Port Heligoland
Germany’s only high sea island fascinates with a 61 meter high cliff. A walk around the island stretches over three kilometers, 182 steps lead up to the “Oberland” – alternatively there is an elevator. From up here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Heligoland, Lange Anna, the lighthouse, the diverse birdlife and the endless expanse of the North Sea. The neighboring island “Düne” can be easily reached by Ferries and promises wonderful bathing days on the finest sand.
| Country: | Germany |
| Language: | German |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone: | Europe/Berlin, CET (Central European Time) |
| UNLOCODE: | DEHGL |
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Timetable, Prices & Availability
Prüfe die Verfügbarkeit deiner Fährverbindung direkt bei der Reederei. Gib deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähren im Hafen von Heligoland zu prüfen.
Karte der Fähren von und nach Heligoland
Wir laden gerade die Karte der Fährverbindungen von und nach Heligoland für dich.
Ferry connections from & to Heligoland
Here you see an overview of all ferry routes which currently call at the port of Heligoland:
| Route | Country of origin & country of destination | Number & Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Bremerhaven – Heligoland | GermanyGermany | up to 14 times a week 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Ferry Büsum – Heligoland | GermanyGermany | 1 time daily 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Ferry Cuxhaven – Heligoland | GermanyGermany | up to 3 times a day 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Ferry Hamburg – Heligoland | GermanyGermany | 1 time daily 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Ferry Wilhelmshaven – Heligoland | GermanyGermany | 2-3 times per week 2 hours |
| Dune ferry Heligoland – Dune | GermanyGermany | Several times a day 10 minutes |
| Ferry Brunsbüttel – Heligoland | GermanyGermany | up to 4 times a week 2 hours |
Addresses & Arrival
To make your journey to Heligoland easier, you will find all the important addresses in the ferry port of Heligoland here.
Address ferry harbour Heligoland
| Street: | South quay South harbor |
| Postcode & city: | 27498 Heligoland |
| Country: | Germany |
| GPS: | 54.173909, 7.892603 |
Ferry terminals & other addresses
| Provider | Address |
|---|---|
| FRS Helgoline |
FRS Helgoline feeder South quay South harbor 27498 Heligoland Germany GPS: 54.173909, 7.892603 (Latitude, Longitude) |
Travel information
Arrival by plane
- Helgoland Airport (HGL): There are irregular private flights to Helgoland Airport from various German cities.
Additional information
Cars are not allowed on Heligoland, and the island can be easily explored on foot or by the island train.
From the main residential area, it is only a few minutes’ walk to the Südkaje ferry terminal.
Travel guide: Which Ferry to Heligoland is right for you?
Heligoland can be reached from several ports along the German North Sea coast as well as from a number of North Sea islands. Which route is best for you depends on your point of departure, your preferred travel time, and the time of year.
If you want to get to Helgoland as quickly as possible, the catamarans departing from Cuxhaven or Hooksiel are a good option. Although the trip from Hamburg takes significantly longer, the journey itself is part of the experience: You’ll cruise along the Elbe, passing harbors, container ships, and the North German coastal landscape. If you’re planning to visit Heligoland in the winter, the year-round service from Cuxhaven is usually your only option.
| Port of Departure | Shipping Line and Ship | Duration of the trip | Season and Offer | Particularly suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | FRS Helgoline, Halunder Jet | about 3.5 to 4 hours | Seasonal, from spring to fall | Travelers who would like to experience the journey across the Elbe and the North Sea as part of the excursion |
| Brunsbüttel | FRS Helgoline, Halunder Jet | about 2 hours and 10 minutes | Seasonal service several days a week | Travelers from Schleswig-Holstein and western Hamburg |
| Cuxhaven | FRS Helgoline, Halunder Jet | about 70 to 75 minutes | seasonal, from spring through fall | A particularly fast crossing with a reserved seat |
| Cuxhaven | Cassen Eils, MS Helgoland | about 2 hours and 30 minutes | Generally available year-round | Island vacations, winter trips, and travelers who prefer a larger seaside resort ship |
| Cuxhaven | Cassen Eils, Catamaran | about 75 minutes | Additional seasonal trips | Quick day trips and multi-day trips |
| Büsum | Adler & Eils, MS Funny Girl | About 2.5 to 3 hours | Seasonal, from spring to fall | Classic Heligoland cruise on a seaside resort ship with a sundeck |
| Büsum | Adler & Eils, Catamaran | about 1 hour and 30 minutes | Selected dates in summer | Quick day trip from the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein |
| Wilhelmshaven | Adler & Eils, Adler Cat | About 2 hours; longer with a stop in Hooksiel | Selected dates from spring through fall | Travelers from the Jade region and northwestern Lower Saxony |
| Hooksiel | Adler & Eils, Adler Cat | about 1 hour and 30 minutes | Selected dates, some of which depend on the tide | Quick access from the East Frisian coast |
| Sylt and Amrum | Adler Ships, Adler Cat | Depending on the port of departure and schedule | Selected dates in summer and fall | Island hopping between the North Frisian Islands and Heligoland |
Please note that schedules may change at short notice due to weather, tides, or operational reasons. Therefore, please double-check the departure time and dock before you arrive.
