Hamburg Wedel Ferries

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

Wedel is conveniently connected to Hamburg's city center via the S1 S-Bahn line, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes and reaching Wedel in about 30 minutes from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. By car, the journey from central Hamburg takes roughly 25-30 minutes via the B431 highway. The ferry terminal in Wedel is easily accessible by foot from the S-Bahn station, with a pleasant 10-minute walk through the town. For those arriving by car, ample parking is available near the ferry facilities, though arriving early during summer weekends is recommended as spaces fill quickly.

Nestled on the banks of the Elbe River, Wedel combines the charm of a historic maritime town with easy access to Hamburg's metropolitan buzz. This picturesque suburb offers visitors a peaceful retreat with its riverside promenades and green spaces, while maintaining strong connections to Hamburg's vibrant port culture. As a key ferry point along the Elbe, Wedel serves as both a destination in its own right and a perfect launching point for exploring the wider Hamburg region by water.

Wedel shines brightest from late spring through early autumn (May to September), when temperatures range from pleasant 15-25°C (59-77°F) and outdoor activities along the Elbe are at their peak. Summer months bring the popular Wedel Harbor Festival and extended ferry schedules, making it ideal for river excursions. Fall offers spectacular foliage along the riverbanks and fewer tourists, particularly in September when the weather remains mild. Winter brings a special charm with holiday markets, though ferry services may operate on reduced schedules. Spring visitors are rewarded with blooming gardens at the famous Rosarium and gradually increasing ferry frequency as the season progresses.

From Wedel's ferry terminal, travelers can embark on delightful journeys across the Elbe to Blankenese, reaching this picturesque hillside district in just 15 minutes while enjoying stunning river views. Further downstream, the historic town of Stade awaits after a scenic 45-minute ferry ride, offering well-preserved medieval architecture and charming harbor-side cafés. Nature enthusiasts can reach the Altes Land region, Germany's largest contiguous fruit-growing area, via a 30-minute ferry crossing that reveals orchards stretching to the horizon. The Elbe's northern banks are also accessible, with ferries connecting to various points along the scenic Elbe Cycling Route, making Wedel an excellent base for both day trips and longer explorations.

Wedel's crowning attraction is the Willkomm-Höft (Welcome Point), where ships from around the world are greeted with their national anthems and flags as they enter Hamburg's waters – a tradition since 1952. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the Wedeler Marsch, a protected wetland area offering excellent bird watching and peaceful walking trails along the Elbe. For cultural enthusiasts, the Ernst Barlach House showcases works by the famous sculptor in an elegant setting. Culinary adventures await at waterfront restaurants serving fresh North Sea fish specialties and traditional northern German fare – try the local Pannfisch (pan-fried fish) paired with a crisp regional beer while watching vessels navigate the busy Elbe.

Wedel harbors the unusual distinction of maintaining the last remaining ship-greeting station in Europe at Willkomm-Höft, where over 50 different national anthems might be played on a busy shipping day. The town's maritime heritage includes being home to the Schulauer Fährhaus, a historic inn where river pilots once gathered before guiding ships through the challenging Elbe passages. Wedel's iconic water tower, built in 1927, has survived both World War II and numerous modernization efforts to remain a beloved landmark visible from far across the river. The area was once famous for its strawberry fields, with a narrow-gauge railway nicknamed the 'Strawberry Line' that transported the fruit to Hamburg markets until the 1970s.