The Passat is a four-masted steel barque built in 1911 that once carried nitrate and grain between Europe and South America on the fast sailing routes, and today sits permanently moored on the Priwall peninsula across from Travemunde harbour as a museum ship. Visitors can walk the main deck among the rigging and cargo hatches, descend into the former cargo holds now fitted with exhibits on the ship's working history and the Flying P-Liner fleet it belonged to, and explore crew quarters that show the cramped conditions sailors endured on months-long voyages. The masts, still rigged though the sails are furled, reach roughly 51 metres and dominate the Travemunde skyline from across the harbour mouth. A visit takes 45 minutes to an hour for the deck and holds, longer for visitors who linger over the exhibits on the ship's nitrate-trade history. Midday light works best for photographing the full rigging against the sky, and the ship is generally uncrowded outside of the main summer season, since it requires a short ferry crossing or detour to reach on the Priwall side of the Trave estuary. The surrounding Priwall peninsula also has a quiet beach, making the Passat easy to combine with a longer stroll away from the busier Travemunde promenade.
| Admission | Adult Approx EUR 5 (approx $5.80) · Child Approx EUR 3 (approx $3.50) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 1 Apr-4 May and 29 Sep-31 Oct 11:00AM-4:30PM; 5 May-28 Sep 10:00AM-5:00PM |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes-1 hour |
| Best time | Midday when the four-masted rigging is well lit for photographs |
| Getting there | Priwall ferry from Travemunde harbour, or a short walk from the Priwall side |
| Address | Priwallufer, 23570 Lubeck-Travemunde, Germany |
Weather through the year in Schleswig-Holstein
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Schleswig-Holstein.
Location
Priwallufer, 23570 Lubeck-Travemunde, Germany
53.9569, 10.8709 View on map
Highlights
- Four-masted steel barque rigging still standing at roughly 51 metres
- Former cargo holds converted into exhibits on the Flying P-Liner trade route
- Cramped historic crew quarters open to visitors
- Views back across the Trave estuary to Travemunde
- Quiet Priwall peninsula setting away from the main promenade crowds
Tips for visiting
- Take the Priwall passenger ferry from Travemunde harbour rather than driving around
- Visit at midday for the best light on the rigging for photographs
- Wear flat shoes, since the deck and hold stairs are steep and metal
- Combine the visit with a walk on the quieter Priwall beach nearby
- Check seasonal opening hours before visiting outside the main summer months
When to visit
Midday light shows the full rigging best for photographs, and the site stays uncrowded outside peak summer weekends.
Accessibility
The ship's steep internal stairways and raised deck thresholds make it largely inaccessible to wheelchair users; only limited areas of the main deck can be reached without stairs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour exploring the deck and cargo holds.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, children generally enjoy climbing between decks and seeing the rigging up close.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is permitted throughout the ship, on deck and in the exhibition holds.
How do I get to the ship from Travemunde?
A short passenger ferry crosses the Trave from Travemunde harbour to the Priwall side where the Passat is moored.