Port information & tips for Vitte (Hiddensee Island)
Vitte is the lively cultural center of the car-free island of Hiddensee and a true jewel on the German Baltic coast. The village enchants visitors with its maritime flair, characteristic thatched-roof houses, and an untouched natural landscape that promises pure relaxation. Cultural highlights include the informative Nationalparkhaus Hiddensee, the historic Ackerbürgerhaus, and the famous Blaue Scheune, all of which are located in the immediate vicinity. Ships dock at the Kommunalhafen Vitte, which is located in the heart of the village thanks to its central position. From this landing stage, cozy cafes, the wide sandy beach, and the island's picturesque hiking trails are easily accessible in just a few minutes on foot.
Vitte on Hiddensee is a unique destination that is only accessible by water, as the island is car-free. Arrival is therefore always via a ferry connection from the nearby ports on Rügen or from the mainland.
Car & Parking (Mainland)
For arrival by car, head for western Rügen, primarily the ferry port of Schaprode. Thanks to the A20 motorway and the Rügen feeder road (B96N), you can easily reach Stralsund and continue via the B96N through Samtens, Gingst, and Trent directly to Schaprode. Guarded long-term parking spaces are available there at the entrance to the village as well as directly at the port, with fees for cars ranging between €5.00 and €7.50 per day. A port express conveniently connects the parking lot at the village entrance with the ferry pier. From Schaprode, you can reach Vitte by ferry in about 45 to 48 minutes.
Train & Ferry
The environmentally friendly train journey takes you either to Stralsund main station or to Bergen auf Rügen station, both of which are excellently connected to the national ICE and IC network. From Stralsund, you can either take a ferry directly to Vitte, with this crossing taking about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Stralsund main station to the ferry port of Schaprode. Travelers arriving in Bergen auf Rügen use bus line 35, which takes you directly to the ferry port of Schaprode. Direct booking of the train journey all the way to Hiddensee is also possible with Deutsche Bahn.
Airplane & Pre-Cruise Hotel
The nearest airport for your cruise from Vitte is Rostock-Laage (RLG). From there, various transfer options such as shuttle buses, taxis, or private driving services (e.g., Sixt ride, Transfeero) are available to take you to the ferry ports on the mainland. The travel time from Rostock-Laage to Stralsund is about 70-90 km. Arriving the day before is particularly recommended due to the ferry connection and the car-free character of the island, allowing you to start your cruise experience relaxed and enjoy the charming atmosphere in a pre-cruise hotel in Schaprode or Stralsund.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Vitte on Hiddensee is a unique destination that is only accessible by water, as the island is car-free. Arrival is therefore always via a ferry connection from the nearby ports on Rügen or from the mainland.
Car & Parking (Mainland)
For arrival by car, head for western Rügen, primarily the ferry port of Schaprode. Thanks to the A20 motorway and the Rügen feeder road (B96N), you can easily reach Stralsund and continue via the B96N through Samtens, Gingst, and Trent directly to Schaprode. Guarded long-term parking spaces are available there at the entrance to the village as well as directly at the port, with fees for cars ranging between €5.00 and €7.50 per day. A port express conveniently connects the parking lot at the village entrance with the ferry pier. From Schaprode, you can reach Vitte by ferry in about 45 to 48 minutes.
Train & Ferry
The environmentally friendly train journey takes you either to Stralsund main station or to Bergen auf Rügen station, both of which are excellently connected to the national ICE and IC network. From Stralsund, you can either take a ferry directly to Vitte, with this crossing taking about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Stralsund main station to the ferry port of Schaprode. Travelers arriving in Bergen auf Rügen use bus line 35, which takes you directly to the ferry port of Schaprode. Direct booking of the train journey all the way to Hiddensee is also possible with Deutsche Bahn.
Airplane & Pre-Cruise Hotel
The nearest airport for your cruise from Vitte is Rostock-Laage (RLG). From there, various transfer options such as shuttle buses, taxis, or private driving services (e.g., Sixt ride, Transfeero) are available to take you to the ferry ports on the mainland. The travel time from Rostock-Laage to Stralsund is about 70-90 km. Arriving the day before is particularly recommended due to the ferry connection and the car-free character of the island, allowing you to start your cruise experience relaxed and enjoy the charming atmosphere in a pre-cruise hotel in Schaprode or Stralsund.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Vitte is centrally located and allows for a relaxed arrival right in the heart of the picturesque, car-free island of Hiddensee.
On foot
Vitte is the cultural center of the island and can be wonderfully explored on a stroll. The village center with its thatched-roof houses and the bathing beach are within easy reach in just a few minutes thanks to the short distances.
Horse-drawn taxi and carriage
Traditional horse-drawn carriages wait for guests directly at the port. These serve as a charming island taxi and transport you and your luggage comfortably to destinations in Vitte or to the neighboring villages of Kloster and Neuendorf.
Bicycle rental
Numerous rental stations are located directly in the port area and offer an ideal way to get around. Thanks to the well-developed and flat paths, you can reach the vast dune heaths and sights of the island flexibly and directly on two wheels.
To fully enjoy the tranquility and car-free charm of Hiddensee, a stroll through the idyllic village of Vitte and an exploration of the natural coastal landscape in the north are recommended.
Vitte Hafen & Blaue Scheune
Vitte is the vibrant heart of the island and welcomes guests with thatched-roof fishermen's houses and the famous Blaue Scheune, which, thanks to its striking color and artistic history, is an ideal destination for a relaxed tour right by the pier.
Der Weststrand von Vitte
Only a few minutes' walk from the harbor, the fine, white sandy beach of the west coast stretches out, perfect for a relaxing break by the sea while offering a wide view over the glittering Baltic Sea.
Leuchtturm Dornbusch
The gleaming white landmark in the north of the island perches on the hilly highlands and rewards visitors after a short hike or a cozy carriage ride with a spectacular panorama over the entire island and the lagoon landscape.
Vitter Strand
The dreamlike Vitter Strand is located just a few minutes' walk from the harbor, directly behind the dike, and offers fine, white Baltic Sea sand as well as a wonderful peace and quiet in the midst of untouched nature. This extensive stretch of coastline is ideal for a relaxing stay by the sea and also features a selection of classic beach chairs as well as a charming tourist infrastructure in the adjacent village. Thanks to its central location, you can reach cozy cafés for a refreshment at any time in the shortest possible time while simultaneously enjoying the special flair of the car-free island. It is best to visit the beach directly in the morning to experience the vast dune landscape in its full glory, and plan your return path to the pier in a relaxed manner about sixty minutes before departure.
Vitte is the central hub of the car-free island of Hiddensee and allows you a completely relaxed return to your ship's berth. Thanks to the manageable size of the village, you will always reach the port facilities safely and without time pressure.
Island bus
The fully electric island bus runs regularly between the island villages and stops directly at the central Vitte Hafen station. The timetables are reliably coordinated with the ship traffic and offer you a comfortable connection from the direction of Kloster or Neuendorf back to the pier.
Horse-drawn carriages
For an authentic return journey, traditional horse taxis are available to bring you comfortably from the sights or excursion restaurants back to the harbor. This leisurely mode of transport ensures a stress-free arrival and also leaves you enough time to enjoy the passing dune landscape in peace.
On foot and by bike
From the nearby sandy beach or the cafés in the center of the village, you can walk back directly to the harbor basin in a very short time via the well-developed and signposted paths. As the harbor facility forms the prominent center of Vitte, the way is easy to find and offers you pleasant orientation for a timely check-in.
