a celebration of Hamburg's seafaring legacy, and an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the men and women who braved the oceans in the age of sail.

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