The German Arctic Expedition of 1869 - 1870 was a milestone in Arctic research. Lead by Captain Karl Koldewey, the group experienced great danger and the loss of the "Hansa" in the ice during their finally successful way into the central regions of the Arctic. The expedition was also a competition between two different generations of ships, the sailing vessel "Hansa", which did not make her way back, and the steam-powered "Germania".