Sail Szczecin 2026: Stettin

Stettin is a historic steam icebreaker built between 1932 and 1933 at the Stettiner Oderwerke shipyard in Szczecin. She was the flagship vessel of the icebreaker fleet of the Szczecin Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

The vessel mainly operated on the Szczecin–Świnoujście fairway and in the Bay of Pomerania, ensuring safe navigation during harsh winter conditions. During the Second World War, she was incorporated into the navy, and after being damaged by a mine, she was used, among other purposes, to transport soldiers and refugees.

After the war, she was transferred to Germany and for many years served in the Hamburg area – on the Elbe, the Kiel Canal, and in the port. Withdrawn from service in 1981, she avoided being scrapped thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts who transformed her into a museum ship.

Today, Stettin has her home port in Hamburg and regularly takes part in maritime events. After the war, she also visited Szczecin several times.