Travemunde Ferries

The port of Travemünde plays a key role in the ferry network of Germany, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Travemunde serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Travemunde, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Trelleborg - Travemunde connecting Travemunde with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Stena Line, Finnlines, TT Line run regular services from Travemunde, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Travemunde offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Travemünde is easily accessible by various transportation options, with excellent road connections via the A1 autobahn linking it to Hamburg (about 1 hour drive) and Lübeck (just 20 minutes away). Regular regional trains connect Travemünde to Lübeck's main station, with connections to major German cities. If arriving from further afield, Hamburg Airport is the closest international air hub, about 85 kilometers away, with shuttle services available to Lübeck and onward connections to Travemünde. The ferry terminal offers ample parking facilities, though during peak summer periods, it's advisable to arrive early or use the park-and-ride options on the outskirts of town.

Nestled at the mouth of the Trave River where it meets the Baltic Sea, Travemünde combines maritime heritage with seaside resort allure. This charming district of Lübeck boasts wide sandy beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, and a vibrant waterfront promenade. As one of Germany's most important ferry ports, Travemünde serves as a gateway to Scandinavia while offering visitors the perfect blend of relaxation and nautical adventure.

Travemünde shines brightest during the summer months of June through August, when temperatures hover pleasantly between 18-22°C and the beaches come alive with visitors. July brings the renowned Travemünder Woche, one of the world's largest sailing events, transforming the harbor into a spectacular display of maritime festivities. Spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer milder weather and fewer crowds while still maintaining regular ferry services, making these months ideal for travelers seeking a more peaceful experience. Winter visitors will find a quieter atmosphere with the Baltic's moody beauty, though some coastal attractions may have reduced hours, while the ferry connections to Scandinavia operate year-round.

Travemünde serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Baltic region by sea. Regular ferry services connect to Malmö and Trelleborg in Sweden, with crossings taking approximately 7-9 hours, perfect for overnight journeys to wake up in Scandinavia. Helsinki, Finland can be reached in about 28-30 hours, offering a comfortable mini-cruise experience with onboard amenities. The Baltic ferry routes from Travemünde are particularly scenic, especially when passing through the Danish archipelago or along the Swedish coastline. For those interested in shorter excursions, ferry and boat trips to nearby Priwall Peninsula or along the Trave River provide beautiful perspectives of the coastline without venturing far from port.

Travemünde's 4.5-kilometer-long sandy beach invites visitors to lounge in the distinctive wicker beach chairs (Strandkörbe) that dot the shoreline, a quintessential Baltic Sea experience. The historic Travemünde Lighthouse, Germany's oldest on the Baltic coast, offers panoramic views for those willing to climb its 142 steps. Maritime enthusiasts should explore the four-masted barque Passat, a museum ship that tells tales of the region's seafaring past. For culinary delights, sample fresh fish sandwiches (Fischbrötchen) at the old fishing harbor or enjoy upscale dining at waterfront restaurants serving Baltic specialties like Labskaus or smoked eel. The charming Vorderreihe promenade, lined with cafés and shops in historic buildings, provides a perfect setting for an evening stroll with views of passing ships.

Travemünde holds the distinction of being Germany's oldest seaside resort, established in 1802, predating most European beach destinations by decades. The iconic Travemünder Woche sailing regatta has been held since 1889, making it one of the world's oldest sailing competitions, second only to America's Cup in longevity. Thomas Mann's famous novel 'Buddenbrooks' features scenes set in Travemünde, immortalizing the resort in German literature. The area once housed a casino that inspired Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel 'The Gambler,' written after the Russian author's visit to Travemünde in the 1860s.