Tucked along the banks of the Danube River, in the quiet northern Bulgarian town of Kozloduy, floats a vessel that holds one of the most powerful stories in the country’s long fight for freedom. The Radetzky is a steamship анд а floating symbol of national pride, a relic of revolutionary history, and one of the most captivating museums in Bulgaria.
The Radetzky Ship Museum is more than just an exhibition, it’s a time capsule that captures the spirit of the Bulgarian independence movement in the 19th century. This replica of an Austro-Hungarian steamship was built to commemorate a bold act led by the revered Bulgarian poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev. Through its preserved decks, artifacts, and stirring backstory, the Radetzky continues to inspire generations of Bulgarians and curious travelers alike.
Setting the Historical Stage
To understand the ship’s significance, we need to rewind to the year 1876, a turbulent time in Bulgarian history. For nearly five centuries, Bulgaria had lived under Ottoman rule. But by the mid-19th century, the winds of rebellion were gaining strength. Many Bulgarians had emigrated to neighboring countries, especially Romania, where they formed revolutionary groups, or chetas, determined to return and fight for Bulgaria’s liberation.
One such revolutionary was Hristo Botev. He was a gifted poet, journalist, and fiery nationalist. While living in exile in Romania, Botev believed that the struggle for Bulgarian freedom required bold action that would draw international attention. In a daring plan, he orchestrated the hijacking of a Danube passenger steamer, the original Radetzky.
The Original Radetzky and the Daring Hijack
Built in 1851 at the Óbuda shipyard in Budapest, the Radetzky was named after Austrian Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky. It served as a regular Danube passenger vessel between ports such as Galați and Orșova. But in 1876, it entered the annals of Bulgarian history in an unforgettable way.
Botev and his armed detachment, disguised as ordinary passengers, quietly boarded the ship at various Romanian ports. Once aboard, Botev handed Captain Dagobert Engländer a written ultimatum, demanding that the ship land near Kozloduy on the Bulgarian side of the Danube. In the letter, Botev wrote:
“…to come to the aid of our rebellious brothers, who are fighting so bravely under the Bulgarian lion for the freedom and independence of our dear fatherland—Bulgaria.”
The captain, moved by Botev’s calm demeanor, charisma, and sense of purpose, agreed to the demand. He later described Botev as a man of “civility, energy, and temperament.” As the ship reached the Bulgarian shore, Botev and his comrades disembarked, knelt on the ground, and kissed the soil. The passengers and captain bid them farewell with solemn respect.
Sadly, the mission ended in tragedy. Botev’s detachment faced fierce resistance from Ottoman forces. Within days, Botev was killed in battle near the Vratsa Mountains. His death marked the loss of one of Bulgaria’s most beloved national heroes but the legend of his final journey endured.
A Tribute in Verse and in Steel
The bold journey aboard the Radetzky was immortalized in literature. Ivan Vazov, Bulgaria’s national poet, penned the famous verses:
“Quiet white Danube is excited,
It rustles merrily,
And ‘Radetzky’ proudly swims
On golden waves…”
These lines later became a patriotic anthem, and the story of the steamer a cherished piece of national lore.
The original Radetzky ship, after years of service, was dismantled in the early 20th century. In the 1960s, during Bulgaria’s socialist era, a movement began to restore this powerful symbol. Fueled by voluntary donations from schoolchildren and workers across the country, funds were raised to build a faithful replica.
Rebirth of a Legend as Museum Ship
The new Radetzky was constructed at the Ruse Shipyard (Bulgaria) and completed in 1966. Remarkably, it was built on the hull of an old steam tugboat named Plovdiv, itself made at the same Óbuda shipyard where the original was born. Using historical blueprints, period photographs, and even the testimony of József Király, an 84-year-old painter who had once worked on the original ship, the replica was brought to life.
Once complete, the ship was solemnly moored in Kozloduy, the very spot where Botev and his detachment had disembarked nearly a century before. It was declared a national museum and opened its decks to the public.
Today, the Radetzky is not just a static exhibit. After receiving repairs and updates over the decades, including a transition from steam to diesel power, it is the only functioning paddle steamer museum on the Balkan Peninsula.
What Awaits You on Board
Stepping onto the Radetzky is like stepping into the pages of a living history book. The interior is carefully preserved, offering both period authenticity and educational exhibits.
Among the ship’s treasures are:
- The flag of Botev’s detachment
- Uniforms worn by his revolutionaries
- Copies of the final letters Botev wrote aboard the ship
- Historical photographs, documents, and personal belongings
The museum tells the dual story of a ship and a cause, blending maritime history with revolutionary fervor. Over the years, the Radetzky has become a site of pilgrimage for Bulgarians and a must-see destination for international visitors seeking to understand the country’s soul.
Cruise the Danube, Aboard History
One of the most exciting features of the museum is that the Radetzky still sails. During the summer months, and weather permitting, the ship offers one-hour cruises on the Danube, departing from Kozloduy. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the grandeur of a 19th-century steamship while gliding along one of Europe’s most iconic rivers.
For larger groups (typically 50+ people) it’s possible to book a private cruise in advance. This makes it an excellent option for groups of friends or like minded enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable excursion. Sailing on the Radetzky is more than a scenic ride. It’s an emotional journey through Bulgaria’s past.
Not a Fan of the Sailing? Museum Opening Hours
Visitors can explore the ship-turned-museum even outside of cruise hours. The Radetzky National Museum is open year-round except for several public holidays: January 1, Easter Sunday, and December 24–25.
The museum operates with seasonal working times:
- Summer (April 1 – October 31): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (ticket desk closes at 5:30 PM)
- Winter (November 1 – March 31): 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (ticket desk closes at 5:00 PM)
The last boarding for museum visits is at 5:00 PM during the summer period.
Planning Your Visit
The Radetzky Museum Ship is open seasonally, and cruise schedules may vary depending on the weather and other factors. It’s best to check the latest information through the Kozloduy municipality or the National History Museum. The town of Kozloduy itself is charming and tranquil, offering quiet streets and riverside parks that perfectly complement a day of historical exploration.
In a world where many museums live behind walls and velvet ropes, the Radetzky invites you to walk the deck where history was made. It’s a rare chance to connect with the courage and dreams of a revolutionary poet and the symbolic ship that carried him toward destiny.