125 years of the steamer Kaiser Wilhelm: nostalgic tour on the Elbe!
Experience the anniversary trip of the paddle steamer Kaiser Wilhelm on June 14, 2025, along the Elbe from Wittenberg to Riesa.

125 years of the steamer Kaiser Wilhelm: nostalgic tour on the Elbe!
In Wittenberg, where the Elbe flows leisurely, the paddle steamer celebratesKaiser Wilhelmits 125th anniversary on June 14, 2025. The steamer, originally built in 1900, is considered the second oldest operational paddle steamer in Germany and is in top condition. Rumors of a possible fire led to a false alarm for the fire department, but local residents reacted calmly. An 84-year-old who has known the steamer for 71 years just smiled at the excitement.
The nostalgic anniversary trip started on the banks of the Elbe, and while plumes of smoke rose, walkers waved and children had their cell phones ready to capture the spectacle. More than 50 fans, including technology lovers and reporter Hajo von Lüneburg Aktuell, were on board to enjoy the historic journey along the Elbe. The route led via the stations Elster, Pretzsch and Prettin before the steamer arrived in the historic townTorgauknown for the 1945 handshake.
A piece of living history
Shipping on the Elbe has a long tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Benjamín Schwenke and Friedrich Lange founded a steamship company in 1836 that laid the foundations for passenger shipping in the region. The first regular timetables only came into being later, and even difficulties such as low water could not dampen the enthusiasm for steamship travel. As early as 1900, 37 steamers from Dresden carried 3.6 million passengers annually.
TheKaiser WilhelmWith its 57.20 meters length and a maximum speed of 20.7 km/h, it can accommodate up to 270 passengers. From June 14, 2025, it will be used regularly again as part of a varied schedule, including trips to, among othersDresdenandRiesa. Exciting activities are planned for the coming weekends, such as the open ship in Dresden on June 15th and an enjoyable trip through the port of Hamburg on July 12th.
Timetable and culinary highlights
The next trips of the paddle steamer Kaiser Wilhelm are well planned. An overview:
| Date | route | departure | Arrival | Prices (normal / children) | Daily dish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13th | Wittenberg-Riesa | 9:00 a.m | 7:45 p.m | €59.00 / €29.50 | Turkey chili con carne |
| June 14th | Riesa-Dresden | 11:00 a.m | approx. 6:00 p.m | €30.00 / €15.00 | Turkey curry on rice |
| June 15th | Open ship in Dresden | 10:00 a.m | 6:00 p.m | free of charge | – |
The steam experience not only offers a journey into the past, but also culinary delights. The daily specials are carefully selected and promise an all-round successful experience.
That's how he puts itKaiser Wilhelmcontinues its journey and unites nostalgics with a living history on the water. A piece of identity for the region that continues to inspire today, despite technical machinations and historical change. For everyone who hasn't experienced it yet: now is the ideal time to get in and indulge in the charm of the Elbe.