Mannheim-Sandhofen
Mannheim-Sandhofen
The Old Rhine ferry “EMMA” connects Mannheim-Sandhofen with Friesenheimer Island—and is itself a piece of Mannheim’s history. The historic chain ferry was built in 1897 and entered service in 1899. Since then, with some interruptions and technical upgrades, it has been an integral part of this unique crossing over the Old Rhine.
Measuring about 25 meters in length, with its distinctive wooden deck and chain-driven propulsion, the EMMA seems almost like something from another era today. That is precisely what makes it so charming: within just a few meters, water and nature meet the industrial backdrop of northern Mannheim. Originally, the ferry service was primarily important for agriculture; later, it became a special route to Friesenheimer Island, especially for cyclists and day-trippers.
After facing an uncertain future, the EMMA was preserved in 2026 and continues to operate between Sandhofen and Friesenheimer Island.
For PROJECT SOUNDTRACK, it is thus far more than just an unusual DJ venue: a mobile space with over 125 years of history, straddling two shores, industry, and nature—and, for a moment, with its own soundtrack.
I would definitely keep the last paragraph in. It reconnects the historical information with your project and prevents “The Place” from coming across as a tourist information text.
And the fact that EMMA 2026 was initially slated for decommissioning but was ultimately preserved makes #008 even more interesting in hindsight.
