Ships in Bremen: The Alexander von Humboldt

A commercial for Beck's beer made the "Alexander von Humboldt" world famous. As a sail training ship, the proud three-master travelled the seas for many years until it was decommissioned in 2011. Now the striking ship with the green sails has found its way back home and is moored as another gem at Schlachte. Speaking of Beck's: Not far away, the brewery can also be visited!

Right next to the "Admiral Nelson", also known as the "Pannekoekship", 38 bunks are available on the "Alex" for that special overnight experience. On the premises of Bremerhaven-based BVT Brenn- und Verformtechnik Bremen GmbH, the ship was completely gutted and freed of all old wiring and pipes under the supervision of construction managers Jörn Haumüller and Timo Westphal. Some of the wooden panelling could be retained, some parts were refurbished, others redesigned. The large 8-person cabins, the so-called "puma cages", which did not bear their name without good reason, have become comfortable 9 double cabins and 5 four-bed cabins with their own bathroom (incl. washbasin, shower, WC and towel heating), TV and internet connection. The messrooms and service corridor shine in a friendly white that blends with the dark wood of the cheeks and wall panelling to create a harmonious whole.

In addition, the on-board catering offers a monthly changing menu with a selection of fresh, regional and seasonal products. Wines and exquisite drinks are served to match the dishes. The restaurant offers warm cuisine from Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 - 21:30.

You can also rent the legendary sailor as an event location for private parties. The "Blue Lagoon", the captain's realm and at the same time the heart of the "Alex", which has always been used for official occasions, has been completely preserved in its original style. Small private parties or large celebrations with up to 200 people can be held on the ship and in the adjacent beer garden.

The "Alexander von Humboldt" was built in 1906 at the shipyard AG "Weser" in Bremerhaven. As a steel lightship, she initially sailed under the name "Reserve Sonderburg". At that time she had no sails and shone in red. From 1986 to 1988, on the initiative of Manfred Hövener and with the help of many volunteers, she was converted into the Sail Training Ship "TSG 404" at Motorenwerke Bremerhaven. The hull was given its typical green colour for the first time, the traditional colour of the famous Bremerhaven Rickmers sailing ships, which later, together with the green sails, became the trademark of the barque. At Hinsch & Ruhland in Glückstadt, one of the few sailmakers still specialising in outfitting large square-rigged sailing vessels, the first green sail set was sewn with a total size of 1036 square metres. Among Russian sailors, the barque still bears the nickname "Grasshopper".

After 80 years, she was decommissioned and converted into the distinctive green three-master we know today. From 1988 to 2011, the ship served as a sailing training ship under the name "Alexander von Humboldt".Since her christening as "Alexander von Humboldt", the ship has covered more than 300,000 nautical miles, sailed 10 times across the Atlantic and twice rounded the notorious Cape Horn.

Incidentally, the "Alexander von Humboldt II" has been sailing the oceans since 2011 as the proud successor to the green "Alex".