The ship was originally built for the nitrate trade between Germany and Chile, navigating the perilous route around Cape Horn.
It survived three serious accidents during its active service, including a collision in 1911 and a fire in 1925.
In 1957, the ship was retired from commercial service after the German shipping companies deemed the operation of sailing cargo vessels unprofitable.
The Passat has a hull made of riveted steel plates, a construction method rarely used in modern shipbuilding.
The ship's name, 'Passat', is the German word for 'trade wind', reflecting its reliance on wind power for global cargo transport.
During the Cold War, the ship served as a stationary training vessel for the German merchant marine.
It is one of only four remaining sisters of the 'Flying P-Liner' series owned by the Laeisz line.
The Passat is a historic four-mast steel barque permanently moored at the mouth of the Trave River in Travemünde, Lübeck. Built in 1911 by Blohm & Voss in Hamburg, the ship served as a nitrate and grain carrier between Europe and Chile for decades. It is one of the few surviving 'Flying P-Liners' of the F. Laeisz shipping company. The vessel currently functions as a stationary museum ship and a venue for maritime education and public events. Visitors can explore the engine room, the captain's quarters, and the cargo holds. The ship stands 56 meters tall at its highest mast and spans 115 meters in length. It was designated a protected historical monument in 1978. The ship remains structurally intact and retains much of its original nautical equipment.
From the bank of the Trave river on the Travemünde side, allowing for a wide-angle shot of the full 115-meter length and all four masts.
Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes to maintain stability on the steep, narrow staircases and uneven steel decks.
Allow extra time for the ferry crossing from the Travemünde side of the river if you are not already on the Priwall peninsula.
Visit the ship's lower cargo hold to see historical displays that are often cooler and quieter than the upper decks.
Avoid visiting during heavy rain or high winds, as the upper decks can become slippery and parts of the ship may be restricted for safety.
Closed for the winter season; usually operates from spring through late autumn.
No smoking on board; children must be supervised due to steep ladders and narrow passages.
