The listed ensemble of the 90-year-old boat lift, the 110-year-old Oder-Havel Canal with its historic lock staircase, the over 400-year-old Finow Canal and the historic powerhouse with its diesel engines are unique in the world. The Old Ship's Hoist was honoured by the Federal Chamber of Engineers as a "Historic Landmark of Engineering in Germany". Right next to it, in contrast, is the world's most modern hoist, which will only be inaugurated in 2022. Both structures can be visited and, in addition to providing an insight into the engineering art of the last century, offer magnificent views over the vast landscape of the Niederoderbruch.
A year full of highlights at the Niederfinow boat lift
Anyone wishing to experience the fascination of the technology of "floating ships" at close quarters will have the opportunity to do so during the anniversary year at various guided tours, celebrations and events around the Niederfinow boat lift.
In addition to the opportunity to explore the Old and New Hoist on foot every day (including all Sundays and public holidays, except Christmas and New Year) or to travel on the local passenger boat service, guided tours are offered several times an hour during the opening hours of the information centre. There are also special guided tours into the "heart" of the old hoist on a weekly basis (dates of the special tour here). The following events are also planned throughout the year to mark the anniversary:
- 30 March (Easter Saturday): "At night in the hoist" - From dusk onwards on Easter night, colourful lights are lit on the site of the lifts, inviting visitors to take part in guided tours.
- 31 March (Easter Sunday): Family Easter - A big Easter egg hunt will take place on the grounds free of charge for all children up to the age of 12. The Easter bunny and his helpers have scattered chocolate eggs and other sweets all over the visitor area.
- 9 May (Father's Day): "Biker Classics" concert - For the second time, the "Biker Classics" concert will take place in the "upper" car park, right next to the historic lock stairs on the L291.
- 24 May: Lift run - The extensive hilly visitor area and the numerous steps of the boat lifts form the course for a thoroughly challenging and unique run, which the local sports club SV Grün-Weiß is planning for recreational runners of all ages.
- 9 June: Höhenrausch - Concert with classical music and choir against a spectacular backdrop. A cruise ship, artists, technology and audience come together in the floating trough.
- 6 July: Treidelfest - The first Treidelfest in Niederfinow is a reminder of the pre-machine era of inland navigation and the importance of horses, which were still used to pull people and loads across rivers and canals in the last century. The festival aims to commemorate the traditions of towage and rafting on the 400-year-old Finow Canal and preserve the history and culture of inland navigation and the canal.
- 10 August: Day of Industrial Culture - The highlight of the birthday celebrations is planned for the "Day of Industrial Culture". Under the motto "Fascination. Technology. Experience." the boat lift and the Oder-Havel Canal will be celebrated with historic and modern ships, tours, lectures and shows.
- 8 September: Open Monument Day - The Open Monument Day offers a great opportunity to discover the ship's hoist and its fascinating technology up close. The historic diesel engines in the powerhouse will be accessible free of charge on this day, and free rides through the boat lift will also be raffled off.
- 14 September: Building Culture Day - The new hoist takes centre stage on the Brandenburg Chamber of Engineers' Building Culture Day. A comparison between the architecture of the new and old hoist provides fascinating insights.
- 4 October: Festival of Lights To mark the 2nd birthday of the new hoist, the lights will be switched on from sunset. Guests can view the imposing structures in a special atmosphere on this evening.
- 31 October: Halloween at the Krafthaus - A spooky Halloween experience in a unique industrial setting with prizes for the best costume and brave children.
- 13 December: Shooting star night - On the occasion of the Geminid Maximum, the most intense meteor shower of the year, all astronomy enthusiasts and friends of the stars are invited to the Info Centre to watch shooting stars together.
