SS Hjejlen

SS Hjejlen (Danish for The Golden Plover) is the world's oldest coal burning operational paddle steamer,^[1] built in 1861 by Baumgarten & Burmeister, commissioned by a group of citizens headed by paper manufacturer Michael Drewsen.^[2] She is used to carry tourists between Silkeborg and Himmelbjerget, but in 1932 she also became a public mail boat.^[3]

Hjejlen in Silkeborg, 2005
History
Name	Hjejlen
Owner	Hjejleselskabet
Route	Silkeborg – Himmelbjerget
Builder	Baumgarten & Burmeister
Completed	1861
Maiden voyage	11 June 1861
In service	24 June 1861
Status	Active
General characteristics
Class & type	Paddle steamer
Length	25.7 m (84 ft)
Beam	3.8 m (12 ft)
Draft	1.7 m (5.6 ft)
Speed	8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph)
Capacity	165
Crew	4

Engine

Hjejlen's steam engine has two cylinders, each with a bore of 10 cm (3.9 in) and a stroke of 42 cm (17 in). The engine yields 40 horsepower (30 kW) and propels the vessel at up to 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph).^[4]

Hjejlen's 150th anniversary

In 2011 Hjejlen celebrated her 150th anniversary with Queen Margrethe II in attendance.^[5] A commemorative coin was issued by the National Bank of Denmark.^[6]

See also

• Hjejleselskabet