The best traffic-free bike rides around Westerberg

"Salty air, sun, frost and other weather influences cause rust to flourish and weaken the steel structure," explained Karl-Heinz Brinkmann of the support association for the preservation of the Osten-Hemmoor suspension ferry. According to the support association, the rust must be stopped. To achieve this, the damaged areas are to be cleaned and sealed. "Some damaged parts need to be replaced," said Brinkmann. The renovation is planned for the next two years.

The Cuxhaven district, as the owner, is working to secure financing, and various funding applications have been written for this purpose. The federal government is contributing approximately two million euros, the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz (German Foundation for Monument Protection) and others are contributing a further 80,000 euros. According to its own statements, the district is covering the remaining approximately 6.5 million euros.

The ferry has been crossing the Oste River between Osten and Hemmoor in the Cuxhaven district for 116 years. The renovation of this cultural monument will cost more than 8.6 million euros. The transporter bridge in the Cuxhaven district was put into operation in 1909. After a bridge was built nearby in the 1970s, it became redundant for regular traffic. Volunteers campaigned to keep it running for pedestrians, cyclists, and small vehicles – successfully: This year, the support association, which has since also founded the "FährStuv" museum, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The transporter bridge has developed into a tourist attraction over the past decades, says Brinkmann. The ferry is not a ship, but a vessel that travels across a body of water suspended from a fixed support structure. According to the support association, there are only eight transporter bridges left in the world. In Germany, another one normally operates in Rendsburg.

The transporter bridge in the Cuxhaven district was put into operation in 1909. After a bridge was built nearby in the 1970s, it became redundant for regular traffic. Volunteers campaigned to keep it running for pedestrians, cyclists, and small vehicles – and they succeeded: This year, the support association, which has since also founded the "FährStuv" museum, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The transporter bridge has developed into a major tourist attraction over the past decades, says Brinkmann.

Transporter bridge: There are only a few transporter bridges left in the world. There were once 20, but today only eight remain in operation. Germany's oldest is located on the Oste River in the municipality of Hemmoor. Its operation and maintenance are the responsibility of the Hemmoor Support Association, founded in 1975 and currently boasting approximately 250 members.

The ferry is not a ship, but a vehicle that travels across a body of water suspended from a fixed support structure. According to the supporting association, there are only eight transporter bridges left in the world. In Germany, another normally operates in Rendsburg across the Kiel Canal. However, due to a technical defect, it will be out of service until at least the end of July, according to the operator. Other such structures exist in Argentina, France, Great Britain, and Spain, according to the World Association of Transporter Bridges.

Beautiful old historic houses are located here on the dike in Osten. A ride on the transporter bridge is highly recommended 👍🏻. Hiking and cycling tours are also great options here.

A fantastic cycling route all around. There's plenty of beautiful scenery and information panels along the way. Several locks are located on the route, and there are plenty of pleasant places to sit. With a bit of luck, you might even spot deer 🦌 in the distance. The ferry landing in Gräpel offers a lovely crossing to the other side. There's lots of information available near the ferry landing, so a visit is highly recommended. There are also great places to sit and a shelter.