Spreewaldkahn
Spreewaldkahn is the name for a flat walking with a pack to moving boat , which in the flow and channels the Spreewald served is often found, and there long time as the main means of transport.
Dimensions
The Spreewaldkahn is designed as a flat gliding boat with a maximum length of 9.50 meters and a maximum width of 1.90 meters. The bow is wider than the stern . This results in the possibility of driving “onto the meadow” from the river , comparable to a landing craft . While the original Spreewald barges are made of wood, more recently sheet steel and aluminum have been used as materials. Due to the ban on various wood preservatives, the lifespan of a wooden barge is only approx. 15 years, while barges made of sheet steel or aluminum last at least 50 years, with lower acquisition costs.
In the meantime, two Spreewald barges suitable for the disabled have also been put into service.
Legal information on construction and equipment
The construction and equipment of Spreewald barges is bindingly regulated in a "Guideline for the construction and equipment of Spreewald barges, announcement of the Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Transport of the State of Brandenburg of February 2, 2004 (OJ 2004, p. 114)" .
A “Spreewaldkahn”, which is used for the commercial transport of people for a fee, is considered a passenger boat; a transport of more than eight people with a Spreewald barge counts as commercial transport regardless of the payment. "(§2.2. of the above mentioned guideline)
Traffic regulations in the Spreewald
The Spreewald is a biosphere reserve and therefore a general driving ban applies. However, individual rivers are exempt from driving on Spreewald barges with propulsion engines. Other specified rivers may be used by motorized Spreewald barges with a special permit. Night trips are also only possible to a limited extent. The use of passenger boats with and without a prime mover is not permitted at night, however, a decree by the nature conservation authority allows Spreewald barges with passenger transport in selected rivers to travel without a prime mover until midnight. It is also possible for residents to use Spreewald barges without a prime mover at night for non-commercial purposes.
meaning
With the creation of the road network, the barge in the Spreewald lost its importance as the main means of transport. Nowadays its main use is to introduce tourists to the Spreewald from the water. For fields that are difficult to reach, the barge is still used today to transport crops and harvesting vehicles.
Mail delivery
In the Spreewald, in the Lübbenau - Lehde delivery district, mail is also delivered - at least during the ice-free period - with a Spreewald barge.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Proof of Spreewald barges suitable for disabled people ( memento from June 16, 2007 in the web archive archive.today )
- ↑ Guideline for the construction and equipping of Spreewald barges ( Memento from April 24, 2008 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Traffic regulations for the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve ( Memento from January 14, 2016 in the Internet Archive )
