Osten-Hemmoor

Schwebefähre Osten–Hemmoor – Osten – Germany

The Osten-Hemmoor transporter bridge crosses the river Oste between these two towns in the State of Lower Saxony. Built in 1909, it catered for the increasing levels of traffic without relying on the tide and the weather, nor did it hinder the movement of sailing boats on the river. The locals call it the “Eiffel Tower of the North”, and it is an authentic symbol for the entire region.

History

The construction of the bridge had been necessary since 1881, when the demand for crossing the river Oste grew following the opening of the Harburg-Cuxhaven railway line. On 10^th May 1899 the local Council took the decision to build a transporter that could cross the river without depending on tides or ice in winter, and without disturbing shipping traffic.

In 1903, MAN Gustavsburg and Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) started working on plans for the design of the bridge. However, financial problems (the cost of construction, including the electrical control centre, rose to 180,000 Deutschmarks) delayed the start of building work until 1908.

The Berlinese engineer Max Pinette was charged with the construction work, in which over 250 tonnes of steel were used. Despite the disadvantage of starting the construction during winterime, the project was completed in August 1909. The official opening ceremony took place on 1^st October that same year.

Conservation

1966. Restoration of the lower part of the gondola.

1960-1970. Road traffic increased in this period, meaning that the bridge became a bottleneck.

1974. A new bridge was built over the river Oste and the transporter bridge was withdrawn from service.

1975. It was classed as a technical monument.

1975-1976. A careful restoration took place, including the complete renewal of the scaffolding.

1976. The bridge started operating again, but only for tourists. The Assocation for the maintenance of the Osten-Hemmoor transporter bridge (Fördergesellschaft zur Erhaltung der Schwebefähre Osten – Hemmoor) has been responsible for its preservation and operation since then.

2006. It started operating again following extensive restoration work after being closed for 5 years.

2017-2018. Renewal of the 4 tower foundations.

The bridge in figures

Distance between towers: 80 metres
Gondola crossing time: 6 minutes

Weight: 252 tonnes
Length of gondola: 16 x 4.30 metres (new gondola)

Height of the towers: 38 metres
Height of the platform over the water: 29 metres

Gallery

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Practical info

It operates every day from April to October. During the winter (November–March), however, trips are only possible for groups by reserving in advance.

Opening hours and timetable frequency vary depending on the month of the year. The highest frequency and opening hours are in June, July and August, when the bridge operates every day between 10:00 and 18:00 (every 30 minutes). In May and September the bridge operates every day between 11:00 and 17:00, in April and October between 12:00 and 16:00.

There is a transporter bridge museum called FährStuv, which provides detailed information on the history of the bridge and the river Oste. It is also open from April to October.

To find out more and check for any changes to this information, visit the website before organising your visit.

Official website: http://www.schwebefaehre-osten.de/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Schwebefaehre/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/118147607257593596706

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXLadKXcQSWNGXVqytLGBQ

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