A Trip on the Hardenstein Ruhr Valley Ferry

For many cyclists on the RuhrtalRadweg, this short crossing from one side of the Ruhr to the other in Witten is a real highlight—for Patrick Bodden, however, it’s part of his daily routine and yet still something very special. As a ferry captain, he and his colleagues transport up to 3,000 people across the Ruhr on peak days. For him, his workplace is the most beautiful spot on the RuhrtalRadweg—despite the daily view—and it never loses its special charm, even after many crossings, because the work is varied and full of variety.

When the weather is good, the Hardenstein ferry carries up to 3,000 people across the Ruhr each day.

Cyclists wait patiently on both sides of the river, with new cyclists joining the line time and again. They don’t have to wait long for the ferry, as the crossing is relatively short at four minutes. As soon as it docks, passengers stream off the ferry and new ones board before it heads straight back to the other side. The “Hardenstein” is powered by an electric motor, making it a sustainable option. It is already the second vessel on this route; its predecessor had a capacity of only 16 people. Today, up to 50 people can be transported per trip, which is a good thing given the growing popularity of the service.

Patrick Bodden works as a ferryman on the RuhrtalFähre Hardenstein; here, he’s steering the ferry toward the opposite bank.

It’s Patrick Bodden’s and his colleagues’ job to ensure that everyone arrives safely on the other side and can also discover the Ruhr from a new perspective. The 37-year-old works for wabe and covers the ferry’s operations across multiple shifts. During the summer months, the ferry runs up to ten hours a day. The team is also supplemented by volunteers. Everyone who sits at the ferry’s helm has obtained a ferry operator’s license, which involves theoretical and practical exams as well as supervised operation. Only then are employees allowed to work as ferry operators on their own.

The Witten native enjoys working on the water, and he has a good rapport with the cyclists. Many are relaxed as they cross to the other side of the Ruhr, since they’re on a cycling vacation or a day trip by bike. In addition, many are simply grateful for this service along the route, which is appreciated by both people and animals. Time and again, dogs happily run onto the ferry and are, of course, personally greeted by Patrick Bodden and taken to the other side—after all, everyone is welcome here on the ferry! By the way, you pay whatever you think the crossing is worth.

For Patrick Bodden, this is the most beautiful spot on the RuhrtalRadweg: right in the middle of the Ruhr. He particularly enjoys interacting with the many cyclists.

Together with his colleagues, Patrick Bodden plays a major role in creating a special experience on the RuhrtalRadweg, because what many cyclists remember most in the end is the crossing on the little ferry. Hardly any trip is empty; especially when the weather is nice, cyclists—as well as walkers and dog owners—flock to the landing stages on both sides.

Want more insights from the people who have shaped the RuhrtalRadweg over the past 20 years? Then check out Instagram and Facebook or keep an eye on this website. Throughout the anniversary year, we’ll be posting new stories online regularly about the people connected to the RuhrtalRadweg.