Marvel at the Awe-Inspiring Submarine: U17 Now Open to Public Exploration - Marvel at and Listen to the U17 Submarine: Access Granted
Decommissioned Submarine U17 Now Open for Internal Viewing at Technik Museum Sinsheim
Beginning this week, visitors to the Technik Museum Sinsheim can explore the 48-meter-long, 350-tonne submarine U17. The naval vessel, which served from 1973 to 2010, has been meticulously prepared for public viewing.
Tourists are now granted access to the submarine's inner workings, allowing them to see torpedo tubes, use the periscope, and experience an auditory environment reminiscent of a submarine. Museum director Andreas Hemmer stated, "Visitors can truly feel the underwater experience on U17."
Formerly stationed in Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea, the submarine was transported to Sinsheim in July 2024, following a two-year process that involved a crane lifting the vessel onto a barge in Kiel. The museum notes that the project, which cost approximately two million euros, was predominantly funded by donations.
The Technik Museum Sinsheim already attracts tech enthusiasts, submarine enthusiasts, and families with children. Now, a visit to U17 adds another appealing element to the museum experience. The museum houses classic cars, boasts airplanes on its roofs, provides a restaurant and café, and offers a large playground for children.
Of particular interest, the U17 is the most modern museum submarine in Germany and the only submarine of its class, according to the Association of German Submariners. The U-boat class 206A was a significant part of the Federal Republic's submarine force until 2008. The U17 is significantly digitized in its surveillance and weapon systems, equipped to fire torpedoes at targets up to 30 kilometers away.
In a unique educational opportunity, the museum plans to host special events and guided tours focusing on the submarine's rich history and operations. Former crew members will be on hand to share stories and answer questions. The U17 promises to offer an engaging and educational experience for technology enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Intrigued visitors at Technik Museum Sinsheim can now navigate through the U17's advanced technology-laden corridors, witnessing state-of-the-art surveillance and weapon systems that once enabled the submarine to strike targets from afar. While exploring this modern marvel, guests can also appreciate the pristinely-preserved gadgets that were integral to the U17's operations & mission, providing an intriguing blend of technological wonders and naval heritage.
