U-Boot Submarine U17 Welcomes Visitors Onboard - U-17 welcomes incoming tourists to explore its interior spaces
U-17 Submarine Departs for Technik Museum Sinsheim
The highly-anticipated journey of the decommissioned marine submarine U-17 from Kiel to Sinsheim in Baden-Württemberg has captivated thousands of people across Germany. As of Saturday, the mammoth metal vessel is now accessible for visitors at the Technik Museum Sinsheim, having been meticulously prepared for public viewing over the past few months.
Exploring U-17's Interior
Upon entering, visitors will find themselves inside the submarine's torpedo room, where the eight 15-meter long torpedo tubes served as the vessel's weapons arsenal. One of these tubes allows a view outside. Other notable areas include the tiny crew quarters equipped with bunks for the 23 crew members, a miniature toilet with shower, a galley complete with refrigerator, tables, and benches, computer screens and keyboards, and the control center with periscope for outdoor viewing. The tour culminates in an exploration of the engine room before returning to the museum.
Unforgettable Audio-Tactile Sensory Experience
The U-17 offers a unique auditory and tactile experience, featuring engine sounds, singing whales, bubbling water, and beeping sonar. In addition, one can smell the mixture of sweat and machine oil while experiencing slight vibrations. The museum's deputy head of the workshop, Matthias Krieg, describes this mixture as the "noble scent of sweat, of motor oil." The tour also includes a clip from the film "Das Boot" accompanied by an alarm and bathed in red light. Visitors may also have the opportunity to operate some switches to interact with certain elements of the submarine, like opening and closing valves.
Barrier-Free Access and Age Restrictions
Entry into U-17 is via a nine-meter high hatch and a steep ladder into the torpedo room, with exit possible through the engine room. Due to the steep and narrow access, the museum is not fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Visitors of all ages are welcome, but the museum suggests that the submarine could be particularly meaningful for children from approximately four years of age, as the steep ladder can be challenging for smaller kids.
Guided Tours and Themed Events
During the opening weekend, former submarine sailors will guide visitors through the U-17, sharing valuable insights into daily life and technology on board. To avoid any overcrowding or frustration, the museum plans to limit the number of visitors inside the submarine to 30 at any given time. There is no time restriction for exploring the submarine.
Background on the U-17 Submarine
Originally based in Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea, the U-17 was in service from 1973 to 2010. After decommissioning, the German Armed Forces and the Federal Ministry of Defense entered a lease agreement with the Technik Museum Sinsheim Speyer. In May 2023, a portal crane lifted the vessel onto a floating dock in Kiel before it travelled to Speyer in the Palatinate in July 2023. The two-year project, primarily funded by donations, reportedly cost around two million euros.
Pricing Information, Hours, and Directions
A day ticket for the museum costs 23 euros for adults and 18 euros for children aged 5 to 14. Children under four enter for free. There are also tickets that include a visit to the IMAX 3D cinema, which are more expensive, and passes valid for two days. The Technik Museum Sinsheim is open from 9 am to 6 pm weekdays, with extended hours from 9 am to 7 pm on weekends, public holidays, and Saturdays.
The museum is easily accessible by car and train, with ample parking spaces available near the museum and a train station just a five-minute walk away.
For visitors interested in history, technology, or exciting experiences for children, the U-17 submarine at the Technik Museum Sinsheim is an essential destination. Additionally, the museum offers various classic cars, planes, and interactive exhibits, appealing to visitors of all ages and interests.
For those willing to travel, a two-day museum pass allows access to the sister museum in Speyer, located approximately 45 kilometers away. Sinsheim also features other attractions like Thermen & Badewelt Sinsheim, the Fördertechnik-Museum, and the Klimaarena, making it an entertaining destination for the whole family.
The U-17 submarine, equipped with various gadgets and showcasing advanced technology, offers a unique sensory experience for museum-goers, combining authentic engine sounds, tactile elements, and even whale recordings. As the tour progresses, visitors have the opportunity to interact with certain aspects of the submarine, such as operating switches.
In addition to the U-17, the Technik Museum Sinsheim offers a variety of exhibits, including classic cars, planes, and interactive displays, appealing to visitors of all ages and interests. For those looking to delve deeper into history or technology, the U-17 submarine serves as an essential draw, while the museum's extensive collection provides an engaging experience for the entire family.
