The Vitte: The floating village between Rügen and Hiddensee!

The Vitte: The floating village between Rügen and Hiddensee!

Hiddensee, Deutschland - The "Vitte" is a unique ferry that provides the island of Hiddensee with important supply goods and creates the only connection to the neighboring island of Rügen. The ship was built in Husum in 1968 and was originally used as a MS "Amrum" before it switched to the white fleet in 1992 to drive on the Hiddensee line. Due to its striking form, the ferry was initially mocked as "iron", but its practical skills have proven themselves over the years. With a capacity of 480 passengers and the ability to transport large goods and machines, it is indispensable for the island.

The "Vitte" drives daily and transports a variety of goods, including food, building materials and mail and garbage. Blocks also have space on board. A small tractor that is stationed on the ship ensures the efficient handling of the cargo. The four -member crew lives and works on the ferry for six days at a time and often has long working hours that start at 5 a.m. The sleeping facilities consist of windowless cabinets, and there is also a small on -board kitchen for the daily meals. This form of work and life on the water is according to lvz.de Characterized by a special routine and camaraderie.

life on the ferry

The commuters who use the "Vitte" are a versatile group to which painters, construction workers and cleaning women belong. Many children of Hiddensee use the ferry to pursue leisure activities on Rügen or in Stralsund on their day -free day. Anja Heitmüller, a teacher on Hiddensee, has published her own book about the ferry and its importance for the community. In her work, which has been published in -house, she documents the everyday life of the crew on five daily trips between the two islands for a year. In addition to historical recordings, the book also offers insights into the coexistence of different professional groups on the ferry and shows people at work.

The book can be ordered in the local book trade on Rügen, Hiddensee and in Stralsund as well as directly from Anja Heitmüller at anjaheitmueller@web.de . The author conveys an atmosphere of melancholy and appreciation for the people who keep the "system" going.

maintenance and challenges

In the shipyard, the "Vitte" is serviced once a year for four to five weeks, while two other ships take over the company. These downtimes are necessary to continue to ensure the important role that the ferry plays in the supply and disposal of the island. Despite the robust construction, however, the ship is also susceptible to wind, especially under extreme weather conditions such as storm or strong winter.

For more information about the routes and services of the ferry, interested parties can visit the website ostseefaehren.com . The "Vitte" remains a symbol of the connection between Hiddensee and Rügen, essential for the residents and their guests.