When small clouds of white smoke drift over Hamburg’s Inner Alster, the museum ship “St. Georg” is on the move again. The almost 150-year-old steamboat began its seasonal operations on Saturday morning.
Under cloudy skies and slight sunshine, the historic ship set off on its first tour of the year, which was supposed to lead into the Alster canals. It is the 31st season for “St. Georg”. Three tours are offered daily. Last year around 21,600 passengers took part, as the Alsterdampfschifffahrt association said. That was 17 percent more than in the 2022 season.
According to the information, the winter break was used to get the Alster steamboat fit again for the excursion period. The steam whistle was refurbished and a historical embossing stamp was even discovered. As a result, the ship’s whistle, built in 1877, is almost as old as the ship itself.
In the coming years, the steam boiler will also be renewed so that climate-neutral fuels can also be used. The Alster steamboat is operated by a non-profit association. The “St. Georg” is the only historic steamship in northern Germany that is in daily use. Anyone who would like to take part as a skipper is welcome – a corresponding job is currently being advertised. Volunteers are also always welcome.
