Ferries to Stockholm

Travemünde - Trelleborg

The Lübeck-based ferry operator TT-Line (named after the initials of the two connected ports, Travemünde and Trelleborg) runs the Travemünde → Trelleborg route several times a day. Crossings are available both during the day and overnight. Continuing on from Trelleborg to Stockholm by car takes around 6 hours.

Travemünde - Malmö

Finnish operator Finnlines sails from Travemünde to Malmö and back three times a day. The approach into Malmö, passing beneath the Öresund Bridge, is particularly striking. Continuing on to Stockholm takes around 5 hours 30 minutes by car, or just 4 hours 30 minutes by train.

Rostock - Trelleborg

Up to six ferry connections run daily from Rostock to Trelleborg. TT-Line and Stena Line share this route, but it's still worth comparing prices with both operators. Until 2012, the route was operated by Scandlines. Continuing on from Trelleborg to Stockholm by car takes around 6 hours.

Via Denmark to Sweden

A popular route to Stockholm is via ferry to Denmark and onward across the Öresund Bridge to Malmö. The operator offers combined tickets covering both the ferry crossing and the bridge toll.

Puttgarden - Rødby (the Bird Flight Line)

The classic "Bird Flight Line" from Hamburg to Copenhagen follows the migration path of cranes (hence the name). The ferry crossing from Puttgarden (on the island of Fehmarn) to Rødby (on the Danish island of Falster) takes just 45 minutes; continuing on from Rødby across the Öresund Bridge to Stockholm takes around 8 hours.

Rostock - Gedser

An alternative route runs from Rostock to Gedser on the Danish island of Lolland. Here too, continuing on across the Öresund Bridge to Stockholm takes around 8 hours.

Via Poland direct to Stockholm

If you're travelling from eastern Germany, for example Berlin, this connection could be an alternative. Polish operator Polferries sails several times a week from Gdańsk to Nynäshamn, about 60 km south of Stockholm. The crossing takes around 19 hours. Nynäshamn is already connected to Stockholm's commuter rail network (Pendeltåg). From Berlin, you can reach Gdańsk by car in around 6 hours.

Via Norway to Sweden

Ideal if you'd also like to visit the Norwegian capital, Oslo. A Color Line ferry sails overnight from Kiel to Oslo every day. The connection has existed since 1961 and is the only direct link between Germany and Norway. Continuing on from Oslo to Stockholm takes around 6 hours by car, or just 5 hours 30 minutes on the direct high-speed train.

Via Finland to Stockholm

A truly special experience is the crossing with Finnish operator Finnlines from Travemünde to Helsinki. Once you arrive, you can hop straight onto the next ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm.

Which route is right for you?

• The fastest route. If you simply want to arrive quickly and don't mind a long drive, choose the Bird Flight Line.
• The most popular route. Very likely the Stena Line crossing from Kiel to Göteborg.
• For families. Overnight crossings are recommended - either with Stena Line to Göteborg, or from Travemünde to Trelleborg or Malmö. The latter two routes also combine nicely with a visit to Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby (a detour into Småland).
• The most memorable route is almost a Baltic Sea cruise in itself: from Kiel to Oslo, then by train on to Stockholm. For the return leg, take the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, then the direct ferry back from Helsinki to Travemünde.

Operators set their prices according to supply and demand, so booking well in advance is often significantly cheaper. In peak season, popular dates (such as the start of the summer holidays) can sell out early. Either way, it's worth comparing prices across the different routes - the differences can be substantial. And why not try a different route for a change?