Port information & tips for Heligoland
Heligoland is Germany's only high-sea island and delights as a fascinating natural monument in the middle of the North Sea. The striking red Buntsandstein cliffs and the vast blue of the sea create a unique panorama that immediately provides relaxation thanks to the car-free tranquility and fresh sea air. Absolute highlights include the majestic landmark "Lange Anna", the colorful Hummerbuden on the harbor promenade, and the neighboring Düne with its seal colonies. Cruise ships use the modern Südhafen or anchor at roadstead, from where traditional Börteboote safely bring guests to the central Landungsbrücke. From here, travelers can reach the charming Unterland as well as the convenient elevator to the Oberland in just a few moments on foot.
Heligoland, Germany's only deep-sea island, welcomes cruise guests in a unique atmosphere. Since the island is car-free, you can reach the port easily via ferry or catamaran connections from various mainland ports such as Cuxhaven, Hamburg, or Büsum, with larger cruise ships mostly anchoring offshore and tendering, while smaller ships dock directly in the South Port.
Car
For travel to the departure ports, use convenient highway connections. To reach Cuxhaven, take the A27 or B73 and follow the signs for "Helgoland / Fährhafen" or "Alte Liebe". Parking is available directly at the Cassen Eils ferry terminal (Am Fährhafen 4) for approximately €7.00 per day. There are also paid parking spaces in the immediate vicinity behind the dike at the "Alte Liebe" pier in Cuxhaven, where the FRS Helgoline catamaran departs. In addition, Park & Cruise providers such as Helgoland Park & Relax offer secure parking spaces with a free shuttle service to the pier in Cuxhaven in about 5 to 10 minutes. To reach Büsum, take the A23, exit Heide-West, and then follow the B203. At the port of Büsum, you will find paid parking lots (P3-P6) for around €10.00 per day or the free parking lot P2, which is about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the pier. For guests traveling from Hamburg, the FRS Helgoline catamaran is accessible at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, Bridge 3/4, with various parking options in Hamburg city center.
Train
The mainland ports are excellently connected to the German rail network. You can reach Cuxhaven station directly with the RE5 line from Hamburg or from Bremen via Bremerhaven-Lehe (RE8/RE9 to Bremerhaven-Lehe, changing to RB33 to Cuxhaven), which means a total travel time of about 1.5 hours. From Cuxhaven station, you can reach the ferry port on foot in about 20 minutes or comfortably with bus line 1006 to the "Alte Liebe" stop. To reach Büsum, you can travel easily via Heide (Holstein) station with hourly connections to Büsum; the journey from Heide to Büsum takes around 30 minutes. From Büsum station to the ferry pier, it is about 1.1 to 1.4 kilometers, which you can cover on foot in 14 to 25 minutes, or you can use a local taxi or the Krabben-Express for the transfer to the Heligoland ships.
Airplane
The nearest international airports for your journey are Hamburg Airport (HAM) and Bremen Airport (BRE). From Hamburg Airport, you can reach Cuxhaven by taxi in about 2 hours and 25 minutes, with costs ranging between €259 and €500. Alternatively, private transfer options from Hamburg to Cuxhaven are available. From Bremen Airport (BRE), the train journey to Cuxhaven takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes, with costs between €40 and €120. For a direct transfer to Cuxhaven by taxi or private service, you can expect costs between €165 and €208. For onward travel to Büsum from Hamburg Airport, a train journey via Hamburg-Altona to Heide and then to Büsum is recommended. Smaller aircraft can fly to the Heide/Büsum airfield, but there is currently no regular scheduled flight service for passengers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
Heligoland, Germany's only deep-sea island, welcomes cruise guests in a unique atmosphere. Since the island is car-free, you can reach the port easily via ferry or catamaran connections from various mainland ports such as Cuxhaven, Hamburg, or Büsum, with larger cruise ships mostly anchoring offshore and tendering, while smaller ships dock directly in the South Port.
Car
For travel to the departure ports, use convenient highway connections. To reach Cuxhaven, take the A27 or B73 and follow the signs for "Helgoland / Fährhafen" or "Alte Liebe". Parking is available directly at the Cassen Eils ferry terminal (Am Fährhafen 4) for approximately €7.00 per day. There are also paid parking spaces in the immediate vicinity behind the dike at the "Alte Liebe" pier in Cuxhaven, where the FRS Helgoline catamaran departs. In addition, Park & Cruise providers such as Helgoland Park & Relax offer secure parking spaces with a free shuttle service to the pier in Cuxhaven in about 5 to 10 minutes. To reach Büsum, take the A23, exit Heide-West, and then follow the B203. At the port of Büsum, you will find paid parking lots (P3-P6) for around €10.00 per day or the free parking lot P2, which is about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the pier. For guests traveling from Hamburg, the FRS Helgoline catamaran is accessible at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, Bridge 3/4, with various parking options in Hamburg city center.
