Freya

The five protected cruisers of the Victoria Louise class, officially designated "Große Kreuzer," were intended for overseas service and fleet reconnaissance. They marked an early stage in the development that eventually produced the German battlecruisers, but several shortcomings limited their effectiveness.

Their limited range restricted overseas employment, while weak side protection made them vulnerable in combat. Hot and cramped accommodation reduced crew comfort, and their modest speed limited their usefulness with the fleet.

Despite these limitations, the ships handled well at sea, although their high hulls and superstructures made them sensitive to strong winds.

All five ships were reconstructed between 1905 and 1910. Their boilers were replaced, one funnel was removed and their operational range was increased. They subsequently served as training ships and were reactivated at the outbreak of World War I. Their limited combat value soon confined them to secondary or stationary duties. All five were scrapped in the early 1920s.