Schonbrunn

Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape

PS Schonbrunn

Built in 1912-13 by DDSG at Obuda Shipyard, Budapest, Hungary
Engines : Compound Diagonal
Dimensions : 74.6 metres x 8.0 / 15.6 metres
556 Dispalcement Tonnes

Built by her operators DDSG (Erste Donau Dampfschiffahrts Gesellschaft) at their own yard at Budapest
Employed on the DDSG's long distance services from Budapest to Passau and fitted with overnight passenger accomodation.
Extensively refurbished in 1954 with the addition of extensive covered accomodation on the main deck.
Converted to oil burning
Another major refit in 1974 was complete, seeing her through until her withdrawal in 1988
Laid up at Korneuburg near Vienna
Remained under DDSG ownership, but moored at Budapest from 1990 to early 1994 and used as restaurant and casino
Towed to Engelhartszell, Austria in 1994 as the centre-piece of a local exhibition, sustaining damage at Gabcikovo lock.
Moved to Linz in November 1994 after the end of the exhibition
The ship's fuure looked bleak in 1995, withthe break-up of the DDSG company including the sale of passenger operations.
Sold in October 1995 to the OGEG, the Austrian Railway History Society, with a view to eventual further operation
Narrowly avoided sinking at Linz on 11th November 1998 as water entered one of the steam vents
Despite continued worries that she would never sail again, the OGEG was able to complete the restoration of the vessel
October 17th 2000 saw her "trials", sailing successfully from Linz to the Abwinden locks
Her passenger certificate was obtained in May 2001.
A return trip from Linz to Aschach took place on July 8th, with invited guests aboard.
Schonbrunn saw limited passenger service in 2002, primarily on charter but now offers public cruises

Details of cruises can be found on the OeGEG Website : www.oegeg.at


Cruises from Linz require the passage under many low bridges. The funnel is winched down by hand.	The Danube is a much "improved" river. Numerous massive locks have to be negotiated	There is plenty of open deck space aboard Schonbrunn for enjoying the passing scenery.

Her engines are impressive	She has plenty of comfortable inside accommodation	Grein is one of her full-day trips from Linz

SCHONBRUNN PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION

2003

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