Prinz Heinrich, Museum ship in Leer, Germany.

Prinz Heinrich is a museum ship measuring about 42 meters (137 feet) in length with its original steam engine intact and maintained in its early 1900s condition. The vessel can be explored from top to bottom, including the engine room, deck areas, crew quarters, and spaces where the ship's operations took place.

Built in 1909 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg for the Borkumer Kleinbahn- und Dampfschiffahrts-AG, the Prinz Heinrich carried mail and passengers between Emden and Borkum. Renamed Hessen in 1953, it was converted to diesel power in 1958. After retirement in 1969 it served as a museum ship in Lübeck and Warnemünde before returning to Leer in 2003.

The vessel reflects everyday maritime trade and coastal life from the early 1900s, showing how commerce and community depended on such ships. Walking through its spaces reveals how crew members lived and worked during that era.

Visiting works best in calm weather, as walking the decks and navigating narrow stairways onboard requires some physical effort. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as decks can be slippery and spaces inside are tight.

The ship's original steam machinery was removed in 1958, when two six-cylinder diesel engines of 215 hp each were installed at the Cassens yard in Emden, giving 11 knots. The vessel then carried 390 passengers with a crew of 11. The funnel and engine room still show this motor-ship conversion.