By ferry to Denmark – your sea trip to the beautiful vacation country
Wide sandy beaches, diverse nature, hospitable people and this very special coziness make a vacation in Denmark a real experience. But what is the best way to travel to your vacation home?? How about combining your vacation with our neighbors in the north with a real sea voyage?? You can also get to Denmark by ferry! The journeys across the wide sea have their own charm and get you in the perfect mood for your vacation.
Since Denmark consists of about 400 islands, there are many magical places waiting for you, which you can also explore by sea. The ferries take you even further! Your way leads you to Sweden and Norway over the rough, pure sea. On the nautical routes you can expect spectacular natural panoramas, unforgettable crossings and incomparable sea romance. And if you like, you can combine your tour with train travel or car travel on highways and country roads, because after all, many ferries also take your car on board. Here you will find the most important information about your trip to Denmark by ferry.
Ship ahoy – these ferry connections bring you to Denmark
From Germany there are four ferries that take you to Denmark.
Good to know – Scandlines relies on environmentally friendly hybrid ferries
The Danish-German shipping company Scandlines places great emphasis on environmental protection and, with a total of six hybrid ferries, owns the largest hybrid ferry fleet on the planet. Also on the two ships of the route Rostock-Gedser a battery drive supplements the diesel engine. In addition, the two ferries named Berlin and Copenhagen are equipped with exhaust gas scrubbers, which drastically reduce the pollutant emissions.
From Puttgarden in Schleswig-Holstein, the ferry crosses the Baltic Sea to Rodby on Lolland. Puttgarden can be reached quickly by car via the A1 motorway. The journey from Hamburg takes just one and a half hours. The crossing to Rodby takes about 45 minutes and can be booked with the shipping company Scandlines. Prices start at 32 euros per person with car, but can vary depending on season, vehicle and travel class. Pedestrians, for example, usually only pay prices in the single-digit range.
The ferries have a very straight schedule and depart every 30 minutes. When you get on board, you will immediately realize why a ferry trip to Denmark is so unique. You park your car, climb the stairs of the ferry upwards. Once on deck, you open the large sliding door to the outside and immediately the Baltic Sea welcomes you with strong wind, fresh, salty air and a view that alone is actually priceless. Dogs are also allowed on deck on a leash and the crossing is a great opportunity for children to explore the ship extensively. The Scandlines ferries are so large that even trucks and motor homes can fit on them. In addition, you can take advantage of an extensive shopping offer on the ferry and, for example, enjoy a tasty meal break with hot dogs, fries and other hearty dishes. Rodby has very good transport connections, so that you can reach many destinations, such as the capital Copenhagen, easily and quickly from there.
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The second Scandlines ferry connection departs from Rostock and goes to Gedser on the Danish Baltic Sea island Falster. The beautiful port city of Rostock is very easy to reach. From Hamburg, the drive via the A20 takes just under two hours, from Berlin about two and a half hours via the A24 and A19. Also for this ferry, the cheapest prices from Scandlines are 32 euros per person with car, the ships depart several times a day. The crossing with the four environmentally friendly hybrid ferries named Prinsesse Benedikte, Prins Richard, Deutschland and Schleswig-Holstein takes a little less than two hours. Time enough to marvel at the fantastic views and let your vacation take its course at leisure. Gedser is the southernmost city in Denmark. From there the whole country is open to you. Whether you want to tour the many smaller islands or take a trip to Copenhagen, Gedser is the perfect starting point for your trip.
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The third possibility to book your ferry from Germany to Denmark is a very special one. It takes you from Sassnitz to Ronne on Bornholm. The island of Bornholm is known as the pearl of the Baltic Sea, captivates with its very own landscape and natural phenomena that you will not find anywhere else in Denmark. And even Sassnitz itself is worth a trip: the resort town on the island of Rugen is a real mecca of tranquility, so you might even want to leave a little early to admire the beauty of Sassnitz before your departure. By car you can reach Sassnitz from Hamburg via the A20 in about three hours, the journey from Berlin takes about the same time.
The ferries depart several times a week in the direction of Ronne. Prices for a crossing are around 69 euros per person with a car, but can vary depending on the season and the chosen travel class. You are on board the ferry for three and a half hours and enjoy all the benefits of a sea voyage. At the latest when the coast of Bornholm appears on the horizon of the wide Baltic Sea, the anticipation of unique travel experiences increases. The almost Mediterranean flair of Bornholm makes the island one of the most relaxing places in Denmark. Long sandy beaches, huge forests and steep coasts invite you to extensive exploration tours.
