The Deutsches Marinemuseum Wilhelmshaven is an essential destination for anyone interested in naval history, military heritage, and the development of German maritime forces. With its impressive collection of historic ships, interactive exhibits, and engaging educational programs, the museum offers a detailed and informative look at the German Navy‘s evolution from its early days to modern times.
Deutsches Marinemuseum
Südstrand 125
26382 Wilhelmshaven
+49 44 2140 0840
1 April – 31 October
- Daily 10:00 – 18:00
1 November – 31 March
- Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Closed December 24
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| 22+22 | Lockheed F-104G Starfighter |
Deutsches Marinemuseum Key Attractions and Exhibits
- Naval History of Germany
- The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the German Navy, from its early beginnings to the present day.
- Exhibits cover significant periods, including the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine), the Wehrmacht Navy (Kriegsmarine) during World War II, and the Bundesmarine (Federal German Navy) in the post-war period.
- The museum explores the role of the navy in key historical events, such as World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, and its impact on Germany’s national security and international relations.
- Historic Ships and Submarines
- The Deutsches Marinemuseum is home to several notable historic ships and submarines, some of which are open for public tours. Highlights include:
- SMS Nurnberg: A light cruiser from World War I, which played a prominent role in naval battles during the war.
- U-boat U-25: A German submarine from World War II, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the iconic vessels that contributed to naval warfare during that era.
- Fregatte Niedersachsen: A modern frigate from the Bundesmarine, illustrating the development of naval technology and the transition to contemporary military ships.
- The Deutsches Marinemuseum is home to several notable historic ships and submarines, some of which are open for public tours. Highlights include:
- Naval Warfare and Technology
- The museum showcases the technological advancements in naval warfare, including weaponry, radar systems, navigation technology, and shipbuilding innovations that have shaped the capabilities of the German Navy over time.
- Exhibits on torpedoes, naval mines, and radar technology explore the scientific and technical evolution that supported military operations at sea.
- Naval Uniforms and Artifacts
- The Deutsches Marinemuseum also features a rich collection of naval uniforms, medals, awards, and personal items that belonged to sailors and officers throughout Germany’s naval history.
- These artifacts offer insight into the lives of those who served in the navy, including their roles in war and peace, and the honor and duty associated with naval service.
- The Cold War and Modern German Navy
- The museum covers the post-World War II history of the Bundesmarine, focusing on its role during the Cold War.
- Exhibits include discussions of naval strategy during the NATO years, the integration of advanced technology, and the German Navy’s role in peacekeeping missions and international naval cooperation.
- The collection also includes details of the German Navy’s current role within modern naval forces and its contributions to global security.
- The Role of the Navy in German Society
- The Deutsches Marinemuseum highlights the relationship between the navy and German society, focusing on the impact of naval service on both sailors and civilians.
- Special sections look at naval education, the training of sailors, and the connection between civilian and military maritime industries. This includes Germany’s shipyards, naval research institutions, and the influence of maritime culture on local communities.
- Maritime Exploration and Navigation
- The museum also pays tribute to Germany’s contributions to maritime exploration and navigation, highlighting the country’s role in advancing global exploration and trade via the sea.
- Exhibits explore the development of maritime cartography, navigation instruments, and exploration missions that spanned the globe.
Deutsches Marinemuseum exhibits such as guns, mines and torpedoes, a F-104 “Starfighter” fighter-bomber, a speedboat of the Libelle class of the GDR Volksmarine, a tugboat with Voith-Schneider propulsion and a Class 205 submarine are on display. The latter is accessible. The “Weilheim”, a minehunting boat of the Lindau class, a Gepard class missile speedboat, and the guided missile destroyer Mölders, which was given to the museum on permanent loan from the Bundeswehr’s military technology study collection, are also accessible in the harbour basin. The former sailing school boat Nordwind, acquired in October 2008, will be preserved as a navigable museum ship with a volunteer crew.
Photo Rob Vogelaar