The paddle steamer Alexandra is a vibrant maritime landmark in Flensburg's historic harbor and is the last remaining sailing paddle steamer in Germany. Anchored directly in the museum harbor, the ship uniquely combines history, technology, and experience.
The Alexandra was built in 1908 at the Janssen & Schmilinsky shipyard in Hamburg and named after Princess Alexandra of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. From its inception, it operated on a regular service on the Flensburg Fjord. For decades, it also served as a patrol boat during the First World War, as a regatta support vessel at the 1936 Olympic Games in Kiel, and as a pilot boat, refugee vessel, and rescue ship during and after the Second World War.
After the war, the Alexandra returned to civilian scheduled service in 1946, primarily on the Flensburg–Glücksburg route, and was finally decommissioned in 1975. After being decommissioned, she fell into disrepair in the harbor until 1979, when dedicated citizens formed the "Save the Alexandra" association and restored the ship. Thanks to their efforts, the Alexandra was seaworthy again in 1989 and was recognized as a cultural monument in 1990.
Today, the Alexandra is a popular excursion option from May to September. She offers passenger trips on the Kiel Fjord – for example, to the Oxen Islands – and is the star attraction at harbor festivals such as the Rum Regatta or the Steam Festival. With its modern, preserved technology from 1908 – including a coal-fired steam engine – she is the only coastal vessel of her type in the world still permitted to operate.