You would rather book another crossing from Germany? Then combine your trip to Denmark with a trip to Sylt! From the popular North Sea island, the Sylt ferry departs for Havneby on Rømø. The Danish vacation island is located north of Sylt in the North Sea and is a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. At the same time, the Danish island is firmly connected to Jutland via a bridge, making a continuation of the journey to the Danish mainland completely unproblematic. The Sylt ferry departs from List several times a day. After 45 minutes you already arrive in Havneby. The ferry crossing with a car costs about 50 euros, but prices vary here as well. During the crossing you have a perfect view of the Wadden Sea and the impressive coastal landscapes of Sylt and Rømø.
Tips for the ferry trip from Germany to Denmark
- It is usually possible to take cats and dogs, which are not listed dogs in Denmark. It is best to find out in advance whether leashes are compulsory on board, whether species-appropriate transport boxes or similar are necessary. During the crossing there is no access to the car, so think beforehand if you want to take your pet on deck or if it feels more comfortable in the car.
- The ferries are designed to accommodate cars, camper vans, trailers and bicycles. There is usually a surcharge for this.
- If you have a specific itinerary, it is best to book your crossing in advance so that you, your loved ones, animal companions and/or motor vehicles can all board at the desired time.
- Ideally, be at the ferry port at least 15 to 20 minutes before departure, especially if your car has to be loaded.
Ferry connections from Germany to Denmark
| What is the name of the ferry operator? | Scandlines | Scandlines | Bornholmslinjen | Sylt ferry |
| How often does the ferry run? | Depending on the season several times a day | Every 30 minutes during the day, several times at night | Depending on the season approximately twice a day | Several times a day |
| How long does the trip take? | Approximately 105 minutes | About 45 minutes | About 200 minutes | About 40 minutes |
| Can I take cars, caravans, trailers and bicycles with me?? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can I take dogs and cats with me? | Yes, leashed or. in a transport box on deck or in the car. During the trip there is u. U. no access to the car. | Yes, leashed or. in a transport box on deck or in the car. During the journey exists u. U. no access to motor vehicle. | Yes, leashed or. in a transport box on deck or in the car. During the trip u. U. No access to the car. | Yes, leashed resp. in a transport box on deck or in the car. During the trip there is u. U. no access to the car. |
| How much is the crossing? | Prices vary depending on season and tariff. Pedestrian: low two-digit euro range, with motor vehicle: low three-digit range. | Prices vary depending on season and fare. Pedestrian: low double-digit euro range, by car: mid double-digit to low triple-digit range. | Prices vary depending on season and fare. Pedestrians: single-digit to low double-digit euro range, with motor vehicle: low double-digit to low triple-digit range. | Prices vary depending on season and tariff. Pedestrian: single-digit euro range, with car: lower to higher double-digit range. |
| When to check in? | Gedser: generally 15 minutes before departure at the latest. Rostock: terminal bus leaves 20 minutes before departure, pedestrians must be there 30 minutes before, passengers in motor vehicles 15 minutes before. | At least 15 minutes before departure. | Depending on the tariff between ten and 30 minutes before departure. | At least 20 minutes before departure. |
| Do I have to book in advance? | It makes sense. | Makes sense if your own schedule is tight. | This is reasonable. | This makes sense if you have a car with you. |
| Can I change or cancel the trip?? | It depends on the chosen tariff. | It depends on the chosen tariff. | It depends on the chosen fare. | It depends on the chosen tariff. |
* The content of this table does not claim to be complete and may be subject to change. Status: May 2019.
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From island to island – this is how you travel by ferry through the vastness of Denmark
Even within Denmark, the ferry is an ideal means of transportation if you want to explore the country’s nature in all its splendor and do not want to make all the trips by car.
From the harbor in Ronne on Bornholm, a ferry departs for Koge on Zealand, the largest island in Denmark, where the capital Copenhagen is also located. The crossing takes about five and a half hours and the cheapest price is about 26 euros. The prices can change depending on availability and chosen tickets. The ferry departs once a day at 5 p.m. This route is ideal for combining a really nice trip to the countryside with a city visit to Copenhagen.
During a round trip across the Danish islands, the connection between Spodsbjerg on Langeland and Tars on Lolland is a real must. The two islands are in fact only connected by the ferry route. The crossing takes 45 minutes, the ferry departs several times during the day. Ticket prices are 35 euros for a crossing with car.
