Emden Ferries

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

Emden is well-connected to Germany's transportation network, making it accessible from various starting points. By road, the A31 motorway connects directly to the city, while regional trains serve Emden's main station with connections to major hubs like Bremen (about 2 hours) and Hamburg (approximately 3 hours). If arriving from further afield, the nearest international airports are in Bremen and Hamburg, from where you can continue your journey by train. Public buses connect the train station to the ferry terminal, running regularly throughout the day. For those arriving by car, several parking facilities are available near the harbor area, including long-term options if you're continuing your journey by ferry.

Nestled at the mouth of the River Ems in Lower Saxony, Emden stands as a charming harbor city with a rich seafaring heritage dating back centuries. This bustling port city combines historical charm with modern maritime functionality, serving as a vital connection point to the North Sea and beyond. Visitors to Emden will find themselves immersed in a unique blend of Frisian culture, impressive maritime history, and the refreshing coastal atmosphere of Germany's northwestern edge.

Emden enjoys a typical North Sea climate with mild summers and cool winters, with the most pleasant weather occurring from May through September. The summer months of June to August offer the warmest temperatures (averaging 18-22°C) and are ideal for exploring the city and enjoying harbor activities. May and September provide a wonderful balance of good weather with fewer tourists. The annual Matjesfest (Herring Festival) in June celebrates the city's fishing heritage with local specialties and entertainment. Ferry services operate year-round, though schedules are more frequent during summer months, and winter crossings may occasionally face weather-related adjustments.

Emden serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the magnificent East Frisian Islands. Regular ferry services connect to Borkum, the largest of these islands, with a journey time of about 80 minutes across the Wadden Sea. The Dutch harbor town of Delfzijl can be reached in under an hour, offering a taste of neighboring Netherlands without extensive travel. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the ferry connections to the Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkable tidal flats and diverse birdlife. The scenic routes across the Dollart Bay provide spectacular views of the coastal landscape, making the journey itself a memorable part of your travel experience.

The Kunsthalle Emden houses an impressive collection of modern art, making it a cultural highlight not to be missed when visiting the harbor city. History enthusiasts should head to the Ostfriesisches Landesmuseum, which chronicles the region's rich maritime past through fascinating exhibits and artifacts. The historic Ratsdelft harbor area offers charming cafés where you can sample local specialties like Ostfriesische Teetorte (East Frisian tea cake) while watching boats come and go. For a unique perspective of Emden, take a harbor tour aboard one of the small cruise boats that navigate the city's waterways and provide insights into its shipping industry. The pedestrian-friendly Neutorstraße offers excellent shopping opportunities just a short walk from the harbor.

Despite its modest size, Emden boasts one of the largest Volkswagen factories in Germany, where cars are loaded directly onto ships at the factory's own harbor. The city is known as the 'Ottostadt' (Otto City) because comedian Otto Waalkes, one of Germany's most famous entertainers, was born here and has his own museum. Emden's distinctive water tower, built in 1911, once contained Germany's first paternoster elevator and now serves as an iconic landmark visible from arriving ferries. The city was almost completely rebuilt after World War II, with over 80% of it destroyed during bombing raids, making its current charm even more remarkable.