The Ulmer Schachtel

An Ulmer Schachtel is a keel-less riverboat whose name originated in the 1840s in the Stuttgart state parliament when a member of parliament mocked the Ulm ships as Schachteln. In Ulm, they were called Ordenare because they had been travelling to Vienna since 1712. The correct name is Wiener Zille, but in the vernacular the term “Ulmer Schachtel” has become established. The size of the Ulmer Schachtel has changed time and again. In the 17th century, they were 19 metres long, 2.75 metres wide, 1 metre high and curved at both ends. In the beginning, the Schachtel served as a transport ship for goods such as wine, playing cards, cheese and the prized Barchent. The transport of people on the Schachtel is due to the Turkish wars. In 1683, 5,000 men travelled down the Danube to protect Vienna from the Turks. After the Habsburg victory, the city became a collection point for emigrants, which began in 1712 from Upper Swabia. Throughout the 18th century, the flow of emigrants was very large and meant very good business for the boatmen.