When people and goods had to be brought across the Baaber Bek with a rowing ferry around 1890 – this was everyday life. Today, the ferryman, who transports visitors with muscle power, is something special. Kay-Uwe Strandmann is a strong Rüganer who cultivates the tradition with passion. At the ferryman’s meadow festival, this is celebrated properly.
Kay-Uwe Strandmann only has to cover 40 metres from Moritzdorf to Baabe. But when the boat is full with 15 passengers, the 24 or so rowing strokes cost him a lot of energy. Others would have to work hard to build up this strength in the fitness studio, but he gets it virtually on the side. Strandmann has even passed an examination for his job and has an official “ferry licence” for his privately organised ferry service with a joyful experience.
Without Strandmann, excursionists would have to drive eight kilometres around Lake Sellin to get to Baabe. But the rowing boat ferry is also the perfect way to slow down. In summer, the ferryman is often on the road from morning to midnight. When it’s quiet, you can find him in his ferry office – a simple wooden hut by the water or you can ring the bell. Strandmann sets his barge in motion as needed and only fires up the small engine during extremely busy times.
The ferry is beautiful, the ferry is fun – but it is also a practical way to get quickly from Sellin and Baabe to the natural and original parts of Sellin. A short tour or a walk to the Baabe bulwark and you’re there. The other sights can also be reached from here: the mill in Altensien, the harbour in Seedorf or the megalithic tombs in Lancken-Granitz.