Schifffahrtsmuseum Nordhorn
Private shipping museum with ship models, figureheads, nautical instruments, a whale exhibition and a large maritime library.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Nordhorn shipping museum is run by a non-profit limited company (gemeinnützige GmbH) led by Dr. Klaus G. Röhl. It displays a collection on maritime history that presents selected epochs of worldwide seafaring, and complements it with an extensive specialist library of several thousand titles, autographs, historic maps and prints.
The regional connection lies in inland navigation: between 1820 and 1830, shipbuilding at five shipyards was Nordhorn's most important source of income, and fourteen inland vessels had their home port here. A water connection via the Vechte led to the North Sea. Later a system of the Linksemsische Kanäle (Left-Ems canals) emerged, on which ships operated into the 1960s. Models of Torfmutten, Zompen and Schuiten (traditional barge types) as well as old photographs recall this.
The building has two larger exhibition rooms, two library rooms, an event room with 52 seats and video equipment, and a workshop and archive. Since January 2021 the museum can also be explored in a virtual 360-degree tour on the website.
Highlights
- Ship models of all sizes, including models at a scale of 1:1250
- Figureheads and a replica of a command bridge
- Nautical instruments, ship's pharmacy and historic weapons
- Exhibition on whales and whaling
- Library with several thousand titles on maritime history
- Virtual 360-degree tour
Permanent exhibitions
- Schifffahrtsgeschichtliche Sammlung – Ship models, figureheads, a replica of a command bridge, nautical instruments, dioramas, sea charts and prints on the history of seafaring.
- Wale und Walfang – Models of baleen and toothed whales, information panels and photos on the history of whaling.
- Operated by
- Schiffahrts-Museum Nordhorn gGmbH
- Director
- Dr. Klaus G. Röhl
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3School students, university students and trainees |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 6 · Children from 6 years; free up to 6 years. |
| Students & apprentices | €3School students, university students and trainees. |
| Groups (6+ people) | €3 per personGroups of 6 or more; price per person. |
| Guided tour (60 min.), adults from 16 years | €2Per person, plus admission. |
| Guided tour (60 min.), school classes | €2Per person, plus admission. |
Adults pay from the age of 16.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
15 parking spaces at the museum.
Address: Lingener Straße 132, Nordhorn.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
Reception, cloakroom, galley and restrooms available.
Events & venue rental
Event room with 52 seats and presentation equipment for video films.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours and video screenings on request or by inquiry. Virtual 360-degree tour on the website. |
