TravemündeGermany · Ferry Destinations

All About Travemünde

Facing the Baltic Sea, the resort town of Travemünde in Germany comes under the administration of Lübeck, which in itself is a port and a Hanseatic city. Originally a fishing village, Travemünde underwent fortification in the 12th-century under the orders of Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony. The town, which has an unquestionable regal air about it, gets its name from the River Trave that passes through its neighborhoods. Taking a ferry to Travemünde is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Transformed into a seaside retreat in 1802, signs of the city being a fortress are now few and far between. Travemünde of today is a multi-sensory destination attracting travelers with its beautiful churches, family-friendly beaches, culinary escapades, and its world-famous annual regatta held during Travemünde Woche.
 

Routes and Ferries to Travemünde

Without a doubt, the most preferred way to reach Travemünde is by sea. Cruise ships routinely moor at the port. However, cruise passengers typically have less than a day to explore the area. With ferry tickets to Travemünde booked via Ferryscanner, one can plan an extended vacation around this enticing borough. Finnlines has frequent boats from Malmö and Helsinki during the week. The journey from Malmö to Travemünde takes nine hours, whereas the one from Helsinki is 29 hours long. TT-Line has vessels arriving from Trelleborg and Klaipeda. Tourists can also buy ferry tickets to Travemünde from Liepaja on boats operated by Stena Line.

If already in Germany, one can fly to Lübeck Airport from Stuttgart and Munich. International travelers will get a better choice of destinations and flights at Hamburg Airport, situated 70km from the city.

Excellent land, sea, and air connections make Travemünde all the more popular as a tourist destination. The city has three railway stations with regular trains arriving from Lübeck and beyond. Buses from Lübeck cost as little as €3. The town, being an important passenger and wheel-cargo port, links seamlessly with the autobahn. It takes roughly one hour by road from Hamburg and 20 minutes from Lübeck to reach Travemünde.
 

Port of Travemünde

A cargo, cruise, and ferry port, Travemünde lies at the mouth of River Trave. Considered an extension of Lübeck Port, it has the largest German ferry terminal in the Baltic Sea. Cruises arriving at the Port of Travemünde stop at Ostpreußenkai, situated opposite the famous Passat museum ship in the central district.

Over 400,000 passengers pass through the ferry terminal of Travemünde, Skandinavienkai, every year. Having nine berths, the dock is a 10-minute bus ride from the town’s heart. It costs €3.20 one way to take this trip. Facilities at the terminal include WCs, parking, duty-free shops, and a restaurant.     
 

Best Beaches

With plentiful beaches along the coast of Lübeck Bay, an inviting sandy stretch is never far from the center of Travemünde. For that perfect day in the water, head out to the east or the west, and you will soon come across a sunny shore with stunning views and attractions for all ages to have a fun time.

Travemünde Strand

Locals, tourists, and residents of Lübeck equally love the main beach of Travemünde. Expectedly, the parking next to the beach fills up fast. To find a lovely spot near the water, reach early, and preferably use public transport or walk. Travemünde Strand buzzes with activity particularly during Travemünde Woche. On other summer weekends, you can visit the bars and cafes on the promenade, rent beach baskets to sunbathe in comfort, and enjoy the cool sea breeze flowing in from the Baltic.

Priwall Strand

On the eastern side of the Trave river is a wide beach with flat sand and rolling low-lying dunes. A popular hangout among locals, Priwall Strand attracts massive crowds during the warmer months. Lifeguards keep a watch on the beach whenever it gets busy. Finding parking is often an issue on the weekends. Priwall is a dog-friendly beach and usually has gentle waves crashing on its shore. Amenities here consist of toilets, beach chairs on rent, and food stalls. A bit further east to the beach is an entire section reserved for nudists.

Timmendorfer Strand

Arguably the top beach near Travemünde, Timmendorfer Strand is a quick 15-minute drive from the city. The 8km long sandy stretch has a lovely promenade, beach chairs, water sports options, and several spas nearby. Kiosks selling refreshments line the edge of the shore, which has a separate sector for dog-walkers. Visited by young and old locals and tourists, the beach has a relaxed, friendly ambiance. When traveling with children, add a visit to the Sea Life Center and Niendorf Bird Park to your beach day itinerary.

