What makes the Rickmer Rickmers so special?

After being commissioned in 1896, it completed numerous commercial voyages, including trips to Hong Kong and Chile. During World War I, the ship was seized by Portugal and later used as a British auxiliary ship under the name "Flores." After the war, it served the Portuguese Navy as the training ship "Sagres" and won the international sailing regatta Tall Ships' Race in 1958. In this competition, large sailing ships from around the world compete against each other, focusing not just on the race but also on cultural exchange and promoting youth work in maritime activities. In 1983, the Rickmer Rickmers returned to Hamburg, was restored, and converted into a museum.

On board, you can explore the authentically restored areas such as the crew and officers' quarters, the galley, and the impressive engine room. It is particularly exciting to see the different types of propulsion the ship used over the years: sail, steam, and diesel.

For adventure seekers, there is the opportunity, under professional guidance, to climb the rigging, which includes the masts, sails, lines, and yards, and enjoy a unique view of the Hamburg harbor from a height of 35 meters.

1. Since 2019, a newly designed permanent exhibition covering approximately 800 square meters informs about the four life phases of the ship.
2. The Rickmer Rickmers was built in 1896 as a full-rigged ship with a steel hull using transverse frames in the company's own shipyard in Bremerhaven.
3. In 1930, the ship was equipped with two Krupp diesel engines, each generating 350 horsepower.
4. After a severe storm in 1904, the damaged third mast was replaced in Cape Town, and the ship was re-rigged from a full ship to a bark.
5. The Rickmer Rickmers has already served as a filming location for various film and television productions.
6. The Rickmer Rickmers Foundation regularly awards the title of honorary captain to individuals who have made significant contributions to the ship.
7. In 2005, the Rickmer Rickmers was honored in the postage stamp series "For Youth – Tall Ships" by Deutsche Post.
8. The comprehensive restoration of the ship was partially funded through job creation measures for unemployed youth.
9. On board, regularly changing exhibitions on maritime themes take place, enriching the cultural offerings of Hamburg.
10. Around 1930, the ship received two 350 horsepower Krupp diesel engines as auxiliary propulsion.