Hou Ferries

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

Hou is primarily accessed via ferry services connecting Samsø Island to mainland Denmark. From Zealand, travelers can take the ferry from Kalundborg, while those coming from Jutland can sail from Hou (Jutland) to Samsø's Hou port. By road, visitors first drive to either Kalundborg or Jutland's Hou before boarding the ferry. Train connections are available to Kalundborg from Copenhagen (approximately 1.5 hours), where the ferry terminal is within walking distance from the station. For those arriving by car, ample parking is available at both mainland ferry terminals, with options for both short and long-term stays.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Samsø Island, Hou serves as a vital maritime gateway to this Danish gem in the Kattegat Sea. This charming port town offers visitors their first taste of Samsø's renowned natural beauty and agricultural bounty. As your ferry approaches Hou's harbor, you'll be greeted by a picturesque coastline that perfectly introduces the relaxed pace and scenic splendor awaiting on Denmark's renewable energy island.

Hou and Samsø Island shine brightest during the summer months from June to August, when temperatures average 18-22°C and daylight extends well into the evening. This peak season offers the most frequent ferry crossings and full access to local attractions and restaurants. Spring (April-May) brings blooming landscapes and fewer tourists, making it ideal for peaceful exploration. Early autumn (September) remains pleasant with mild temperatures and the bonus of harvest festivals celebrating Samsø's agricultural heritage. Winter crossings continue but with reduced frequency, and many island businesses operate on limited hours, though the stark coastal beauty has its own quiet appeal.

Hou serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Samsø Island, with the main town of Tranebjerg just a 15-minute drive away, offering museums, shops, and the island's cultural heart. Ferry connections from Samsø also link to Kalundborg on Zealand (75 minutes), opening access to Copenhagen and eastern Denmark. The port town of Hou in Jutland can be reached in about 60 minutes, connecting travelers to Aarhus and northern Denmark. For the adventurous, summer boat tours occasionally operate to smaller surrounding islands, providing a delightful way to experience the Danish archipelago's maritime character and hidden coastal treasures.

The waters around Hou offer excellent fishing opportunities, with rental equipment available for visitors hoping to catch cod, herring, or sea trout. Just a short distance from the harbor, Hou's beach invites swimming during summer months, while coastal paths provide spectacular walking routes with views across the Kattegat. Food enthusiasts should sample Samsø's famous potatoes and other farm-fresh produce at local markets, or enjoy seafood dishes featuring the morning's catch at harborside eateries. The northern part of Samsø near Hou is home to rolling landscapes perfect for cycling, with rental shops offering bikes to explore the network of quiet roads and dedicated paths that showcase the island's renowned sustainable energy installations.

Hou harbor has been a vital connection point for Samsø since Viking times, with archaeological findings suggesting it served as a meeting place for maritime traders over a thousand years ago. Samsø Island, served by Hou port, achieved international recognition by becoming energy-independent in 2007, producing more renewable energy than it consumes through wind turbines visible from approaching ferries. Curiously, there are two ports named Hou connected by this ferry route – one on Samsø Island and one in Jutland on the mainland, often causing amusing confusion among first-time visitors. The waters around Hou harbor are part of protected marine zones that have helped restore fish populations once depleted by overfishing.