U 434: The mysterious submarine museum is experiencing a new rush of visitors!

U 434: The mysterious submarine museum is experiencing a new rush of visitors!

There is a very special attraction in the port of Hamburg that combines history and technology in one fascinating package: the submarine &U 434₁. With an impressive length of almost 100 meters, this submarine was part of the Soviet Navy and carries with it the history of underwater warfare. Originally known as the B 515, it was part of the Tango class, one of the largest conventionally powered submarines.

The U 434 was built in Nizhny Novgorod in 1976. It measured 92 meters in length and 8.6 meters in width and could accommodate up to 62 crew members. With a maximum diving depth of 300 meters and speeds of up to 15 knots underwater and 13 knots on the surface, it was quite competitive for its time. The technical equipment includes three diesel engines and two electric motors, which gave it solid performance₁.

A look at history

After 25 years of service, the U 434 was decommissioned and demilitarized in April 2002. The impressive technology on board was retained while the weapon systems were expanded. The idea for a submarine museum in Germany arose after the tragic sinking of the nuclear submarine “Kursk” in August 2000. In August 2002, the U 434 was finally brought to Hamburg by a Finnish ocean-going tug, where it was searched by Russian intelligence for five days before it found its new destination₁.

U 434 has had an eventful history since it opened as a floating museum on November 9, 2002. It was relocated near the fish market in 2007 and found its current berth in 2010. Here it offers visitors not only the opportunity to take a look at life underwater, but also insights into the history and technology of submarines, particularly during the Cold War₂.

The submarine and the Cold War

Visitors to the U-Boat Museum in Hamburg not only experience the technical finesse of a historic submarine, but also the exciting stories about submarine warfare and its impact on seafaring. Submarine warfare itself has its roots in the First and Second World Wars, with submarines being used as strategic weapons to disrupt trade routes, sinking not only military but also civilian ships₃.

As part of “Käpt’n’s Dinner”, an NDR program, the U 434 is used as a filming location. Moderator Michel Abdollahi welcomes his guests into the narrow space of the submarine and ensures an unforgettable experience₁. The museum's opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., perfect for an exciting visit after a long day in port₂.

Overall, the U 434 remains an important contemporary testimony that is fascinating due to its history and the stories of those who lived and worked in it and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the mysterious world of submarines.