Each year ahead of winter, the historic fountains at Herreninsel on Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria are carefully protected to withstand harsh weather conditions. Last autumn, a Liebherr MK 88-4.1E mobile construction crane played a central role in installing protective structures over the monumental sculptures at Herrenchiemsee Palace.
Transporting the crane to the island required a carefully coordinated operation by BKL Baukran Logistik GmbH. The four-axle unit was ferried across Lake Chiemsee at dawn before continuing its journey to the palace gardens, where scaffolding teams were ready to begin work.
The MK 88-4.1E was selected for its high hook height and precision handling capabilities. With delicate fountain figures reaching up to 13 metres, the crane enabled components to be positioned accurately using its horizontal jib and trolley system. This allowed safe installation of scaffolding structures and protective tarpaulin covers without risking damage to the historic features.
With a jib length of 45 metres and a maximum hook height exceeding 59 metres, the crane provided the reach required to operate from outside the large fountain basins. It was repositioned once during the project, with the move completed in around 30 minutes, ensuring efficient progress between the two fountain sites.
The elevated cab and integrated hook camera system allowed the operator to guide loads with high precision, maintaining clear visibility of both the work area and lifting operations.
By the end of the day, the fountains were fully enclosed, safeguarding them through winter. The crane was then dismantled and returned to the mainland, completing a unique logistics operation on one of Bavaria’s most iconic locations.
