Moored along the quiet banks of the Danube River in Kozloduy, the Radetzky steamship is more than a floating museum, it’s a symbol of Bulgaria’s enduring fight for freedom. A vessel with an extraordinary past, the Radetzky is forever linked to the name of Hristo Botev, one of the country’s most celebrated revolutionaries and poets. Today, it stands as a national monument, commemorating a pivotal moment in Bulgaria’s 19th-century struggle against Ottoman rule.
The Hijacking That Became a Legend
The original Radetzky was an Austro-Hungarian passenger steamer, built in 1851 in Budapest. It operated along the Danube, ferrying civilians between ports such as Galați and Orșova. It might have remained just another riverboat in European history had it not been for May 1876.
During that period, Bulgaria was under Ottoman domination, and waves of uprisings had started to swell across the country. Bulgarian revolutionaries living in exile in Romania were organizing armed detachments known as cheti, determined to return and fight for liberation. One of the most prominent leaders among them was Hristo Botev, a gifted writer and fiery patriot who believed that dramatic, visible action was needed to inspire the people and draw international attention to Bulgaria’s cause.
Botev’s plan was daring: to seize the Radetzky mid-journey and sail it to Bulgaria with his group of rebels aboard.
A Bold Journey to Kozloduy
Botev and his armed men boarded the Radetzky in disguise at various Romanian ports, pretending to be ordinary passengers. Once the group was on board, Botev handed Captain Dagobert Engländer a written ultimatum demanding the ship stop at the Bulgarian port of Kozloduy. In the letter, Botev declared their mission:
“…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 complied, later describing Botev’s character as composed and respectful despite the circumstances. Upon reaching the Bulgarian shore, the revolutionaries knelt and kissed the land, fully aware that they were marching toward battle and likely, their deaths.
Just days after disembarking, Botev was killed in action. His head was cut off by Ottoman troops and displayed in the city of Vratsa as a warning. Although the uprising was crushed, the memory of Botev’s courage and the hijacking of the Radetzky became a powerful national story.
A Ship Reborn
The original Radetzky was dismantled in the early 20th century, but in the 1960s, a movement began in Bulgaria to rebuild it. The idea was to preserve the legacy of Botev’s final voyage and create a symbol of national unity and pride. Donations from students, workers, and citizens funded the construction of a replica, which was completed in 1966 using historical records and the input of a surviving artist who had painted the original ship.
Built on the base of the Plovdiv steam tugboat, the new Radetzky was outfitted to resemble its predecessor in detail and was solemnly anchored in Kozloduy, where the original landing had taken place.
Museum on the Water
Today, the Radetzky functions as both a museum and a monument. Visitors can explore exhibitions dedicated to Botev’s life and the revolutionary movement, view authentic artifacts like the detachment’s flag and uniforms, and read the last letters written by Botev himself.
In summer months, the ship even sails short routes along the Danube, offering an unforgettable way to experience a living piece of history. It’s the only operating museum-steamer of its kind on the Balkan Peninsula.
Summer Cruises Aboard the Legendary Radetzky
For those seeking a unique cultural journey along the mighty Danube, the Radetzky steamship offers more than just a scenic ride. Tt’s a voyage through Bulgaria’s heroic past. Between June 1 and October 30, 2025, the iconic Radetzky Museum Steamship will once again welcome visitors aboard for one-hour cruises along the river, in the waters surrounding the town of Kozloduy. These summer sailings, offered under favorable weather conditions, are among the most memorable heritage experiences in northwestern Bulgaria.
Aboard this replica of the historic 19th-century Austro-Hungarian steamer famously seized by Bulgarian revolutionary Hristo Botev in 1876, guests can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Danube while immersing themselves in one of the most dramatic episodes of Bulgaria’s struggle for independence. Cruises are available on select weekends throughout the summer, and advance booking is required.
2025 Sailing Schedule
The museum announced that in 2025 cruises will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays during the following weekends:
- June: 7–8 and 28–29
- July: 5–6 and 26–27
- August: 2–3, 16–17, and 30–31
- September: 6–7 and 20–21
Sailing times are scheduled for 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, with an additional departure at 2:00 PM if there is strong visitor interest. Each cruise lasts approximately one hour and offers not only picturesque views of the Danube, but also the chance to sail on one of the few operational steamship museums in the Balkans.
The Radetzky museum anounced that on May 31, 2025, between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, the Radetzky Museum will be closed to visitors for a private event or maintenance.
Booking and Group Requirements
While individual visitors are welcome, regular cruises require advance reservations and are conducted only when a minimum group of 50 participants is assembled. This makes it an ideal activity for tourist groups, tour operators, heritage associations, and community clubs. The administration encourages everyone to contact the museum well in advance to secure a slot.
Museum Opening Hours
Even when not sailing, the Radetzky offers a powerful museum experience. Exhibits on board tell the story of Hristo Botev and his revolutionary band, including original letters, uniforms, and the group’s battle flag. Stepping onto the deck is like stepping into 1876. a moment frozen in time, yet still very much alive in the Bulgarian national consciousness.
For those with a passion for history, revolutionary tales, or unique museums, the Radetzky is an unforgettable stop on any Bulgarian itinerary. Visitors are welcome to step inside even outside of cruise hours. Docked on the Danube tow Kosloduy, the Radetzky National Museum is open year-round 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.
A Floating Symbol of Freedom
For Bulgarians, the Radetzky is more than a historical curiosity, it is a vessel of memory. It tells a story of sacrifice, conviction, and national identity. Visiting the ship means stepping into a defining chapter of Bulgaria’s past, where patriotism set sail on the Danube and changed the course of a nation.