A beautiful destination, which can also be reached by ferry, is the island Samso. Especially if you are on vacation on Zealand – for example in Copenhagen – a trip to Samso is ideal. From Kalundborg on Zealand a ferry departs for Ballen on Samso. The crossing takes just over an hour and a car ticket costs about 17 euros. Generally there are several crossings a day.
In addition, there are many other ferry connections within Denmark. They all operate in both directions, of course. You can get a taste of the sea air on the ferry from Fynshav on the island of Alsen to Bojden on the island of Funen, on the nautical route from Odden on the island of Zealand to Aarhus in Jutland or on the route from Esbjerg on the island of Jutland to Nordby on the island of Fanø.
Tips for your trips on inner-Danish ferries
- Pets are usually allowed on the ferry, but it is best to check the leash regulations beforehand.
- Bicycles and various vehicles can also be transported on board for an additional fee.
- In general, the prices for ferry trips within Denmark are cheaper than those from Germany to Denmark. On some days of the week there are additional reductions.
- If your schedule is tight, it pays to book in advance on inner-Danish ferries.
Ferry connections within Denmark
| What is the name of the ferry operator? | Alslinjen | Bornholmslinjen. | Fanølinjen. | Langelandslinjen. | Samsølinjen. | Molslinjen. |
| How often does the ferry run? | Several times a day. | Once a day. | Several times an hour. | Hourly depending on season and time of day. | Two to four times a day, depending on the season. | Several times a day. |
| How long does the trip take? | About 50 minutes. | Approximately 330 minutes. | Approximately twelve minutes. | About 45 minutes. | Approximately 90 minutes. | Approximately 75 minutes. |
| Can I take cars, caravans, trailers and bicycles?? | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Can I take dogs and cats with me? | Yes, leashed resp. in a transport box on deck or in a car. During the voyage u. U. No access to the car. | Yes, leashed or. in a transport box on deck or in a car. During the trip u. U. no access to the car. | Yes, leashed resp. In a transport box on deck or in the car. During the journey u. U. no access to car. | Yes, leashed or. in a transport box on deck or in a car. During the voyage there is u. U. no access to car. | Yes, leashed or. in a transport box on deck or in a car. During the journey u. U. no access to motor vehicle. | Yes, leashed or. in a transport box on deck or in the car. During the journey there is u. U. No access to the vehicle. |
| How expensive is the crossing? | Prices vary depending on season and tariff. Pedestrian: low to mid single-digit euros (free for children 11 and under), by car: low to mid double-digit euros. | prices vary according to season and tariff. Pedestrian: single-digit to low two-digit range, with motor vehicle: low two-digit to mid two-digit range. | Prices vary depending on season and tariff. Pedestrian: single-digit to low double-digit Euro range, by car: low to higher double-digit Euro range. | Pedestrian: low to medium single-digit euro range, by car: low to medium double-digit euro range. | Prices vary depending on season and fare. Pedestrian: low one- to two-digit euro range, by car: low to mid-two-digit euro range. | Prices vary depending on season and tariff. Pedestrian: low to mid two-digit euro range, by motor vehicle: mid two-digit to low three-digit euro range. |
| When to check in? | At least 15 minutes before departure. | Depending on the fare between ten and 30 minutes before departure. | Just before departure. | At least 15 minutes before departure. | At least 15 minutes before departure. | At least 15 minutes before departure. |
| Should book in advance? | If the schedule is tight. | Yes. | This is not possible. | When the schedule is tight. | When the schedule is tight. | When the schedule is tight. |
| Can I change or cancel the trip?? | Both are fare dependent. | This is fare dependent. | N.A. | Both are fare dependent. | Both are fare dependent. | Both are fare dependent. |
* The content of this table is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Status: May 2019.
Off to the north – these relaxing ferry trips take you to Sweden
Denmark is one of the most popular destinations for people in Germany and even offers you the opportunity for a spontaneous trip to the other two Scandinavian wonderlands: Sweden and Norway. Take the ferry for a day trip north and be back in your hyggeligen vacation home in the evening.
Denmark has numerous ferry connections to Sweden. Most depart several times a day and can be booked directly with the respective shipping companies.
In the very north of Jutland lies the picturesque harbor town of Frederikshavn. From there you can take a ferry of the shipping company Stena Line to Sweden, more precisely to Gothenburg. The crossing takes about three and a half hours. Pedestrians can get on for as little as 15 euros, with a car prices start around 44 euros.
Elsinore is located in the northeast of Zealand, north of Copenhagen. There is a daily ferry leaving every 20 to 30 minutes towards Helsingborg in Sweden. For a crossing by car you have to pay about 50 euros. As a pedestrian or by bike it is a lot cheaper, but you can book the tickets only on the spot. The trip is also very fast, in just 20 minutes you arrive on Swedish soil.