If you’d like to travel on the Halunder Jet, you can book your trip from Hamburg, Brunsbüttel, and Cuxhaven directly online with FRS Helgoline.
Ferry or catamaran to Heligoland?
Classic seaside resort ships and modern catamarans sail to Helgoland. Both options take you to the car-free island without a vehicle. However, they differ in terms of travel time, seating capacity, and the experience on board.
| Feature | Catamaran | Seaside resort ship |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | usually significantly shorter | Longer, more leisurely itineraries with more time on board |
| Seat | Usually reserved | Depending on the ship, either free seating or reservable seats |
| Freedom of movement | Partially restricted while sailing | usually more opportunities to move around the ship |
| Outdoor deck | Available, but usability depends on the ship and weather | often features larger open decks |
| Dining | Food and beverages, with some table service | Onboard restaurant, cafeteria, or multiple dining areas |
| Luggage | Limited storage space; follow the provider’s guidelines | Often larger luggage areas and, in some cases, additional luggage service |
| Day trip | especially convenient because of the short crossing | ideal if the boat trip itself is to be part of the excursion |
| Seating Comfort | Various seating and comfort classes available for booking | Spacious salons, some with family and panoramic areas |
The Halunder Jet, operated by FRS Helgoline, offers reserved seats in various seating classes.
You can choose from Jet Class, Panorama, and Premium. Large windows and outdoor decks offer views of the Elbe River and the North Sea during the trip.
The MS Helgoland, operated by Cassen Eils, is a large resort ship with several lounges, dining options, and open decks. It travels more slowly than the catamarans, but in return provides the vital year-round connection between Cuxhaven and Heligoland.
From Büsum, the MS Funny Girl—another classic seaside resort ship—is also in service. During the season, the service is supplemented by high-speed catamaran trips. From Wilhelmshaven and Hooksiel, the “Adler Cat” operates on select dates.
How much does the Ferry to Helgoland cost?
The price of the Ferry to Heligoland depends on the port of departure, the type of ship, the season, and the seat category selected. One-day trips are generally less expensive than round-trips on different days. Depending on the ferry company, special rates are offered for children, families, seniors, groups, and people with severe disabilities.
The following table shows sample prices for adults on a day trip that includes round-trip transportation. The price listed in the booking system for your travel dates is always the final price.
| Departure and Ship | Price for adults from |
|---|---|
| Büsum on the MS Funny Girl | about 62 euros |
| Cuxhaven with the MS Helgoland | about 66 euros |
| Cuxhaven with Halunder Jet, Jet Class | about 76 euros |
| Wilhelmshaven or Hooksiel with Adler Cat | about 76 euros |
| Brunsbüttel with Halunder Jet, Jet Class | about 82 euros |
| Hamburg via Halunder Jet, Jet Class | about 92 euros |
Prices as of August 2026. In addition, there may be temporary fuel surcharges as well as additional fees for certain seasons and seat categories.
Prices on the Halunder Jet also vary depending on the travel date and seat category. Jet Class is the most affordable category. A surcharge applies for seats in Panorama Class, Premium Class, or the front row.
The type of trip also plays a role:
- On a day trip, the outbound and return trips take place on the same day.
- On a multi-day trip, you’ll arrive and leave on different days.
- A one-way trip is a good option if you’re using a different route or mode of transportation for the return trip.
- Family tickets can be cheaper than buying individual tickets.
- Depending on the provider, dogs must be booked and paid for separately.
- Special offers and promotional days may reduce the regular fare.
Don’t just compare ticket prices—also consider the travel time, the trip to the port, parking costs, and the amount of time you’ll have to spend on Heligoland. A slightly more expensive high-speed ferry might be worth it if it gives you more time on the island.
You can book trips on the “Halunder Jet” departing from Hamburg, Brunsbüttel, and Cuxhaven directly online with FRS Helgoline.
A day trip or a vacation on Heligoland?
Heligoland can be visited either as part of a day trip or during a stay lasting several days. For a day trip, it’s not just the duration of the crossing that matters. The key factor is how much time you have on the island between arrival and departure.
For your first visit, you should plan enough time for the Unterland, the lobster stands, the elevator up to the Oberland, and the cliff-edge trail to the Lange Anna. If you also want to visit a museum, go shopping, enjoy a leisurely meal, or take a ferry to the dune, a single day will quickly run out.
