Ewer crew fights to return to the old harbor of Lüneburg!

Ewer crew fights to return to the old harbor of Lüneburg!

The Lüneburg waterways have caused quite a stir recently. Many people know the Ewer, the traditional ship that is considered a landmark of the region. But as lueneburgaktuell.de reports, there are currently some challenges. The ship can no longer sail to the Old Crane and Pier at Stintmarkt because the Waterways and Shipping Office has issued new requirements. These regulations pose major problems for the volunteer crew.

Jens-Peter Fiedler, spokesman for the Ewer crew and chairman of the Salt Museum's support association, explained that a previously granted exemption has now expired. The association is seeking an extension of this permit in order to maintain the tradition of the Ewers. In the last few weeks, the crew has already completed some work on board, such as installing a staircase with railings and attaching two fire extinguishers and a radio.

Current challenges

Another big problem is the dilapidated infrastructure in the area. There are currently no other ships traveling between Bardowick and Lüneburg. The water police are only present in the region with one patrol car, and the locks and weirs in Bardowick, Wittorf and Fahrenholz are unfortunately closed. This situation makes it almost impossible for the Ewer crew to offer trips with guests. To increase the tourist appeal, visitors should arrive at the government center and drive to Bardowick.

A ray of hope for the crew and the region could be an improved tourism concept for the Ilmenau between Uelzen and the mouth of the Elbe near Hoopte. The aim is to restore the navigability of the river by repairing the locks and weirs. The federal government is planning to equip the federal waterway with bottom slides, which could replace costly repairs.

The towpath and history

Where does this ancient means of transport come from that is so valued today? The towpath that connects Lüneburg and Bardowick has a fascinating history. From the early 14th century until 1847, people dragged ewers upriver - a job that was anything but easy. trails4friends.de describes that the towpaths were only created on one side of the river so as not to hinder oncoming traffic.

A lot has happened in the region since then. While Bardowick is now known as a vegetable supplier for Hamburg, the importance of the Lüneburg Saline has declined. The Ilmenau Canal, which was built at the end of the 18th century, shortened the transport route to Hamburg by six kilometers and further connected the region.

Visions of the future

While the hydraulic infrastructure is currently in a sad state, considerations for a new marina in Lüneburg could potentially bring a breath of fresh air. Provided the repair of the Bardowick lift bridge and locks is completed beforehand, many hope that this will lead to the revitalization of water transport.

The Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) is responsible for shipping traffic in Germany and is concerned with the maintenance and construction of new waterways, locks and bridges, as bmv.de states. Their leitmotif: Enabling mobility and protecting the environment.

In a first initiative, the Ewer and the planned ideas will be presented on Saturday, July 12th, at the berth at the authority center from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It remains to be hoped that the crew's measures and the developments in the area of ​​waterways will soon bear fruit and that the tradition of the Ewer will remain alive in the port of Lüneburg.