Gierfähre über die Sieg

The Gierfähre über die Sieg is one of the last one-man reaction ferries in Germany and connects Troisdorf-Bergheim with Bonn-Geislar in the Siegaue nature reserve near the confluence of the Sieg with the Rhine. The ferry uses the current of the river and glides emission-free along a steel cable from one bank to the other. The crossing takes only about one and a half minutes and offers space for up to 20 people or around ten people with bicycles. Since 2005 the modern aluminium boat “St. Adelheid” has been in service. The ferry is regarded as a historical jewel and attracts walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder had himself ferried across the Sieg in 2005. On the Troisdorf bank stands the excursion restaurant “Zur Siegfähre” with beer garden. The ferry is an ideal destination for an outing into the Siegaue and provides a short link between the cities of Troisdorf and Bonn.

History of Gierfähre über die Sieg

The history of the Gierfähre über die Sieg stretches back several centuries. Passenger ferries have long been in use between the banks of the Sieg. In 1777 the “Bergheimer Fähre” was moved to its present location as part of a straightening of the Sieg course. Ferry rights belonged to the Vilich monastery from 1777 until secularisation in 1804 and then passed into state hands. Today they are exercised by the cities of Troisdorf and Bonn. In the 18th and 19th centuries the ferry was mainly operated by Bergheim fishermen. The original wooden boats were replaced by metal vessels. The predecessor “Sieglinde” was in service for 57 years and now serves as a plant container in front of the restaurant. Since August 2005 the modern double-hulled aluminium boat “St. Adelheid”, built at the Lux shipyard in Mondorf and financed by the city of Troisdorf and private sponsors, has been operating. The name commemorates Adelheid of Vilich. The ferry is the only one on the Sieg and one of the oldest still-operating one-man reaction ferries in Germany.

Highlights of Gierfähre über die Sieg

The highlights of the Gierfähre über die Sieg are the emission-free crossing and the idyllic location in the nature reserve. The reaction ferry uses the current and a stern rudder; at low water the ferryman assists with a pole. The trip lasts about 1.5 minutes and offers a fine view of the Siegaue and the Sieg estuary. The boat “St. Adelheid” is painted dark green and carries the lettering “Stadt Troisdorf” and “Stadtbezirk Beuel”. Up to 20 people or about ten with bicycles can be carried. On the Troisdorf bank the restaurant “Zur Siegfähre” with sun terrace and traditional cuisine invites a break. Immediately nearby is the Fishing Museum Bergheim an der Sieg, which documents the more than 1,000-year-old fishing brotherhood. The ferry is excellent for cycle tours and walks. A visit combines ideally with an exploration of the Siegaue and the confluence with the Rhine. The short waiting time and low price make the crossing an uncomplicated experience for the whole family.

Opening Hours, Tickets & How to Get to Gierfähre über die Sieg

The Gierfähre über die Sieg usually operates from Easter to the Day of German Unity daily from 09:30 to 20:00, on Sundays from 09:00. Exact times may vary depending on weather and water level. The crossing costs about 50 cents per adult or bicycle and 30 cents per child. The address on the Troisdorf bank is Zur Siegfähre 1, 53844 Troisdorf-Bergheim. By car reach Bergheim via the A 565, exit Bonn-Beuel Nord towards Niederkassel, then to Bergheim. Parking is available nearby. By public transport take lines 550 or 551 to the Bergheim Fährhaus or Bergstraße stop; the walk takes about ten minutes. The ferry is also easily reachable by bicycle. Current information is available on the websites of the city of Troisdorf and the restaurant. A visit is particularly worthwhile in fine weather and in combination with the Fishing Museum or a walk in the Siegaue.

Attractions Near Gierfähre über die Sieg

In the immediate vicinity of the Gierfähre über die Sieg are the Fishing Museum Bergheim an der Sieg and the excursion restaurant “Zur Siegfähre”. The Siegaue and the Sieg estuary offer extensive walking and cycling paths in the nature reserve. On the Bonn side one reaches Geislar and further paths along the Rhine. The centre of Troisdorf with Burg Wissem and the museums is reachable by bus or car in a short time. Bonn and Cologne lie nearby. In this way the ferry crossing can easily be extended into a half-day or full-day outing in the natural and cultural landscape of the region.