Historischer Hafen Berlin

In the heart of Berlin, the Historische Hafen Berlin presents a collection of historic inland vessels maintained by the non-profit Berlin-Brandenburgischen Schifffahrtsgesellschaft e. V. (BBSG). The site at the Mühlendammschleuse/Fischerinsel includes, alongside two particularly valuable steam tugs, Andreas and Volldampf, numerous towed barges, scows and pusher boats, thus forming a living testament to the city's inland shipping.

Historically, the roots of Berlin's port activity lie at this location: the first landing places at the Spree crossing likely emerged already with settlers of the late 12th century. Analysis of medieval customs registers shows that by the mid-13th century Berlin maintained trade links to the Elbe estuary region as well as to the Flemish–Netherlands area. A document attributed to the year 1298, which regulates rights and timber and ship tolls, is still discussed as a possible basis for an early mention of Berlin's port operations; its authenticity was already critically questioned about a hundred years ago, since handwriting and external features point more strongly to a later period.

The museum's present-day presence goes back to a revival since the 1990s: an association founded in 1990 developed into an ensemble of now around 20 decommissioned vessels (as of August 2025), which has been operated at the Mühlendamm since 1994. A permanent exhibition explores the close connection between inland navigation and Berlin's cultural development, in particular the emergence of the twin city Berlin–Kölln at this port location.

The association pursues the operation of the harbour, the preservation of maritime heritage, the public presentation of the ships, as well as shipping-historical research and advisory work on restorations. Another aim is to enable young people to take part in practical work and gain insight into the traditional skills of inland navigation. Among the presented highlights since 2025 is the museum boat Hans Wilhelm, whose deck has been fitted with an artificial "solar flower" for large-scale energy generation.

Nature and environmental protection are integral to the concept: the harbour and shoreline are maintained as a sensitive ecosystem that provides habitat for numerous waterbird species. Volunteer work on greening, chestnut protection and the ecological development of the area also aims, in the long term, at CO2-reduced operation.