Here are some things you can do during a short stay on the island
If you’re staying for about three to four hours, you can:
- walk through the lowlands and past the lobster stands,
- reach the Oberland by elevator or by taking the stairs,
- explore part of the cliff-edge trail,
- see the Lange Anna and the Lummenfelsen,
- Take a short break at a café or restaurant.
More time for Heligoland and the dune
If you’re staying for a longer period, you can also:
- walk the entire Cliff Edge Trail,
- visit the Heligoland Museum,
- shop more extensively,
- take a guided tour or an island tour,
- Take the dune ferry across to the dune.
If you want to visit the dune, you should allow extra time for the ferry ride and any possible wait times. For a day trip, it often makes more sense to focus on either the main island or the dune.
If you want to experience Heligoland in the evening, explore the dunes at length, or go hiking without feeling rushed, staying overnight is the better choice. If you’re arriving and departing on different days, you’ll need either a multi-day pass or two one-way tickets.
Which route is best for a day trip?
The fastest crossings usually depart from Cuxhaven and Hooksiel. The trip from Brunsbüttel is also relatively short. If you leave from Hamburg, you’ll spend significantly more time on the ship, but you’ll get to enjoy a longer ride across the Elbe.
From Büsum, you can choose between the classic seaside resort Ferry and faster catamaran trips. From Wilhelmshaven and Hooksiel, departure days and times depend more on the seasonal schedule.
When making your selection, pay special attention to:
- the travel time in each direction,
- the actual length of stay on Heligoland,
- the distance from your place of residence to the port of departure,
- Parking and rail access,
- the time of the return trip,
- Possible special tours with an extended stay on the island.
On select days, FRS Helgoline offers what are known as XXL trips. On these trips, the return journey departs later than in the regular schedule, allowing passengers to spend significantly more time on Heligoland.
Schedule and Season: When Do Ferries Sail to Heligoland?
Most ferry services to Heligoland operate seasonally from spring through fall. During this time, ships and catamarans depart from Hamburg, Brunsbüttel, Cuxhaven, Büsum, Wilhelmshaven, and Hooksiel, among other ports.
In winter, the selection is significantly smaller. Regular supply and passenger transport are then handled by the MS Helgoland from Cuxhaven. Even for this year-round service, changes may occur due to shipyard maintenance, schedule adjustments, or weather-related cancellations.
Since schedules vary depending on the season, day of the week, and weather conditions, you shouldn’t plan your trip based solely on general frequency information. Always check the schedule for your desired travel date.
Where do ships dock on Heligoland?
Helgoland has several docks and harbor areas. Depending on the ship, weather conditions, and operational circumstances, ships arrive at the South Harbor, the Helgoland Wharf, or the Inner Harbor.
The “Halunder Jet” and the “MS Helgoland” dock directly at the harbor. You do not need to transfer to a Börteboat for these connections. However, the specific pier used on the day of travel is subject to change on short notice.
On the way back, be sure to:
- the information on your ticket,
- Current information from the shipping company,
- the advertisements and announcements on Heligoland,
- Possible changes between the Inland Port, South Port, and Helgoland Wharf.
From the harbor areas, you can walk to the lowlands and the lobster stands. A small Ferry runs to the dune. Depending on the weather, it departs from the landing stage or the Northeast Harbor.
Traveling to Heligoland with a Dog and Luggage
Dogs are allowed on many routes to Heligoland. However, the specific conditions vary depending on the ship and the shipping company. Larger dogs generally must be declared at the time of booking. Leash and muzzle requirements may apply in some cases. Dogs are not permitted in certain comfort classes.
Check the following before booking:
- whether your dog needs to be registered,
- what shipping fee applies,
- whether a muzzle is required,
- in which areas of the ship dogs are allowed,
- What rules apply on Heligoland and the Dune.
For a day trip, carry-on luggage is usually sufficient. For a longer stay, however, you should check the shipping company’s baggage policies. Depending on the route, larger pieces of luggage can be checked or transported to your accommodations for a fee.
Strollers and wheelchairs can be brought on board on many routes. If you need assistance boarding or disembarking, you should notify the shipping company well in advance of your trip.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Wind, wave height, and visibility can affect ferry service to Heligoland. Departures may be delayed or rerouted to a different pier. In the worst-case scenario, they may even have to be canceled entirely. This also applies to modern catamarans and larger resort ferries.
So, on the day of your trip, make sure to:
- the latest schedule updates from your shipping line,
- Emails or text messages regarding your reservation,
- Weather and storm warnings,
- the confirmed investor for the return trip.
If you have an important connecting trip planned after your return, be sure to allow plenty of extra time. Strong winds can delay your arrival on the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ferry to Heligoland
Where do Ferries to Heligoland depart from?
