Donau-Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg

About the museum

The museum grew out of a citizens' initiative: in January 1979, the Arbeitskreis Schiffahrts-Museum (shipping museum working group) was founded in Regensburg to save one of the last Danube paddle steamers from being scrapped. That same year, the association acquired the steamer ÉRSEKCSANÁD from the Hungarian shipping company MAHART; it had been built in Regensburg in 1923 as the RUTHOF, sank after a mine explosion toward the end of World War II, and was later raised. After restoration, the Bavarian Minister of Education and Culture opened the first part of the museum on board in May 1983; the ship has been a listed monument since 1981.

In 1999, the motor tug FREUDENAU, built in Linz in 1942, joined as the second museum ship. It is largely preserved in its original condition, fully operational, and used for the association's trips on the Danube. Since 2004, both ships have been moored centrally on the Marc-Aurel-Ufer between the Eiserne Brücke and the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge). On the riverbank, a hand-operated harbor crane from 1905, a boiler from an Elbe steamer, and the barge HELGA complement the exhibition.

On board the RUTHOF, visitors can see the cabins, the boiler room, and the steam engine with high- and low-pressure cylinders; models, dioramas, and display panels explain the history of shipping on the German-speaking Danube and the daily lives of boatmen. On the FREUDENAU, the difference between officers' and crew quarters becomes clear.

Since 2000, the volunteer-run association has also operated the Brückturm-Museum (bridge tower museum) at the Steinerne Brücke, and in 2012 it restored the historic electric ship-hauling system at the bridge to working order. Its commitment has earned it awards including the Bavarian Monument Preservation Medal.

Highlights

• Paddle steamer RUTHOF/ÉRSEKCSANÁD from 1923 with a walk-in engine room
• Operational motor tug FREUDENAU from 1942
• Historic harbor crane from 1905 and the barge HELGA on the riverbank
• Brückturm-Museum with a viewing level at the Steinerne Brücke
• Association trips on the Danube aboard the FREUDENAU

Permanent exhibitions

• Raddampfer RUTHOF/ÉRSEKCSANÁD – The towing steamer built in 1923 with cabins, boiler system, and steam engine; models and dioramas show the history of Danube shipping.
• Motorzugschiff FREUDENAU – Almost entirely original diesel ship from 1942 with officers' and crew quarters, still operational today.
• Brückturm-Museum – Models, texts, and pictures about the Steinerne Brücke in the bridge tower, plus a historic tower clock and views over the old town and the Danube.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Arbeitskreis Schiffahrts-Museum Regensburg e. V.

Admission & discounts

Members of the Arbeitskreis free. On the City of Regensburg's Welterbetag (World Heritage Day), free admission and guided tours on the RUTHOF and FREUDENAU. Trips on the FREUDENAU according to the annual program (guests e.g. €29, registration required).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, some of the rooms on board the historic ships are not accessible (stairs and companionways).

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit