The MS Frieda has had an eventful history. The 53 meter long and 6 meter wide Elb-Saale barge was in service for around 50 years before it was scrapped in 1971. After unrigging, the barge was cut into three parts. In 1972, the Frieda was brought to Lake Kulkwitz, not far from the then still young Leipzig district of Grünau. Here, the individual parts found a new foundation directly on the eastern shore, were welded together again and converted into a ship’s restaurant with outdoor seating. The “MS Leipzig”, as the Frieda was now called, was officially opened at the same time as the Kulkwitzer See recreation center in 1973. From then on, the former barge served as an excursion restaurant and quickly became a landmark of the local recreation area. Thanks to the famous dancing teas and the good cuisine, the ship’s restaurant enjoyed great popularity. In some cases, Leipzig citizens waited up to two years for a reservation in the ship’s restaurant.