Rescue of the Siebeneichen cable ferry: Village community sounds the alarm!

Rescue of the Siebeneichen cable ferry: Village community sounds the alarm!

The Siebeneichen cable ferry on the Elbe-Lübeck Canal has earned a special place in the heart of the region. On September 30, 2025, she was awarded the “Silver Hemisphere,” the highest honor for voluntary monument preservation. This recognition not only testifies to the historical relevance of the ferry, but also to the tireless commitment of the community in and around Siebeneichen.

The ferry that connects the villages of Siebeneichen and Fitzen has an impressive history that dates back to 1960. The only 75 meter long crossing over the Elbe-Lübeck Canal, which was opened in 1900, is not only a connection between two places, but also a quality of life for the residents. The SF 74 cable ferry has been registered as a monument since 2015 and is now operated by a dedicated support association. This has around 110 members, including ten trained ferrymen, who not only ensure operations but also fight for the preservation of this unique means of transport.

A sign of cohesion

The importance of the ferry goes beyond just transporting passengers. As a symbol of cohesion and community in the region, it is particularly valued by the citizens. The ferry sails across the canal on weekends and public holidays from April to October and is free to use. Still, donations are welcome and passengers can pay whatever they want. The model has proven itself: in 2016, when the operation was called into question due to financial bottlenecks, the village community successfully mobilized against the possible closure and founded the support association.

The ferry itself has technical details that might be of interest to readers: with a displacement of 7,084 tons, a length of 17.48 meters and a width of 5.60 meters, it is the only cable ferry on the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. It is equipped with a 7 kW diesel engine and can transport up to 20 passengers or 2.5 tons of dead load. Over the years the ferry has evolved from a hand-operated connection to a modern means of transport.

Engaged citizens and freshly won awards

The award celebrations in Schöneberg Town Hall in Berlin, which will take place on November 3rd, are another highlight for the committed club members. See World reported about the motivational boost that the recognition gives to the villagers who have worked tirelessly to preserve the ferry. History, a sense of community and recognition go hand in hand here - a true model that makes you think.

The Siebeneichen cable ferry is not only an important means of transport, but also a living piece of history that connects people in the region with each other - regardless of age or origin. In times when traditional means of transport and local customs are receiving less and less attention, the ferry is an anchor point that not only keeps memories alive, but also opens up future-oriented perspectives. More information about the ferry can be found on the Wikipedia page and for general monument preservation Monument Preservation.de.