LAKE LUCERNE PIERS

PS Unterwalden calls at Stansstad, just one of the many piers on lake Lucerne in Switzerland. Have a look at a sample of webmaster Gordon Stewart's photos showing the piers on central Switzerland's finest lake between 1988 and 2001

PADDLE STEAMER UNTERWALDEN

Due to go in for a major re-fit after the summer season of 2008 we have a look at her - from the lakeshore and inside her deck saloons.

Lake Lucerne

PS Unterwalden

Unterwalden of 1902, lake Lucerne's second oldest paddler in service, nearly did not survive, but thanks to a concerted effort by local enthusiasts, the SGV were persuaded to reinstate her in 1985. Now she is due a major overhaul as her boiler needs replacing - and serious attention is needed to the hull and decks. Whether she will be rebuilt to reflect her pre-1961 appearance remains to be decided but is very likely. 2008 will be her last season in her current form.

Complete 28/2/08

Lake Lucerne

All the piers in camera

Probably the webmaster's favourite part of the world - magnificent Swiss scenery, numerous small piers in close proximity and five wonderful paddle steamers. Here are a selection of photos from the webmaster's collection taken between 1988 and 2001 illustrating each pier on the lake.

Complete 22/1/08

Lake Geneva

MPV Italie in 2005

In September 2005, time was running out for the 1908-built steamer which in later years had been running on diesel power. A trip to Geneva to take one last look was essential as she was to be laid up at the end of the season. Prospects for a return to service did not look good........

Complete 18/09/07

London

PS Tattershall Castle

This traditional paddle ferry has a successful second life as a bar and night club on the Thames in central London, but when she was returned to her berth in 2004 after an extensive refit, paddle steamer enthusiasts were horrified to see her. Have a look in detail and see what you think....

Complete 06/09/07

Firth of Clyde

PS Jeanie Deans 1931-68

40 years ago, the London & North Eastern Railways crack Clyde paddler Jeanie Deans was laid up awaiting her fate after a failed venture on the Thames. In December of 1967 she was towed away to the breakers at Antwerp. Here are a few postcard photos of her during her Clyde days to remind us all of this great steamer,

Complete 08/08/07

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg in August 2007

SS Bohuslan, a screw steamer saved by enthusiasts from the scrapyard in 1966 and in service ever since - SS Marieholm, a Baltic Sea steamer now moored as a restaurant - SS S:t Erik, now dieselised but over 125 years old and still offering excursions - General comments about Gothenburg's rich maritime heritage and surviving vessels.

Complete 07/08/07

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva in June 2007

Savoie the Geneva based steamer - Vevey at 100 years old - Last chance to see La Suisse before her major overhaul - Cruising on Rhone around the Upper Lake - New vessels Lavaux and Morges and "Navibus" Coppet - Large motor vessel Lausanne

Complete 07/08/07

GERMANY

SWEDEN

Gothenburg, Sweden 

Gothenburg in August 2007 

SS Bohuslan, a screw steamer saved by enthusiasts from the scrapyard in 1966 and in service ever since - SS Marieholm, a Baltic Sea steamer now moored as a restaurant - SS S:t Erik, now dieselised but over 125 years old and still offering excursions - General comments about Gothenburg's rich maritime heritage and surviving vessels.

Complete 07/08/07

SWITZERLAND

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva in June 2007

Savoie the Geneva based steamer - Vevey at 100 years old - Last chance to see La Suisse before her major overhaul - Cruising on Rhone around the Upper Lake - New vessels Lavaux and Morges and "Navibus" Coppet - Large motor vessel Lausanne

Complete 07/08/07

Lake Geneva

MPV Italie in 2005 

In September 2005, time was running out for the 1908-built steamer which in later years had been running on diesel power. A trip to Geneva to take one last look was essential as she was to be laid up at the end of the season. Prospects for a return to service did not look good........

Complete 18/09/07

Lake Lucerne

All the piers in camera

Probably the webmaster's favourite part of the world - magnificent Swiss scenery, numerous small piers in close proximity and five wonderful paddle steamers. Here are a selection of photos from the webmaster's collection taken between 1988 and 2001 illustrating each pier on the lake.

Complete 22/1/08

Lake Lucerne

PS Unterwalden

Unterwalden of 1902, lake Lucerne's second oldest paddler in service, nearly did not survive, but thanks to a concerted effort by local enthusiasts, the SGV were persuaded to reinstate her in 1985. Now she is due a major overhaul as her boiler needs replacing - and serious attention is needed to the hull and decks. Whether she will be rebuilt to reflect her pre-1961 appearance remains to be decided but is very likely. 2008 will be her last season in her current form.

Complete 28/2/08

UNITED KINGDOM

Firth of Clyde

PS Jeanie Deans 1931-68

40 years ago, the London & North Eastern Railways crack Clyde paddler Jeanie Deans was laid up awaiting her fate after a failed venture on the Thames. In December of 1967 she was towed away to the breakers at Antwerp. Here are a few postcard photos of her during her Clyde days to remind us all of this great steamer,

Complete 08/08/07

London

PS Tattershall Castle

This traditional paddle ferry has a successful second life as a bar and night club on the Thames in central London, but when she was returned to her berth in 2004 after an extensive refit, paddle steamer enthusiasts were horrified to see her. Have a look in detail and see what you think....  

 Complete 06/09/07