Lippefähre LUPIA

The cable-guided ferry LUPIA crosses the river Lippe using nothing but human power. Up to six people, including bicycles, can pull themselves across the water by turning the sturdy chain mechanism that anchors the ferry to both riverbanks. The crossing only works as a collective effort; for safety reasons, at least two people are required to operate it. The result is a shared rhythm of motion, where each turn of the chain brings the group closer to the opposite shore. LUPIA is more than a practical means of getting from one side of the Lippe to the other. It turns a simple act of transport into a tangible experience of movement, balance and teamwork — a slow, physical dialogue with the river itself. Watching how the current strains against the hull or how sunlight plays on the surface of the metal gives each journey its own character. When water levels rise, the ferry is secured on land, and during the colder months it rests until the next season begins. LUPIA operates as part of Hamm’s riverscape, connecting the landscape around Schloss Oberwerries with the cycle routes running through the Lippeauen. It is a part of the region’s commitment to sustainable mobility, offering a moment to pause, collaborate and engage directly with nature’s flow.