Elbschifffahrtsmuseum

The interactive three-story exhibition at Elbschifffahrtsmuseum is called Human-Model-Machine.

Why did skinny-dippers regularly swim in the Elbe River in the past? Can you drink "Arschbackenbrühe" (a cheeky broth)? And what is a "Treckbüdel" doing aboard Elbe ships? You will find answers to these questions in the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum exhibition in Lauenburg/Elbe. "Human-Model-Machine" is the motto of the interactive exhibition at Elbschifffahrtsmuseum. It focuses on the people who designed, built, and operated the machines and ship types. Discover how the harsh working and living conditions in shipbuilding and navigation have evolved over the past 1,000 years. Let life-sized 3D photos of people speak to you. You'll meet important figures like Emperor Wilhelm II and shipowner Basedow, and also come into contact with former residents of Lauenburg, such as rafters, deckhands, and cooks. Additionally, you can get hands-on at models and experiment stations. Key topics are designed as immersive experiences. For example, in the exhibition, you can walk on the Elbe riverbed at low tide or slide over ice floes that form in the Elbe during winter. Each theme area is accompanied by entertaining films that guide you through the exhibition's "red thread." Using interactive archive stations, you can also conduct your own research. The Elbschifffahrtsmuseum has a unique collection of information on ship types, engines, crews, and models. Intense research has made a wealth of information available, much of which is accessible in the museum. The museum’s many model ships are displayed in new large glass cases with sophisticated lighting to highlight details and special features of each ship type. At the same time, you can view photos of the ship in operation on the Elbe or in port on a screen. Technical data about the ship and ship type can be interactively accessed. The Ship Propulsion Treasure Chamber is a special attraction located in the museum’s vaulted cellar. Here you can admire steam engines and diesel engines of various types. This collection is unique in Germany; nowhere else is the mechanization of shipping presented as comprehensively as here. During guided tours, the ship engines are demonstrated in motion. The paddle steamer "Kaiser Wilhelm" is the largest exhibit of the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum but is not found inside the museum. Built in Dresden in 1900, this nearly original paddle steamer offers an experience of navigating as it was more than 100 years ago. Visitors are welcome to grab the coal shovel and assist the stoker with the hard work if they wish. The steamer is moored about 250 meters from the museum at its landing in front of Lauenburg’s old town. The "Verein zu Förderung des Lauenburger Elbschiffahrtsmuseums e.V." and the volunteer crew offer Elbe excursion boat rides every other weekend from late April through late September.