The U17 submarine, weighing 350 tons, is being transported over land to the Sinsheim Museum. The journey involves precise maneuvering through tight corners and gardens, costing 2 million euros. The U17, formerly known as U-Boot in the German Navy, measures 48.6 meters in length, 4.6 meters in width, and up to 9 meters in height. It served from 1973 to 2010 and was decommissioned in Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea.
The transportation of the U17 began in April 2023 in Kiel, passing through Holland and the Rhine to Speyer, where it was loaded onto a heavy transport vehicle in Hassmersheim. The final leg of the journey started on July 9th, heading towards Sinsheim. Due to obstacles like bridges and other hindrances, the direct route via the highway was only possible in certain sections. The route had been calculated for months, but last-minute changes were made due to areas being softened by heavy rainfall in June.
In Ittlingen, the U-Boot had to be driven through the village, necessitating a new route and permits within a few weeks. The spectacle on Wednesday exceeded all expectations, with the region in a festive mood and local media reporting that the fries were sold out within an hour. The U17 had to be maneuvered meticulously past houses, while local clubs brought in more food.
To complete the journey, the U-Boot had to be turned through a garden before continuing to the museum, where it is expected to arrive on Sunday. It will now be fully upright for the remainder of the journey, having been tilted 73 degrees multiple times to pass under bridges or through passages near buildings. The transport team had to lay plates in some areas to protect special road surfaces, and temporary crossings were built over railroad crossings or streams to avoid damaging the tracks or bridges.
The entire operation is being broadcast live on the internet with multiple cameras, involving dozens of employees and volunteers. The total cost of the operation is estimated to be around two million euros, funded by donations to the Technikmuseen Speyer Sinsheim. The journey is expected to take about four weeks, as highways and railroad crossings can only be used at night, causing the U17 to stop for extended periods.
Once at the Sinsheim Museum, the U-Boot will be displayed as an exhibit, with plans to make it accessible to visitors by summer 2025.