Legendary Paddle Steamers

As the American Robert Fulton managed to provide ships with steam engines in 1807, a new and important chapter in the history of technical development was written. Today, more than 200 years after the maiden voyage of the paddle steamer “Clermont” on the Hudson River, historical paddle steamers are seen as cultural monuments in motion. These ships, of which some are more than 100 years old, have still lost nothing of their attractiveness. Paddle steamers belong to the world cultural heritage of modern humanity. One cannot travel in a more romantic and stylish way on water.

But the “domains” of these venerable ships are the reason for making a voyage unique: At the banks of the most beautiful and important rivers and lakes, stories, events, traditions and biographies can be found which want to be told. The films of the series “Legendary Paddle Steamers” accompany the steamers on all their routes, on water and on land. We meet people on board, take a look over the railing and draw to a halt together with the ships. When the heavy engines take a rest, the camera makes a shore leave to trace back the things gliding past too hurriedly in full speed.

The voyage on board of the most beautiful and oldest paddle steamers of the world is a contest of great beauties: ancient natural landscapes of rivers and lakes compete with the nostalgic technical miracles created by man.