The U-995 is a Type VIIC/41 German U-boat from the Second World War, preserved on land beside the Laboe Naval Memorial as the only surviving example of the most widely built U-boat class of the war. Visitors enter through the boat's original hatches and move through the full length of the pressure hull, passing the torpedo room, cramped bunks squeezed between machinery, the control room with its original dials and periscope housing, and the diesel and electric engine rooms at the stern. The interior remains largely unmodified, giving a vivid sense of the extremely tight quarters in which a crew of around 44 men lived for weeks at sea. Because the passageways are narrow and often require ducking through low hatches, a full walk-through takes about 45 minutes, and traffic can back up when tour groups move through at the same time. Weekday mornings are the best time to avoid queuing at the narrow entry and exit hatches, particularly in summer when the site is busiest as a combined stop with the adjacent memorial tower.
| Admission | Adult EUR 6 (approx $7), or included in the EUR 11 combined ticket with the memorial · Child Reduced rate available |
|---|---|
| Hours | Apr-Oct daily 9:00AM-6:00PM; Nov-Mar daily 10:00AM-4:00PM |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday mornings to avoid queues for the narrow interior |
| Getting there | Ferry from Kiel city centre to Laboe, moored beside the Naval Memorial |
| Address | Strandstrasse 92, 24235 Laboe, Germany |
Weather through the year in Schleswig-Holstein
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Schleswig-Holstein.
Location
Strandstrasse 92, 24235 Laboe, Germany
54.4019, 10.2222 View on map
Highlights
- Only surviving Type VIIC/41 U-boat, the most widely built U-boat class of WWII
- Original control room with periscope housing and instrument panels
- Cramped crew bunks wedged directly among torpedoes and machinery
- Stern diesel and electric engine rooms
- Combined ticket access with the neighbouring Laboe Naval Memorial tower
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid queues at the narrow entry hatches
- Wear low-profile shoes and expect to duck through several low doorways
- Buy the combined ticket with the Laboe Naval Memorial if visiting both
- Avoid the boat if claustrophobic, since passageways are extremely tight and one-directional
- Allow gaps between tour groups if the site feels crowded, since only limited numbers move through at once
When to visit
Weekday mornings avoid the queues that build at the narrow entry hatches during peak summer visiting hours.
Accessibility
The submarine interior is not wheelchair accessible due to narrow hatches, steep ladders, and tight passageways throughout the hull.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A full walk-through of the submarine takes about 45 minutes.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children generally find it fascinating, though the very tight, low passageways can be difficult for young children.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography without flash is permitted throughout the interior.
Is the submarine wheelchair accessible?
No, the narrow hatches and internal ladders make the submarine's interior inaccessible to wheelchair users.