&¨over a gangway directly into another time: The Cap San Diego, a former bulk carrier, is moored on the ¨berseebrücke – and yet has remained a real working ship. It is the only one of its kind still in service today and is regularly activated for special trips.

What makes the Cap San Diego so special?

The Cap San Diego was built in the early 1960s to sail between Hamburg and Südamerica. She was the last ship of the so-called „White Swords of the Südatlantic“, which are known for their elegant lines and modern technology. Today, you can explore almost everything on board, from the engine room to the command bridge.
Some of the holds serve as exhibition areas - sometimes on maritime themes, sometimes with modern photography or political issues. The contrast between the raw cargo ship character and the artistic presentation in the exhibitions is particularly exciting.

Overall, it offers:

• Cruises
• Museum
• Hotel
• Escape games
• High ropes course
• Events & celebrations
• Location for film and photo shoots

Secret tip: You can spend the night on the Cap San Diego üovernight; in real, maritime passenger cabins with a view of the harbour. At night, you can hear the water lapping and the distant sound of the ships - you can't get much closer to the harbour feeling.

1. The Cap San Diego was built at the renowned Deutsche Werft in Hamburg-Finkenwerder.
2. In the cargo holds of the ship, coffee, cocoa, and machine parts were primarily transported in the past.
3. The ship belongs to the so-called Cap-San-Class, which consisted of six nearly identical freighters.
4. At the time of its commissioning, it was considered one of the most modern breakbulk carriers in the world.
5. The original telephone system on board is still partially operational today and can be shown during tours.
6. In the area of the crew quarters, there is a fully preserved galley, including an old combination stove.
7. The Cap San Diego was decommissioned in 1986 and nearly sold for scrap before it was taken over by the city of Hamburg.
8. The ship has a so-called man-overboard boat, which was previously kept ready for emergencies.
9. In the radio station, there is still the original morse device, with which messages were once sent to shore.
10. The Cap San Diego is officially registered as a cultural monument of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

The Cap San Diego is aimed at anyone who wants to experience technology, seafaring, and history – without protective glass in between. For adults, it is a discovery journey into a past era, when loading was done without containers and navigation relied on radio and maps. Children find it exciting to navigate through the maze of decks, see huge machines, and enter real sailors' bunks. Families can go on a treasure hunt together through the ship – there are always small details to discover. For tech enthusiasts, the engine room is a highlight, for art lovers the changing exhibitions. And those who simply want to escape can even spend a night on board.

Tip: Combine your visit with a harbour cruise – from the jetties you can be at the ¨berseebrücke in a few minutes and combine the two

Note: Last admission is at 17:30. The same times usually apply on public holidays, with the exception of special trips.

The Cap San Diego is not a static museum, but a living ship – built for the ocean, today an experience in the middle of the city. You gain insight into the inner workings of a general cargo ship that shaped an era when cargo was still handled by hand and technology was tangible. Unlike many museums, here you can not only look but truly experience. The ship remains a ship – with all its smells, sounds, and stories.