Friederike von Papenburg

The Friederike von Papenburg is a wooden museum ship located in the Papenburg Canal with a length of approximately 38 meters. It features two masts with traditional sail rigging typical of merchant vessels from earlier centuries.

The ship was built in 1989 at Meyer Werft shipyard and is modeled after traditional cargo sailing vessels from the 18th and 19th centuries. Following a major fire in 2021, it underwent complete restoration and returned to operation later that year.

The ship connects visitors to Papenburg's maritime past and the era when such merchant vessels regularly sailed between ports. Today you can experience how these ships were constructed and what role they played in shaping the town.

The ship is permanently moored in the Papenburg Canal and visitors can explore its interior, which functions as a tourist information center. The location is easily accessible and ceremonies are regularly held on board.

The ship was newly built rather than restored from a historical vessel, combining modern construction techniques with a historical appearance. This makes it a functioning example of traditional shipbuilding rather than simply a preserved relic.