Moored at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, the Rickmer Rickmers is a three-masted cargo sailing ship built in 1896 and now a museum. Walk its decks, restored crew and officers’ quarters, and engine room to see how the vessel was laid out and learn about its working life at sea. Displays use photographs, nautical objects and information panels to trace the ship’s history. Aboard, there is also a restaurant serving Hanseatic food. Allow one to three hours if you want to explore the ship at an unhurried pace.
A cargo ship built in 1896
Rickmer Rickmers was built in Bremerhaven in 1896 as a three-masted steel cargo sailing ship. Its early work included voyages between Germany and Hong Kong, and it also carried saltpetre from Chile. Wind powered the ship, alongside an engine that later changed from steam to diesel.
The vessel travelled widely before becoming a museum ship in Hamburg. A Hamburg club bought it in 1983 and oversaw extensive renovation. It has been moored in the city’s harbour since 1987, at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken.
What to see below and above deck
The ship’s displays cover its construction, years at sea and changing uses. Photographs, nautical objects and large information panels help put the vessel’s working life in context. Special exhibitions on maritime subjects are held below deck.
Restored crew and officers’ quarters show how different areas of the ship were used. The engine room contains old ship machinery, while the decks give you a sense of the vessel’s scale and layout. A gallery beneath the Elbe also holds material about the ship’s past voyages.
Plan your visit aboard
You can explore the decks and several interior areas, including the quarters and engine room. The museum is at the harbour piers, near the Landungsbrücken, so it fits into a visit to the port area. Plan for one to three hours if you want to see the different sections rather than make a quick walk-through.
Mast-climbing is available on certain days. Check whether it is taking place before you visit, and do not try to climb the mast on your own. There is a restaurant aboard serving Hanseatic dishes, so you can add a meal or snack to the museum stop.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Rickmer Rickmers?
The museum ship is moored at Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a in Hamburg’s harbour.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow one to three hours to explore the ship’s decks, quarters, engine room and exhibitions.
Can you climb the mast?
Mast-climbing takes place on certain days. Check whether it is available during your visit, and do not attempt it without the organised activity.
Is there a restaurant on the ship?
Yes. The onboard restaurant serves Hanseatic food.
