Travel to Sweden by ferry or bridge(s) from Germany
When you want to travel to Sweden, Germany and Denmark are both pretty good ferry hubs. When you travel from Germany to Sweden by ferry, you have roughly seven ferries to choose from. You can also drive via Denmark and the Oresundsbridge to Malmö, Sweden, if you don't mind staying longer in the car.
If you don't want to spend too much time on a boat, this is an ideal option, and it's probably the fastest driving the whole journey. Nonetheless, it doesn't have the comfort of a ferry journey. When you travel by ferry from, for example, Kiel to Gothenburg, your vacation starts by boarding the ferry.
So, in short you can either travel from Sweden to Germany via the following options
- By a direct ferry, for example, Trelleborg Rostock, Malmo Travemunde, Trelleborg Sassnitz, Rostock-Stockholm (on hold), or Gothenborg – Kiel
- Indirect ferry: from Germany to Denmark and then by car or ferry to Sweden.
- By bridge: traveling from Germany via the Danish highways and then via the Sontbridge to Sweden.
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Changes on the Baltic Sea ferry routes
Over the past few months, there have been notable developments in the ferry services operating in the Baltic Sea. The ferry route from Sassnitz to Ystad has transitioned to Sassnitz Trelleborg. Unfortunately, the Skane Jet, operated by FRS Baltic on this route, had to conclude its ferry season prematurely this year due to challenges related to the availability of engine spare parts. ((Sassnitz Trelleborg ferry season ends early, FerryGoGo.com) Additionally, the ferry route from Rostock to Stockholm from Hansa Destinations is temporarily suspended, but there are plans to resume operations in 2024.
Map with ferry routes to Sweden from Germany
The bright orange routes in the ferry map are active crossings from Germany to Sweden at the moment – the barely visible routes are currently on hold or just stopped working.
This map lets you quickly zoom in and out and figure out the different routes from Germany to Sweden. You can go directly by ferry from Germany to Sweden; you can travel via Denmark and the Sontbridge, or Denmark and then the ferry.
Crossing to Sweden is possible by car since there are a lot of bridges, and in almost all cases, you can bring your vehicle on the ferry. However, in a lot of instances the ferry is the better choice when it comes to comfort and entertainment.
Travel tip: compare prices for the ferry to Sweden from Germany
Ferry prices experience significant increases as the vessels reach capacity, particularly during peak seasons when both the ferries and parking facilities quickly reach their limits. To avoid paying exorbitant fares, it is advisable to make advance reservations.
Given the multiple routes available and the competitive nature of the crossings to Sweden, you can likely save some money by comparing prices from different providers.
For instance, Stena Line, operating on the Kiel-Gothenburg route, offers a cost-effective fare calendar that can assist you in identifying the most favorable dates and pricing options.
Also on this page
Option 1: direct ferry to Sweden from Germany
When you leave Germany, most of the departure ports are somewhat close to each other. So it makes the most sense to look at where you have to be in Sweden and the different options to sail or drive to your location costs. There is a direct ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg; this is an excellent option if you enjoy being on a ferry and don't mind spending a night onboard.
There are also ferries departing from Travemunde to Malmo and Trelleborg if you need to be more in the Southern regions of Sweden. There was also a ferry to Stockholm from Rostock, which is currently on hold.
Onboard the ships are entertainment, restaurants, kids' play centres, and more to make your trip enjoyable.
There are plenty of choices, and you can travel to the cities of Gothenborg, Malmo, and Trelleborg directly by ferry to Germany.
Germany ⇔ Sweden
Option 2: Travelling from Germany to Sweden via Denmark
Option 2 is to travel from Germany to Sweden via Denmark. You can travel this route by car from Germany to Denmark first and then from Denmark to Sweden by either bridge (Oresundbridge / Sontbridge) to Sweden or by one of the ferries from Denmark to Sweden.
If you want to travel from Germany to Sweden by car, you must travel via both the Storebaeltbride (Great Belt Bridge) and the Oresundbridge. Further down this page, you can find info on this route.
Sweden ⇔ Denmark
Option 3 Driving to Sweden from Germany (via Denmark)
It is even possible to travel to Sweden from Germany by car via the Great Belt Bridge heading to Copenhagen and then from Copenhagen via the Sontbridge to Malmö (Sontbridge) and then take the ferry from Denmark to Germany. Or you can travel from Puttgarden to Rodby and later take the bridge from Copenhagen to Malmö.
Puttgarden-Rødby
The Puttgarden-Rodby connection, operated by Scandlines, offers the quickest crossing between Denmark and Germany, with a ferry ride lasting just 45 minutes.
Rostock-Gedser
If you’re looking for a swift and scenic way to sail from Germany to Denmark, hop on board the Scandlines ferry from Rostock to Gedser. In just two hours, you’ll glide across the Baltic Sea and arrive at your destination, ready to explore the wonders of Scandinavia.
Timetable, availability, and compare prices
Our online booking module makes it easy to find and book your desired ferry crossing. All you have to do is enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates. The system will show you the best routes and possible alternatives. You can then choose the ferry that best suits your needs and budget. Have a great trip!
Frequent Asked Questions ferries to Sweden from Germany
If you travel from Germany or elsewhere in Europe to Sweden, then Germany is one of the best ferry hubs for Sweden. From Germany, 7 ferries are sailing directly to Sweden. Amongst them are the popular connections from Kiel to Gothenburg, Rostock Trelleborg, Travemunde-Trelleborg and more.
On almost all ferries to Sweden from Germany you can bring your car, if you book well in advance and acquired a spot on the parking deck in your reservation. You can even drive to Sweden from Germany (via Denmark). Then you make the crossing via the Sontbridge which connects Copenhagen to Malmo.
The ferries leaving from Sassnitz (Northern Germany) and heading for Trelleborg in Southern Sweden are among the quickest connections between the two countries. Via this route, you can be from Germany to Sweden in just 2.5 hours.
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