Museum Harbour Övelgönne - The Oldest Privately Owned German Museum Harbor.
The Museum Harbour Oevelgönne is a vibrant open‑air museum for historical steamer, sailing and work vessels, free to visit anytime. The best way to care for a sailing or steamship is to keep it sailing. The ships of the Oevelgönne Museum Harbor are worthy of preservation due to their design, their former purpose, or their rarity, and some are classified as historical monuments also. They are largely preserved in their original condition or resemble it, for example, through the use of original materials.
The Oevelgönne Museum Harbor Association is the oldest privately owned German museum harbor to boast historic ships. Since its founding in 1976 as a private, non-profit association, its members have accomplished a great deal of pioneering work. They have set new standards in keeping the harbor's operations moving with historic ships to this day.
The Museum Harbour Övelgönne invites visitors on a journey through maritime history free of charge. Located at the Elbstrand Övelgönne is a charming promenade along the Elbe where historic steamers, barges, and sailing vessels lie moored side by side. Most vessels date from 1880 to 1960 and each one tells its own story. From large sailing ships to steam tugs, police boats, lightships, and even floating cranes - they're all in operation.
Informational plaques on board offer details, and many ships are still seaworthy and regularly can seen sailing the Elbe - sometimes right in front of visitors. Group tours and guest sailings on select ships are available by prior booking. It is an unforgettable way to experience Hamburg’s seafaring heritage. Don’t miss the historic captain's and pilot's houses along the nearby Elbchaussee.
Volunteer crews keep the historic ships of the Oevelgönne Museum Harbor sailing. Passengers are warmly welcome on board for excursions on the Elbe River and beyond the harbor. The crews ensure their well-being and provide plenty of interesting background information about the ships and their history. The club's fleet includes large and small sailing ships, original steamers, barges, speedy mooring boats, and motor vessels. Rides are available for individuals, families, and small or large groups. All income from the ships' operations is used for the maintenance and operation of the ships.
A modern floating visitor centre has been opened in autumn 2024. The harbour is easily combined with a ferry ride, beach visit or café stop. Teamwork is a top priority at the Museum Harbour Oevelgönne. To ensure the museum harbor's full program is realized, there are large and small working groups that dedicate themselves with enthusiasm and joy to revitalizing the harbor, organizing club evenings, managing the harbor, organizing information events, and even helping newlyweds get married.
Best Time to Visit the Oevelgönne Museum Harbour:
The best time to visit the Oevelgönne Museum Harbour in Hamburg is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), as the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller, or on weekdays to avoid peak weekend crowds. To avoid crowds, aim to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
Opening Hours:
The museum harbour is open 24 hours a day.
Location:
Oevelgönne 42
22763 Hamburg
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