Ballen Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Ballen is accessible via regular ferry services connecting Samsø to mainland Denmark. From Zealand, ferries depart from Kalundborg with connections to Ballen taking approximately 1.5 hours. From Jutland, the ferry from Hou to Sælvig (on Samsø's west coast) takes about 1 hour, followed by a 20-minute drive to Ballen. Once on Samsø, local buses connect the ferry terminals to Ballen, though renting bicycles or cars on the island offers more flexibility. For those arriving by car, ample parking is available near the harbor, with some seasonal restrictions during peak summer months.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Samsø island, Ballen welcomes visitors with its picturesque harbor and relaxed maritime atmosphere. This quintessential Danish coastal town blends fishing heritage with modern amenities, creating an ideal gateway to explore Denmark's renewable energy island. As ferries glide into the harbor, travelers are greeted by colorful buildings, bobbing fishing boats, and the promise of authentic island experiences just steps from the port.

Summer (June-August) brings Ballen to life with warm temperatures around 18-22°C, making it perfect for harbor strolls and outdoor dining. This high season features the popular Samsø Festival in July, when the harbor buzzes with activity and advanced ferry bookings are essential. Spring (April-May) offers milder weather and blooming countryside, while early autumn (September) provides warm days without summer crowds. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during summer months. Winter visits (November-March) reveal a quieter, authentic island lifestyle with fewer tourists, though some restaurants and shops operate on reduced hours.

Ballen serves as an excellent starting point for exploring both nearby islands and mainland destinations. From here, you can connect to Kalundborg on Zealand, opening access to Copenhagen which is just a 1.5-hour train ride away. The Jutland peninsula is accessible via the Sælvig-Hou ferry route, connecting you to Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, in about 2 hours from the port. The scenic route to Tunø island makes for a perfect day trip, with its car-free environment and historic church tower doubling as a lighthouse. During summer, special ferry routes may connect to smaller Danish islands, offering unique island-hopping experiences through the picturesque archipelago.

Ballen's working harbor forms the heart of local life, where you can watch fishing boats return with the day's catch and enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants like Skipperly or Ballen Badehotel. Just inland, Samsø's famous potatoes and other organic produce can be sampled at farm shops and the weekend markets in Ballen's town square. Rent bicycles to explore the network of cycling paths that connect to Nordby's preserved 18th-century village (8km north) or Besser's ancient burial mounds (7km south). The island's energy academy showcases Samsø's world-renowned renewable energy projects, while numerous beaches near Ballen offer swimming in crystal-clear Baltic waters. Don't miss tasting the local Samsø Bær fruit wines or enjoying a craft beer at Samsø Bryghus.

Ballen harbor was once a smugglers' haven during the 18th century, with hidden tunnels reportedly connecting harborside buildings to facilitate moving contraband goods. Samsø island, accessed through Ballen, has achieved energy independence and actually exports renewable energy to the mainland, producing 100% of its electricity from wind power. The waters around Ballen are unusually clear due to specific Baltic currents, making it a surprisingly good spot for snorkeling despite its northern latitude. Local tradition holds that sailors who visit Ballen should touch the harbor's old wooden mooring post for good luck on their onward journey.