The Rickmer Rickmers is one of the most photographed objects in the harbour, a tall, three-masted sailing ship moored at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken beside the river. It is a fully rigged nineteenth-century sailing ship open to visitors, and it is also run as a museum with exhibitions on board. The ship was built as a cargo sailer, and today you can walk the open decks, look up through the rigging and go below to see the cabins, the crew quarters and the cargo areas. It is a compact attraction that is easy to fit between a harbour cruise and a walk along the promenade, and it carries a very good rating from over three hundred reviews. It suits children, who love the masts and the ropes, and adults who like maritime history without a long museum visit.
What to expect
You board by a gangway from the quay and explore the ship at your own pace. The main deck is open air, so the wind and the weather are part of the experience, and the interior spaces show life on board and exhibitions on the ship’s history and the age of sail. The ship is a real vessel with steep stairs and low doorways, so wear sensible shoes and watch your head. The ship is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00; check the ticket page for the exact inclusions.
Where it is and how to combine it: the ship lies at Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a, right beside the pontoons where harbour cruises and the public ferries leave, so you can see it before or after a trip on the water. The stone landing stages, the Old Elbe Tunnel entrance and the Michel on the hill above are all within a few minutes’ walk.
It is a good first stop for a child who needs to burn off energy before a longer museum visit, and a good rainy-day option if you wrap up warm, as the open decks are exposed.
Making the most of it
Arrive in the morning to avoid the school groups, and visit on a calm day if you want to enjoy the deck. Take a photograph from the quay for the classic view of the masts against the water, and ask crew members on board about the ship’s history if they are available. The ship fits well into a day that includes the Maritime Museum in the Speicherstadt, since the two show different sides of the same story: one is a huge collection, the other a single vessel you can walk through.
If you are visiting with a pushchair or have limited mobility, check the access in advance, as the interior is narrow and has steps. It suits families, boat lovers and photographers, and it takes around an hour.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced walk around a fully rigged sailing ship, from open decks to the cabins and exhibitions below.
Best time
Morning on a calm day, before school groups and the busiest cruise departures.
How long
About an hour on board.
Tips
Wear sensible shoes, watch your head on the stairs and bring a layer for the exposed deck.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who loves ships, masts and rigging, and families with children.
- Families
- A hit with children, who can explore the decks and look up at the masts.
- Couples
- A short, atmospheric stop beside the water before lunch on the Landungsbrücken.
- Pair with
- A harbour cruise, the Old Elbe Tunnel and the Michel.
- Time needed
- One hour, or a little more with photographs.
Good questions
Where is the Rickmer Rickmers?+
It is moored at Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a, beside the piers where cruises and ferries leave.
How long does the visit take?+
About an hour is enough for the decks, the cabins and the exhibitions.
What are the opening hours?+
It is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Check the ticket page for the date you plan to go.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, children usually love it. The stairs are steep and the doorways low, so keep an eye on small ones.
Is the ship accessible?+
The interior is narrow with steps, so check the access in advance if you use a pushchair or wheelchair.
