Docked in Stralsund’s port, the Gorch Fock I is a historic sailing ship with a rich history. Put a visit to Gorch Fock I on your sightseeing list and find out what it was like to set sail many decades ago.
Nowadays, the Gorch Fock I is a museum ship designed to educate and inspire future generations of sailors. The varied history of the boat includes use by the German Navy, as well as by the Soviet Union and private sponsors. Take the time to learn about the ship’s many past lives. It was created in a Hamburg shipyard in 1933 by a company called Blohm + Voss.
The ship’s stark white exterior makes a nice contrast against the dark blue water in the port and the brown and red brick of the surrounding buildings. Take note of the scuffs and dents in the hull. These show how many intense years of operations it has endured.
Head inside the ship to see the living quarters of its past inhabitants, as well as preserved nautical artifacts. Explore the deck and look out to the horizon to imagine what it must have been like to set sail on this vessel. Tour the captain’s quarters and berthing compartments to see exhibits and artifacts that shed light on what it was like to live on the ship.
Continue on to the lower decks to see old radio and radar equipment that would have been used when the ship was in its prime. There are also examples of survival gear worn by the sailors to ensure safety, as well as old newspapers and books used to pass the time.
Plan to spend about an hour exploring the Gorch Fock I, though you can prolong your adventure by taking a picnic to eat on the benches nearby. Metered parking is available just a couple of minutes’ walk away, or you can walk to the ship from Stralsund’s train station. Check opening hours before you set off, as the ship operates on different schedules depending on the season. Entry tickets can be bought at the entrance.