There are regular or seasonal ferry services from Cuxhaven, Hamburg, Brunsbüttel, Büsum, Wilhelmshaven, and Hooksiel. On select dates, additional ferry services are offered from Sylt and Amrum.
Which shipping companies offer service to Heligoland?
The routes are operated by the shipping companies FRS Helgoline, Cassen Eils, Adler & Eils, and Adler-Schiffe. The specific shipping company, ship, and schedule depend on the port of departure.
Which is the fastest Ferry to Heligoland?
The catamarans departing from Cuxhaven and Hooksiel are among the fastest routes. Depending on the ship and the schedule, the crossing takes about 70 to 90 minutes.
Does the ferry to Heligoland run year-round?
Most routes operate only from spring through fall. However, the MS Helgoland provides year-round service to Helgoland from Cuxhaven. Occasional service interruptions and schedule changes are possible.
How much does a trip to Heligoland cost?
A day trip for adults typically costs between 60 and 90 euros, depending on the port of departure and the ship. Higher comfort classes, peak season, multi-day trips, and temporary surcharges can increase the price.
How much time do I have on a day trip to Heligoland?
The length of the stay depends on the schedule and the port of departure. Guests typically spend about three to five hours on the island. On special trips, a significantly longer stay is possible.
Is a day trip to Heligoland enough?
A day trip is enough to see the lobster stands, the Oberland, the Klippenrandweg trail, and the Lange Anna. If you also want to visit the dune or explore the island at your own pace, it’s a good idea to plan on staying at least one night.
Do I need to make a reservation for the Ferry to Helgoland?
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends, during school breaks, and in the peak season. On catamarans, a specific seat is usually reserved.
Where does the Ferry arrive on Heligoland?
Depending on the ship, weather conditions, and operations, vessels use either the South Harbor, the Helgoland Wharf, or the Inland Harbor. Therefore, always check the current day’s designated docking location before your return trip.
Can I take my car with me to Heligoland?
No, visitors leave their vehicles at the port of departure. Various parking options are available in Hamburg, Brunsbüttel, Cuxhaven, Büsum, and the other ports of departure.
Discover the island paradise Helgoland – pure nature experience and relaxation
Welcome to Heligoland, the unique harbor town in Germany that inspires with its breathtaking nature, fascinating sights and relaxed atmosphere. Immerse yourself in a world of contrasts, from the imposing rocky cliffs to the idyllic sandy beaches. Discover the diverse wildlife, explore the charming downtown area and enjoy the fresh North Sea air. Helgoland offers you an unforgettable island experience.
Places of interest & excursions
- Guillemot cliffs: Admire the majestic cliffs where numerous seabirds, such as guillemots and gannets, make their home. Watch the colorful hustle and bustle of the birds and enjoy the spectacular view of the sea.
- Lange Anna: Marvel at Helgoland’s landmark, a striking rocky outcrop rising from the sea. Explore the surrounding rocks and learn more about their geological formation.
- Heligoland lobster shacks: Stroll along the picturesque rows of colorful lobster shacks, traditional wooden houses on stilts. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the island and visit the small stores and cafes in the stalls.
Activities
- Mudflat Hikes: Explore the unique ecosystem of the Wadden Sea on a guided mudflat hike. Discover the diversity of flora and fauna and feel the special energy of this natural phenomenon.
- Boat trips: Take a boat trip around Heligoland or to the neighboring islands and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Food and drink and shopping facilities
On Helgoland you will find a variety of cozy restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy North German cuisine and fresh seafood. Be sure to try the freshly caught fish, delivered directly from local fishermen. Treat yourself to a delicious crab roll or enjoy a cup of East Frisian tea with a slice of the famous Heligoland island cake.
The island also offers a wide range of shopping opportunities. Stroll along the main street and discover stores selling souvenirs, fashion, jewelry and local products. Don’t forget to take a bottle of the famous Helgoland Helgolander schnapps home with you as a souvenir.
Public transportation
Heligoland is car-free, which contributes to its relaxed atmosphere. You can easily explore the island on foot or take the island train. There are also a few e-taxis on the island.
Arrival and departure
To get to Heligoland, you can, for example, take the Ferry from Bremerhaven, Brunsbüttel, Cuxhaven, or Hamburg. Depending on the port of departure, the crossing takes between 70 minutes and 3.5 hours and gives you the chance to enjoy the North Sea.
Accommodation
Helgoland offers a selection of cozy hotels, guesthouses and apartments where you can enjoy your stay. From small boutique hotels to family-friendly accommodation, there is something for every taste and budget. In the vicinity of the island there are also campsites and other accommodation facilities.
Experience the unique island paradise of Helgoland and be enchanted by its natural beauty and maritime charm. Enjoy the peace and serenity as you explore the sights, sample local specialties and inhale the fresh sea air. On Helgoland you will create unforgettable vacation memories.