135 years of the Stralsund steam ferry: A piece of the century on the Peene!

135 years of the Stralsund steam ferry: A piece of the century on the Peene!

A very special anniversary is being celebrated in the picturesque Wolgast city harbor: the historic steam ferry “Stralsund” recently celebrated its 135th birthday. This year, a colorful open ship party weekend frames the celebrations that take place on Saturday evening. Even though the ferry is no longer in regular use, it remains a valued piece of history for many people.

The “Stralsund” is not only a technical monument, but also the oldest steam ferry of its type in the world. Since it was put into operation in 1890, it has had an eventful history that extends into the 1990s. During this time she not only transported steaming railway wagons to Usedom and back, but also played an essential role in transporting material to the Greifswalder Oie in the 1930s for the Peenemünde Army Research Institute. Hundreds of steam ferries were in use in northern Germany at the time, and the “Stralsund” withdrew from its original route in Stralsund in 1901 to take on other tasks.

The roots of the steam ferry

The “Stralsund” was put into service by the Royal Prussian Railway Machinery Office in Stralsund and connected the port of Stralsund with Gralhof near Altefähr from the start. Construction work for the ferry began in 1882, and the first ferry, the “Prinz Heinrich”, arrived in Stralsund on November 13, 1882. Technically impressive, the ferry offers space for up to 300 passengers and can transport up to three passenger cars or up to four freight cars. Her two two-stage expansion piston steam engines give her a speed of 8 knots - quite respectable for the time.

As documented history shows, the ferry was active until 1990. After being decommissioned in 1991, she was finally taken over by the city of Wolgast in 1992, which decided to use her as a museum ship and thus keep her impressive history alive.

A tour through history

The development of railway ferries began in the 1830s and found an interesting expression with the construction of the “Stralsund”. Railway ferries like this one were designed to transport railway cars that could be loaded and unloaded on their own wheels. Although the original type of this ferry route has long been outdated, the “Stralsund” remains an important piece of maritime history and a testament to the technical advances made in shipbuilding over the last few centuries. While the first ferries were made of wood, modern models were built of iron and steel that had sturdy features.

Over the years, the “Stralsund”, which is a museum ship in Wolgast, has experienced a lot. From her beginnings to her retirement, she, along with other steam ferries, has written countless stories and carried generations of apparitions, travelers and cargo. Its preservation is thanks to the commitment of the regional support association. He has been taking care of its care and preservation since 2014, so that the fascination for this historic steam ferry can continue to be passed on in the future.

Whether it will break the next passenger record remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the “Stralsund” and its history are deeply etched into the cultural memory of the region. The event in the city harbor offers an excellent opportunity for visitors and locals to experience and celebrate the history of this unique ship up close.