125 years of wheel steamer Kaiser Wilhelm: Celebrate with us on the Elbe!

125 years of wheel steamer Kaiser Wilhelm: Celebrate with us on the Elbe!

On June 6, 2025, the wheel steamer "Kaiser Wilhelm" will start his annual trip to Dresden to celebrate the 125th anniversary. This special event will take place from June 6th to 23rd and offers passengers the opportunity to experience this historic ship that was built between 1899 and 1900 in the Dresden machine factory and Schiffswerft AG. The first stacking took place on May 20, 1900. The wheel steamer is emphasized as one of the last of its kind and drives at a speed of almost 21 km/h under the use of 150 kg hard coal per hour. Special moments of the journey are the arrival in Dresden on June 14 at 4:30 p.m. and the opportunity to visit the museum ship on June 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The trip starts in the home port of Lauenburg/Elbe and leads through the UNESCO biosphere reserve Elbe. During the outward journey, the daily stages can be booked individually, while the return trip is offered as a package tour. There are concerns about low levels, which is why the journey before the summer was planned. Captain Markus Reich and his team look forward to this unique journey with anticipation. While the journey leads through picturesque landscapes, the "Kaiser Wilhelm" houses the only shipping post on a German inland ship, which also makes the trip attractive.

The special tour to Magdeburg

Following the celebrations in Dresden, the “Kaiser Wilhelm” will be in focus again when a trip from Dresden to Magdeburg begins on June 20, 2025. This special trip offers a first stage to Torgau with a short stay before going to Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Here you stay in a hotel. On June 21, the second stage will take place with the steamer to Magdeburg, followed by a dinner on the side wheel towing steamer Württemberg.

On June 22, travelers have the opportunity to visit the area of ​​historical ships in the science port in Magdeburg, including lunch in the science port. The return trip to Dresden is then conveniently carried out by taxi to the train. Participation in this trip is limited to a maximum of 80 people and is not suitable for people with limited mobility. The total cost of this trip is 920 euros, with a surcharge of 110 euros for a single room. This price includes several meals as well as the overnight stays and necessary transfers, such as steamer ride and a tour of the side wheel towing steamer Württemberg. Information and booking options are offered by Michael Hillmann, which can be reached via the contacts on steaming newspaper