Copenhagen itself offers a ferry connection to Malmo in Sweden. This ferry arrives and departs several times a day and you’re in Sweden really fast. The ride only takes ten minutes! If you want to travel with your car, the ticket price is about 50 euros.
From Ronne on Bornholm there is a sea route to Sweden. With the ferry it goes from there to Ystad. You can reach the town in southern Sweden within 45 minutes. During the high season the ferry departs six to nine times a day, during the low season four times a day. The cheapest tickets for a crossing by car cost just over 13 euros. In Ystad itself, many attractions await you, such as historical buildings from the 17th century. Century and the guided Wallander tours. With these you follow in the footsteps of the detective from the world-famous novels by Henning Mankell.
Explore the fjords – by ferry to Norway
You can also get to Norway quickly and easily by ferry from Denmark. Many adventures await you in the land of Vikings, moose and forests. Visit the huge fjords, hike over imposing mountains and enjoy the heavenly peace while the northern lights shine above you.
The fastest ferry connection between Denmark and Norway is the route from Hirtshals in the northeast of Jutland to Kristiansand in the south of Norway. This route is operated by two different shipping companies. Color Line ships sail once or twice a day, taking just over three hours, and tickets with cars cost around 100 euros, although prices can vary greatly depending on the season. The Fjord Line travels two to three times a day, takes about two hours and the car tickets cost about 75 euros per person. Prices also vary depending on the season and type of booking.
A beautiful connection between Denmark and Norway is the route from Frederikshavn to Oslo. There, the ferry actually reaches the Norwegian capital through the picturesque Oslofjord. On the trip you should have your camera ready in any case! Since the crossing takes a little longer than nine hours, you can also spend the night on the ferry. The prices for a crossing start at about 120 euros and the ferry departs several times a week.
The most spectacular trip by ferry is probably the mini-cruise from Hirthals via Stavanger to Bergen. On this route you can admire the incredible beauty of the Norwegian fjords and enjoy all the benefits of a small cruise. You can also take your car with you. The trip, which is also offered by Fjord Line, takes just under 17 hours in total; with an overnight cabin, it costs 222 euros. And when you’re not marveling at the spectacular west coast of Norway, there’s a varied entertainment program waiting for you on board!
If you decide to travel Denmark by ferry, you will certainly not regret it. You travel not only stress-free and with fresh wind around your nose, but you can get to know all Scandinavian countries without wasting a lot of time or having to sit in the car all the time. So book your ferry, set sail and enjoy your relaxing and varied vacation in our favorite country, Denmark.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about ferries to and from Denmark
1. Can I buy duty-free on the ferries to and from Denmark??
Basically yes, but the customs regulations of the respective destination country must be observed. The rule is that only goods for personal use can be imported duty free. There are usually restrictions on the amount of tobacco and alcohol allowed in each country. It is best to inform yourself in advance so that you can store on board without worrying.
2. When did the first ferry go from Germany to Denmark??
The first ferry connection between the two countries was a steamship that sailed from Warnemunde across the Baltic Sea to Gedser. This railroad ferry started its operation in 1903. Only in 1963, after the two world wars, the route Puttgarden – Rødby was added as a second connection.
3. How to keep busy during the ferry crossing?
On board of the ferries you will usually find a restaurant with tasty dishes, a nice cafe, possibilities for shopping and cozy lounges for conversations or small board games. Of course you can also stand outside on deck to look at the horizon and the approaching mainland. So the crossing goes by in no time and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination!
4. Can I use the ferry connections to and from Denmark with a camper van or caravan??
Yes, you can. It is important that you know the total length of your vehicle. When booking your ticket you can choose from different length categories for your motorhome or caravan. The prices increase parallel to the length. Always state the correct total length when booking! Otherwise it can happen that there is not enough space for your vehicle on board.
5. Are there also ferry connections from Denmark to Iceland?
Yes, there is a ferry departing from Hirtshals towards Seydisfjordur in Iceland. The crossing takes a total of about two and a half days: You leave Denmark, for example, on a Saturday afternoon and reach Iceland on Tuesday morning. The day before the arrival in Seydisfjordur, the ferry has a loading stop of several hours in Torshavn on the Faroe Islands. You can use this prima, in order to look around a little in the environment.
Make sure that you have suitable travel documents with you, because on Iceland and the Faroe Islands other entry regulations apply than in Denmark.