#Travel Tuesday Short: A Passion for Boats on the Elbe

Our attention was directed this #Travel Tuesday toward the Baltic and North Seas and tje wonderful traditional ships in Museumshaffen Oevelgönne e.V. These vessels, part a more than 100 years old tradition are simply a marvelous time portal back toward the heyday of Hamburg, the Elbe River, and the commerce that made seafaring the heartiest of professions.

An article via the Hamburger Abendblatt was sent us via Facebook by Gyde Thönnessen and Museum Oevelgönne eV. As much of our maritime heritage disappears, its important that we take note, and never forget, the heritage that propelled so many of us to here. Sailing vessels, and the fishing and commercial boats that made up such a big part of life in Northern Europe in the past, increasingly fall into disrepair and obscurity. But their unique beauty alone should spur us all to observe, and to preserve this heritage.

Aside the nostalgia of these fabulous vessels, the artistry, history, and craftsmanship involved are ethereal and real commodities we cannot afford to lose sight of. We urge the reader to study not only this museum, hut the Hanseatic cities like Greifswald in general.

Out of an indescribable love and enthusiasm for these old vessels, the founders and fans of this museum make the sea and the Elbe part of their lives. My little story here is a tribute too them and to the sea. As they say plainly on their site;

“No one is born with a steering wheel, a sailing rope, a shovel or a chart in hand. There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. And you can learn many things.” (translated from German)

The museum, and the club associated with it, offer a wide variety of fun and educational activities for visitors. Most rewarding perhaps, visitors to the museum can book passage on these wonders of yesteryear as indicated here. Readers can visit the museum at Investors Neumühlen 22763 Hamburg, or call ahead at: 040/41912761. Klaus D. Lehmann-Gräve (left), the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the museum, can be reached via email at: kdlehmann-graeve@museumshafen-oevelgoenne.de as well.

We also recommend you visit the museum’s Facebook pages for more info.