--- title: "Steinhude's pike" url: "https://www.steinhuder-meer.com/translate-to-englisch-poi/steinhudes-pike" description: "Set in the tranquil winter landscape of the Steinhuder Meer, the story of the “Steinhuder Hecht” invites visitors to a fascinating encounter with early engineering and human ingenuity. Conceived in the 18th century by Count Wilhelm of Schaumburg-Lippe and designed by his engineer J. C. Praetorius, the Steinhuder Hecht was the first submarine ever constructed in Germany. It was an ambitious vision that sought to combine sailing above water with tail-fin propulsion beneath it. In 1772, a small prototype is said to have made its maiden dive in the icy waters of the Steinhuder Meer, allegedly carrying eight men for around twelve minutes. Though the outcome of this experiment remains a mystery, its spirit of exploration endures in the history of innovation. During the winter months, when the lake lies calm under a veil of mist and frost, a visit to Wilhelmstein Island offers a unique atmosphere. Inside the historic fortress, visitors can discover sketches and a detailed model of the Steinhuder Hecht, gaining a glimpse into the inventive mind of the era. The contrast between the serene winter landscape and the boldness of this 18th-century invention creates a memorable experience — one that connects the quiet beauty of nature with the daring spirit of discovery." language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/206355/6845346d790f780b4d3419b43226096a8cc157e3c4c202d1f30d3faed7b0e51d/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Steinhuder Meer > Special > Destination.Data Details > [Translate to Englisch:] Poi" --- Share Steinhude's pike ================ - Other architecture, infrastructure, culture destinations A model of a fish with sails, surrounded by drawings and nautical instruments on the wall. A drawing of a fish with detailed anatomical sketches and labels. A historical model of a fish, the "Steinhuder Pike," in a display case, surrounded by nautical exhibits. A historical model of a sailing ship in a museum, with drawings of it on the wall. In winter’s calm, the Steinhuder Hecht reveals innovation beneath history’s frost — Germany’s first submarine, born on icy Wilhelmstein. Set in the tranquil winter landscape of the Steinhuder Meer, the story of the “Steinhuder Hecht” invites visitors to a fascinating encounter with early engineering and human ingenuity. Conceived in the 18th century by Count Wilhelm of Schaumburg-Lippe and designed by his engineer J. C. Praetorius, the Steinhuder Hecht was the first submarine ever constructed in Germany. It was an ambitious vision that sought to combine sailing above water with tail-fin propulsion beneath it. In 1772, a small prototype is said to have made its maiden dive in the icy waters of the Steinhuder Meer, allegedly carrying eight men for around twelve minutes. Though the outcome of this experiment remains a mystery, its spirit of exploration endures in the history of innovation. During the winter months, when the lake lies calm under a veil of mist and frost, a visit to Wilhelmstein Island offers a unique atmosphere. Inside the historic fortress, visitors can discover sketches and a detailed model of the Steinhuder Hecht, gaining a glimpse into the inventive mind of the era. The contrast between the serene winter landscape and the boldness of this 18th-century invention creates a memorable experience — one that connects the quiet beauty of nature with the daring spirit of discovery. Read more Good to know ------------ Openings The Steinhuder Hecht can always be visited during the opening hours of Wilhelmstein Island and the fortress. During the season, the island fortress is open daily from 10:00 - 17:00. From 01.11. to 19.03. (in every calendar year) the winter navigation ban applies on the Steinhuder Meer. Wilhelmstein Island is closed during this period. Read more Price info Price adult: €5.00 Price child: €2.00 A model replica of the “Steinhuder Hecht” is on display at the Wilhelmstein Island Fortress. Admission to the fortress is: Adults: €5.00 Children ages 4–13: €2.00 Children under 4: free Read more Eligibility - for Groups - for familys - for individual guests - for Children of all Ages Linguistic proficiency German Payment methods chargeable, Cash payment on site Contact person Steinhuder Meer Tourismus GmbH**Company** Meerstraße 15-19 31515 Wunstorf Author Steinhuder Meer Tourismus GmbHMeerstr. 15 - 19 31515 Wunstorf Organization Steinhuder Meer Tourismus GmbH License (master data) Steinhuder Meer Tourismus GmbH This content has been partially or completely optimised or created by AI.* Nearby ------ View on map - Place of interest - Other architecture, infrastructure, culture destinations - Other architecture, infrastructure, culture destinations - Nature park Contact Insel Wilhelmstein 31515 Wunstorf OT Steinhude