U-Boot U17 Welcomes Tourists Inside Its Submarine Compartments - U-17 welcomes tourists inside its compartments
Marine Submarine U-17 Now Open for Interior Tours at Technik Museum Sinsheim
The Technik Museum Sinsheim, situated in northern Baden-Württemberg, has welcomed over 2,000 visitors since Saturday, following the opening of its latest exhibit, the decommissioned marine submarine U-17.
This 48-meter-long, 350-tonne submarine, meticulously prepared for the public in recent months, offers an exclusive peek into its interior. Visitors can explore various aspects of the vessel, including:
- The torpedo room, featuring eight 15-meter-long torpedo tubes, a tiny toilet and shower, bunks for the 23-member crew, the galley, and operational control center.
- The opportunity to view the surroundings through one of the torpedo tubes and witness a nearby Russian Tupolev aircraft through the periscope.
- Sensory experiences such as the rotating propeller, whale sounds, bubbling water, and sonar beeping, along with the distinctive mix of sweat and machine oil.
- Interactive elements like operating switches to open and close valves and feeling the subtle vibrations of the shaking plates.
- A clip from the movie "Das Boot" and red lighting to set the mood.
For those fascinated by technology or submarines or bringing their families, a tour of U-17 is highly recommended. The Technik Museum Sinsheim is already an appealing destination, with classic cars, airplanes, restaurants, cafes, an IMAX 3D cinema, and a large playground for children.
For enthusiasts willing to travel long distances, the museum offers a two-day pass that also grants access to the sister museum in Speyer, approximately 45 kilometers away. Sinsheim itself boasts the Thermen & Badewelt Sinsheim, the Fördertechnik-Museum, and the Klimaarena.
U-17, considered by the Association of German Submarine Sailors as the most modern museum submarine in Germany and the only one of its class, offers a unique opportunity to learn about submarine operation and history, as it was the backbone of the German submarine fleet until 2008.
Originally stationed in Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea, the submarine went through discussions with the Federal Ministry of Defense and the German Armed Forces before securing a lease agreement with the Technik Museums Sinsheim Speyer. After two years, including transportation from Kiel to Sinsheim via a floating barge and a stop in Speyer, U-17 was deployed in Sinsheim in July 2023 at a cost of around two million euros, primarily funded by donations.
However, not all visitors may be able to access U-17 due to its inaccessibility for people with disabilities, as boarding the submarine requires a steep ladder and narrow passages. Children from any age can visit, but a meaningful experience might be more suitable from age four.
A day ticket for the museum costs 23 euros for adults, 18 euros for children aged 5 to 14, and free for children under 4. Tickets for the IMAX 3D cinema and two-day passes come at a higher price but offer additional benefits. The entrance fee includes the visit to U-17.
The museum is open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, and on weekends, public holidays from 9 am to 7 pm. Visitors can reach the museum by car or train, with ample parking space available and the "Sinsheim-Museum/Arena" museum station being a short walk away.
- Considering the Commission's current proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, it might be interesting for the Technik Museum Sinsheim to implement eco-friendly measures while maintaining and preserving the U-17, such as using gadgets and technology that reduce energy consumption and minimize waste.
- For a more immersive experience aboard U-17, they could consider integrating virtual reality gadgets and advanced technology to recreate historical missions, providing visitors with a first-hand feel of submarine operations and enhancing their appreciation of the marine environment.
