SMS Blücher was a German steam corvette built for the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) in the late 1870s. She was the second ship of the Blücher class, her sister ship being SMS Moltke. Blücher was laid down in 1876, launched in April 1877, and commissioned into the fleet in October 1878.
Designed primarily for overseas service and training duties, Blücher was equipped with a full ship rig to supplement her steam engine on long voyages. She carried a main battery of six 15 cm (5.9 inch) guns.
Throughout her career, Blücher served extensively in German colonies and overseas territories, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. She participated in various naval demonstrations and diplomatic missions, representing German interests abroad. The ship played a role in asserting German influence and protecting German citizens and commercial interests in these regions.
Later in her career, Blücher was relegated to training duties. She served as a training ship for naval cadets and engineers, preparing them for service in the growing German fleet.
Blücher was eventually stricken from the naval register and scrapped in the early 20th century. The ship represents a typical example of German naval construction during a period of rapid technological development and increasing colonial ambitions.