Wilhelmstein Island
Built in 18th-century, the tiny artificial island called Wilhelmstein is located on Lake Steinhude, the largest lake in northwestern Germany. The island is based on piles of stones, that had to be carried there by the local fishermen in their boats. Between 1765 and 1767 it was turned into a military fortress by William, Count of Schaumburg-Lippe. His vision was an impenetrable getaway in his own land. In 1772, the first German submarine, Steinhuder Hecht, was constructed on the island. Wilhelmstein today is a museum and a popular tourist destination Steinhuder Meer. For more information please visit the official website.
Location: Lower Saxony, Germany.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Wilhelmstein Island and Fortress, Steinhuder Meer, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Coordinates
- 52.46053, 9.30749
- Access
- Reach the island only by scheduled boat from Steinhude or Mardorf. The crossing takes about 25 minutes; schedules and return departures vary by date. Dogs may visit the island but are not admitted inside the fortress.
- Admission
- Fortress admission: €5 adult; €2 ages 4–13; under 4 free. Boat is separate. Operator’s Meerhopper return fare: €11 adult, €6 ages 4–13, €2 per dog. Traditional Auswanderer round trip: €10 adult, €6 child; it sails when at least 10 adults are travelling. Check the operator’s timetable and availability for your date.
- Time needed
- Allow for the 25-minute boat crossing each way plus time on the island. The operator does not publish a fixed total visit duration.
- Best season
- The published 2026 visitor season is March 20–October 31. This is the fortress operating season, not a claim that one weather season is best.
- Opening hours
- Fortress open daily March 20–October 31, 2026. The island closes November 1–March 19 during the winter navigation ban. Boat departure/return times vary; check the current timetable before travelling.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-28
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-28
Location
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