Ferries to Denmark

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Boats and Ferries to Denmark

Several of the European countries offer ferries to Denmark, helping you avoid the long drive. Denmark has a large ferry system, helping commuters and truckers get to and from Denmark. There are several cruise lines also servicing Denmark and some very small ferries for reaching the remote islands.

Ferries to Denmark

There are several ferry companies servicing Denmark and each one has its own way of operating. Some ferries are very basic, while others are just mini cruise ships. Some take cars and passengers, while others only take passengers. You need to check out their websites for pricing and scheduling.

Please be aware that many of the ferries do not travel every day, some only have 1-3 departures per week, while others have several a day. During winter, severe weather can cause cancellations and delays, so plan carefully.

I have been on many of these ferries and can tell you it is a nice way to travel, very relaxing and beats flying and/or driving if you have the time. It is not always the quickest way, but it can be very convenient.

Note: I have driven from Copenhagen to London (via the Eurotunnel) and I have taken the ferry from Esbjerg to Harwich and driven the rest. I will take the Ferry everytime! Quicker, more relaxing and cheaper! Remember many of the ferries do not accept pets, check before booking if traveling with pets.

Now here are some of the routes / ferries to Denmark. There may be others and if you know of one that I have not mentioned, please let me know and I will include it.

There are also lots of ways to get from Sjaelland to Jutland and many of the other islands in Denmark by using the ferries in Denmark.

Great Britain to Denmark

If you are coming to Denmark from England, I would suggest the ferry service from Harwich to Esbjerg. You would arrive in Jutland at the seaport town of Esbjerg. Journey time is about 18 hours. Copenhagen is a several hour drive from Esbjerg. (295 kilometers) Contact DFDS Seaways at www.dfdsseaways.dk for more information on schedules and prices.

Norway to Denmark

You can also travel from Norway to Denmark using the Kristiansand - Hirtshals route. Hirshals is located at the top of the Jutland Penninsula. Contact Color Line at www.colorline.dk. Journey time is 4 hours.

Another route to Hirtshals is from Stavanger/Bergen using the Fjord Line. Contact them at www.fjordline.com. Journey time is 16 hours to Bergen. 6.5 to Stavanger.

You can also travel from Oslo to Frederikshavn (on the upper east coast of the Jutland Penninsula) with Stena Lines. Contact them at www.stenaline.dk for schedules and pricing. Journey time is 8.5 hours.

From Oslo you can also get to Kobenhavn with DFDS Seaways. Contact them at www.dfdsseaways.dk. Journey time is 16.5 hours.

Sweden to Denmark

From Sweden there is a short ferry ride from Helsingborg to Helsingør. You can actually see Denmark from Sweden and Sweden from Denmark on this short stretch. (in clear weather of course). There are 3 services to choose from: HH Ferries at www.hhferries.se

Scanline at www.scanlines.dk

Ace Line at www.acelink.dk (they do not carry cars)

Journey time is about 20 minutes.

There are two other services from Sweden run by Stena Lines.

Göteborg to Frederikshavn and Varberg to Grenaa www.stenalines.com Journey time is 3.5 hours and 5.5 hours respectively.

Germany to Denmark

This is another really short ferry ride and not sure if I would be inclined to take it, since the drive time and distance is almost the same. But for the sake of being thorough, it is included. The ferry from List, Germany to Romo (island off southwest coast of Jutland) is run by Sylt Lines www.syltfaehre.de. Journey time is 40 minutes.

Rostock to Gedser is a very popular route, since it connects Lolland/Falster and Sjaelland to Germany and eastern Europe. This route is used by many travelers visiting Denmark. Contact Scanlines www.scanlines.dk. Journey time is 1.45 hours.

In the same vein is the Puttgarden to Rødbyhavn, which connects to Germany and for travelers heading to central and western Europe. The benefit of crossing with the ferry from Germany at the above two lines is that you dont have to drive up through Jutland and cross over the Storbaelt bridge and pay the outrageous toll. $60, No kidding! And it gets you to Copenhagen quicker. Journey time is 45 minutes. www.scanlines.dk

Poland to Denmark

The Swinoujscie to København Ferry connects Poland directly to Copenhagen on this 12 hour journey run by the Polish Baltic Shipping Company. Contact them at www.polferries.pl. They also run a service to Bornholm.

Iceland / Faroe to Denmark

There is are a few other long distance ferries which I should mention.

Tórshavn to Hanstholm, which is the ferry from the Faroe Islands to northern Jutland. A short 38 hour ferry journey. Contact Smyril Lines www.smyril-line.dk

and of course you might enjoy the

Seydisfjórdur to Hanstholm, which is the 64 hour ferry journey from Iceland to Denmark. Contact Smyril Lines www.smyril-line.dk

Bornholm Ferries

Bornholm is a island that is part of Denmark, yet it lies west of Denmark and southeast of Sweden. It does have 4 routes which connect to Denmark, Poland , Sweden and Germany. www.nordic-ferry.com

Nordic Ferry Service runs the Denmark, Sweden and Germany routes and the Polish Baltic Shipping Company runs the one to Poland (see above)

And of course there is the Bornholm Express from Kobenhavn to Bornholm www.bornholmexpress.dk. Journey time is 3.15 hours

Final Remarks

Remember to check in early. Most of the ferries require you to meet anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours ahead of departure. If you arrive right before departure, you will probably have to wait til the next ferry.

Be prepared and remember your passport when traveling between countries.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Learn more about Ferries in Denmark,

footer for ferries to Denmark page