Exploring underwater wonders: Now you can step aboard the U17 submarine! - Marvel at and Hear the Awe-Inspiring Submarine: U17 Now Available for Viewing
Technik Museum Sinsheim Unveils Accessible U-17 Submarine
The Technik Museum Sinsheim has opened its doors to a new exhibit, the decommissioned naval submarine U-17. This 48-meter-long, 350-tonne vessel is now accessible for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in its history.
Museum Director Andreas Hemmer stated, "Visitors can truly experience what it's like to work and live in a submarine here on U-17. It feels like you're actually underwater." The submarine was in service from 1973 to 2010 and is now open for the public to inspect torpedo tubes, use the periscope, and hear the authentic sounds of a submarine.
Originally located in Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea, the U-17 was moved to the museum after a two-year journey. A portal crane lifted the vessel onto a floating barge in Kiel, followed by a brief stop in Speyer, Palatinate, before arriving in Sinsheim in July 2024. The entire project cost approximately two million euros, primarily funded by donations.
The U-17 stands out as the most modern museum submarine in Germany and the only one of its class. This exhibit is not only a must-see for tech enthusiasts and submarine fans but also an educational and immersive experience for families. Prior to the U-17, the Technik Museum Sinsheim attracted visitors with classic cars, planes on the roofs, a restaurant and café, and a large playground for children.
The Association of German Submarine Sailors recognizes the U-17's significance, as it was equipped with advanced detection and weapons systems, including eight torpedoes capable of hitting targets over 30 kilometers away. This exhibit offers a rare opportunity for visitors to step inside a significant piece of Cold War history.
The U-17's journey to the museum was noteworthy, involving careful navigation through rivers and urban areas. Special modifications, such as an adjustable tilt mechanism, were necessary to safely pass under bridges. The logistics involved in moving the submarine were a large-scale, highly publicized event observed by thousands.
The museum also organizes special events and guided tours featuring former crew members who share insights about the submarine’s technology and life aboard, further enriching the visitor experience. In summary, the U-17 exhibit in the Technik Museum Sinsheim provides a unique and engaging look into the past and offers an educational and memorable experience for all ages.
- The U-17 exhibit at Technik Museum Sinsheim not only caters to tech enthusiasts and submarine fans but also offers an immersive lifestyle experience, allowing visitors to understand the daily routine and living conditions of submarine crew members during service.
- The decommissioned U-17 submarine, now part of Technik Museum Sinsheim, showcases advanced technology from the Cold War era, including its sophisticated detection and weapons systems, thereby providing a poignant reminder of historical events and the significant role of technology in naval history.