Train
The mainland ports are excellently connected to the German rail network. You can reach Cuxhaven station directly with the RE5 line from Hamburg or from Bremen via Bremerhaven-Lehe (RE8/RE9 to Bremerhaven-Lehe, changing to RB33 to Cuxhaven), which means a total travel time of about 1.5 hours. From Cuxhaven station, you can reach the ferry port on foot in about 20 minutes or comfortably with bus line 1006 to the "Alte Liebe" stop. To reach Büsum, you can travel easily via Heide (Holstein) station with hourly connections to Büsum; the journey from Heide to Büsum takes around 30 minutes. From Büsum station to the ferry pier, it is about 1.1 to 1.4 kilometers, which you can cover on foot in 14 to 25 minutes, or you can use a local taxi or the Krabben-Express for the transfer to the Heligoland ships.
Airplane
The nearest international airports for your journey are Hamburg Airport (HAM) and Bremen Airport (BRE). From Hamburg Airport, you can reach Cuxhaven by taxi in about 2 hours and 25 minutes, with costs ranging between €259 and €500. Alternatively, private transfer options from Hamburg to Cuxhaven are available. From Bremen Airport (BRE), the train journey to Cuxhaven takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes, with costs between €40 and €120. For a direct transfer to Cuxhaven by taxi or private service, you can expect costs between €165 and €208. For onward travel to Büsum from Hamburg Airport, a train journey via Hamburg-Altona to Heide and then to Büsum is recommended. Smaller aircraft can fly to the Heide/Büsum airfield, but there is currently no regular scheduled flight service for passengers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
On Heligoland, you will experience a special kind of arrival, as larger ships lie at anchor and you are conveniently brought directly to the island center in traditional boats.
Börteboote
The historic Börteboote, made of solid oak, pick you up directly from the cruise ship and bring you safely to the Landungsbrücke. This traditional transfer is an integral part of the island's culture and simultaneously offers you a wonderful first panoramic view of the red buntsandstein cliffs.
On Foot and Elevator
The center as well as all sights in the Unterland can be reached within a few minutes on foot directly from the landing stage. Thanks to a public elevator, you can also easily and quickly reach the Oberland to enjoy the circular path to the Lange Anna and the unique view over the North Sea.
Electric Taxis
As the island is largely car-free, special electric taxis are available for passenger transport at the Landungsbrücke and central squares. These environmentally friendly vehicles transport you comfortably to more remote points on the island and, thanks to their compact design, ensure a direct trip through the charming alleys of Heligoland.
To make the most of your shore excursion on Helgoland, we recommend exploring the bustling harbor area combined with a hike to the island's iconic cliff formations.
Unterland & Hummerbuden
The brightly colored Hummerbuden directly at the harbor exude maritime flair and, thanks to small art galleries and duty-free shopping opportunities, invite you to take an inspiring stroll immediately after docking. In addition, local restaurants provide the ideal setting to sample fresh North Sea specialties such as the famous Knieper in a historically shaped environment.
Oberland & Lange Anna
The impressive high plateau is easily accessible by elevator and, thanks to the well-developed cliff edge path, offers a spectacular view of the free-standing Lange Anna sea stack and the seabird colonies nesting there. At the same time, this circular path allows for an incomparable view over the vastness of the North Sea and is perfect for impressive holiday photos of the red sandstone cliffs.
Die Düne
The offshore bathing island can be reached in just a few minutes by island ferry and impresses with its wide white sandy beaches and the unique opportunity to observe common seals and grey seals at close range. This natural paradise is ideal for a relaxing break by the water and, thanks to its shallow coastal sections, offers a refreshing addition to the lively hustle and bustle on the main island.
The Heligoland Düne
The Heligoland Düne is accessible by the regular dune ferry in less than ten minutes from the Landungsbrücke and offers you dreamy white sandy beaches as well as the fascinating opportunity to observe common seals and grey seals from close proximity. Thanks to the extensive coastal sections and the clear North Sea air, you will find a perfect place for relaxing hours here, which also features a first-class infrastructure with cozy restaurants and comfortable beach chairs. Ideally, start your excursion directly after tendering in the morning to extensively enjoy the idyllic peace of the Düne, and plan your return to the main village about ninety minutes before your ship departs to let the day come to a relaxed end.
The way back to the port on Helgoland is extremely straightforward and safe thanks to the short distances and the clear structure of the island. You can reach the landing stages in the Unterland easily on foot and will find your way back to your ship on time at any time thanks to the prominent landmarks.
Börteboote and Tender Service
For cruise ships lying at anchor, the traditional Helgoland Börteboote or modern tender boats will bring you directly from the Landungsbrücke back on board. This central departure point is located in the Unterland in the immediate vicinity of the colorful Hummerbuden and is a very reliable way back to the ship thanks to the regular frequency and short waiting times.
Island Elevator and Connecting Stairs
From the sights in the Oberland, such as the Lange Anna or the St. Nicolai Kirche, you can get back down to port level quickly and effortlessly with the glass island elevator at the Falm. In addition, well-maintained stairways lead directly from the edge of the cliffs down to the Unterland, providing you with a constant view of the port area and making orientation to the ship easier.
On Foot and Electric Taxis
On the car-free island, you can stroll quite relaxed through the shopping streets of the Unterland directly to the berths at the Landungsbrücke or in the Südhafen. The paths are barrier-free and, in addition, small electric taxis are available at central points such as the elevator or the port, guaranteeing a particularly comfortable return journey for guests with limited mobility.
