Manufactured in 1949 in Deggendorf, Northern Bavaria, the MS Utting was not destined to end its days on a bridge in the middle of Sendling, a suburban neighborhood near Munich’s city center. 

For 67 years, the ferry carried passengers across Ammersee, a great lake south of the Bavarian capital city. The vessel allowed locals and visitors to swim in the picturesque setting and enjoy some fresh air. During its operation, numerous onboard boat parties were organized with live music, too.

In 2016, the MS Utting was decommissioned and plans were made to destroy the ship.

However, an association of artists in Munich, called Wannda Ev, got the idea to save the MS Utting from destruction and bring it to town. Founded in 2012, Wannda Ev creates inclusive art spaces, like the Wanda Circus and the Bahnwarter Thiel.

The group decided to perch the ship on a disused railway bridge in the middle of Sendling, not so far from Bahnwarter Thiel, and to repurpose the boat as a bar, restaurant, nightclub, and music venue.

The boat’s 30-mile trip from Ammersee to Sendling was quite a challenge. The police had to close the highway for the journey.

After two years of renovations, the MS Utting reopened as Alte Utting, welcoming locals and tourists into a stunning, vintage scene.