Grünstrand

For a relatively quieter beachside experience, head to Grünstrand. Located just past Travemünde Strand, this beach is clean with calm waters and has designated barbequing areas. Popular with windsurfers, the sandy shore is fun to play on and offers sunbathers a chance to wave at passengers with ferry tickets to Travemünde as they sail past regularly during the day. If not looking to go into the sea, the grassy patch and promenade along the beach are ideal for picnics and walks. Grünstrand is one of the best places to rent a sea-facing apartment in the city.

Brodtener Steilküste

Brodtener Steilküste is an offbeat escape, 10-minutes from the city center, that will appeal more to hiking enthusiasts. The beach here is a thin strip alongside a cliff with walking trails. No amenities are available on the beach, but one does come across places to eat, toilets, and a playground during a hike in the area. A lovely little seaside hidden gem, Brodtener Steilküste is perfect for splashing around in the water and having a picnic.
 

Places to Visit

A strong maritime heritage, historic architecture, shopping, and epicurean opportunities give Travemünde a multi-faceted and spirited character. Tourists on vacation in Travemünde can stay occupied for days before even thinking about exploring neighboring cities like Lübeck.

Fishermen’s Harbor

Fishing still forms an essential part of life in Travemünde. At the Fishermen’s Harbor, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s long-established seafaring traditions while simultaneously indulging in gastronomic delights. A quiet and wonderful location for a walk, it is calming to watch fishing boats come and go throughout the day. In the morning, a fleeting buzz forms around the water’s edge as locals come here to buy fresh seafood off the boats. Those looking to savor something special can have fried herring and smoked fish at any cafe or restaurant along the walkway. Come summer, and the Fishermen’s Harbor is home to the famous sand-sculpture museum that consists of 35 extraordinary creations. The entry fee for the exhibition is €9.50.

Passat

A four-masted ship from the early 1900s is now an iconic symbol and biggest attraction of Travemünde. One of eight vessels known as the ‘Flying P-Liners’, Passat spent a considerable time in South America, sailing around Cape Horn. In 1921, the F. Laeisz Company bought the ship from the French. However, it was only in 1960 that Passat finally docked near Priwall in Travemünde to become a museum ship. Inside the boat, visitors learn more about Passat’s history, its around-the-world voyages, and other windjammers. The boat has conference and event spaces, and tourists can also stay overnight in Passat’s cabin rooms.

Old Lighthouse

The red-brick lighthouse of Travemünde is the oldest in all of Germany, built in 1539. At 31 meters, it offers 360-degree far-reaching views of the bay, the city, and its suburbs. Visitors can climb all the way up after paying €2. On the 8th floor of the lighthouse is a maritime museum displaying the monument’s history and information on the technology used by lighthouses over the years.

Old Town

Travemünde might have a modern seaside aura about it, but its Old Town is a step back in time worth a visit. The 450-year-old St. Lorenz Church is a prominent feature of the neighborhood. Built after an older church burnt down due to a fire originating from a nearby brewery, it has a stunning baroque altar and painted ceiling. A stroll around the Old Town reveals some of its other charms, such as vintage half-timber residences, the Alte Vogtei building, and the Timmerman Fountain.

Balthazar

Gourmands will be delighted to know that Travemünde has several Michelin-recommended restaurants, four of which have one star. Only 5km from the center, inside Hotel Yatchclub near Timmendorfer Strand, Baltazar is a fine dining establishment under Chef Oliver Pfahler’s tutelage. Elegant, yet not fancy, the menu here comprises Mediterranean classics with a French touch. Guests can opt for a 4 to 9-course tasting menu or take a cooking class with the chef for €89.
 

Transportation Around Travemünde

Tourists stepping off at the harbor, with ferry tickets to Travemünde in hand, will find the city easy to navigate by walking or cycling. Most attractions are around the city center. The beach promenade, and the primary shopping street, Vorderreihe, are pedestrian-only.

Limited buses start from the train station, stopping at some places around town. Taxis, while available, are not necessary within town limits. Hire a car only if you plan on spending most of your holiday traveling outside Travemünde or Lübeck.