On the way on the RuhrtalFähre Hardenstein

For many cyclists on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, this short crossing from one side of the Ruhr to the other in Witten is a real highlight - for Patrick Bodden, on the other hand, it is part of everyday life and yet something very special. As a ferry captain, he and his colleagues take up to 3,000 people to the other side of the Ruhr on peak days. For him, his workplace is the most beautiful place on the Ruhr Valley cycle path, despite the daily view, and even after many crossings it doesn't lose its special quality, because the work is varied and diverse.

In good weather, the Hardenstein ferry transports up to 3,000 people a day across the Ruhr.

Cyclists wait patiently on both banks, with new cyclists arriving all the time. They don't have to wait long for the ferry, as the crossing is relatively short at four minutes. As soon as the ferry docks, the passengers stream off and new ones get on before heading straight back to the other side. The "Hardenstein" is powered by an electric motor and is therefore committed to sustainability. It is already the second ship on this route; the previous ferry only had capacity for 16 people. Today, up to 50 people can be transported per trip, which is good given the growing popularity of the service.

Patrick Bodden is a ferryman on the RuhrtalFähre Hardenstein, here he is steering the ferry to the other side of the river.

It is the job of Patrick Bodden and his colleagues to ensure that everyone arrives safely on the other side and can also discover the Ruhr from a new perspective. The 37-year-old is an employee of wabe and covers the operation of the ferry in several shifts. It operates up to ten hours a day during the summer months. The team is also supplemented by volunteers. Everyone who sits at the helm of the ferry has completed a ferry license with theoretical and practical exams as well as driving under supervision. Only then are the employees allowed to work as ferrymen themselves.

The work on the water is fun for the Wittener, the contact with the cyclists is good. Many are relaxed when they cross over to the other side of the Ruhr because they are on a cycling vacation or a day trip by bike. In addition, many are simply grateful for this offer on the route, which is appreciated by people and animals alike. Time and again, dogs happily run onto the ferry and are of course greeted personally by Patrick Bodden and taken to the other side - after all, everyone is welcome here on the ferry! Incidentally, you pay as much as the crossing is worth to you.

For Patrick Bodden, the most beautiful place on the Ruhr Valley cycle path: in the middle of the Ruhr. He finds the contact with the many cyclists particularly pleasant.

Together with his colleagues, Patrick Bodde makes a major contribution to a special experience on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, because what many cyclists remember at the end is the crossing on the small ferry. Hardly a trip is empty, especially in good weather, cyclists, walkers and dog owners flock to the piers on both sides.

Fancy more insights from people who have shaped the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route over the last 20 years? Then take a look at Instagram and Facebook or keep an eye on this website. Throughout the anniversary year, we will be regularly posting new stories from people around the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route online.