Please note: This page was machine-translated. If anything is unclear, the German version is authoritative.

Dear users of the Elberadweg,

Over the next 120 meters here in Leckwitz, a part of the municipality of Nünchritz, you will encounter an unusual surface on the path. This large cobblestone pavement, also known locally as Wildpflaster, has great historical significance.

Like many navigable waters, the Elbe had a towpath, also known colloquially as a “Bomätscherweg” or “Treidlerweg.” This path ran along here. Downstream, ships sailed with the current, but upstream, until the advent of steam engines and later diesel engines, it was common to sail or have the ships pulled by groups of people.

Until the 19th century, towmen shaped the image of the Upper Elbe. In Saxony, they were called Bomätscher, derived from the Slavic vocabulary meaning helper. Numerous villages along the Elbe lived from agriculture and from hauling boats upstream from the riverbank. Using a rope that stretched from the ship's mast to the shore and could be several hundred meters long, the Bomätscher pulled against the current.

Due to the course of the river, the route was usually on the left bank of the Elbe, but could also be on the right bank, as at this point. The change from one team of Bomätscher to another took place at designated locations. One such changing station was located a few hundred meters from here in Merschwitz, now part of the municipality of Nünchritz. Merschwitz was a center for the Bomätscher.

The sections of the Elbe River belonging to the Bomätscher were clearly demarcated, and “border crossings” often led to physical altercations. The 6 to 10 people in a team gathered at the mooring places. There was a clear hierarchy within each group. At the head was the line puller, also known as the king, who negotiated the wages and set the pace for the towing.

He was followed by the bailiff or servant. At the end walked the so-called “rope guard.” He had to lift the rope with a long-handled wooden fork over obstacles such as bushes, trees, or ship mills. The Bomätscher's work equipment consisted of a pulling strap. The Bomätcher supported himself with a walking stick.

As they advanced, the Bomätscher sang a song, with particular emphasis on the syllables “hi” and “ho,” during which the right foot was put forward. One of many Bomätscher songs:

 

Mit Hippo hoffei ziehen wir die Leine
Bei Regen, Wind und Sonnenschein
Wir nehmen in die Hand die Leine
Kommt an ein Schiff stroman alleine
Sechs Groschen bringt das Trecken ein
Das reicht für Brot und Branntewein
Wir können keine Stiefel kaufen
Und müssen immer barfuß laufen.

 

Literal translation: This rhythmic work chant does not translate well into English.

 

With Hippo Hoffei, we pull the rope
In rain, wind, and sunshine
We take the rope in our hands
When a ship comes alone
Pulling it in brings in six pennies
That's enough for bread and brandy
We can't buy boots
And always have to walk barefoot.

 

The sculpture depicting the Bomätscher pulling the boat (As seen on the information board) was created by Dresden sculptor Edmund Moeller (1885-1958). It can be found in Dresden on the banks of the Elbe in Neustadt, below the Albert Bridge.

Dear users of the Elbe Cycle Route, thank you for your interest and understanding regarding the large cobblestones at this historic site.

Further information is also available at the Nünchritz Community Museum, Dorfplatz 1, opening hours: Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Source: Museum Nünchritz