Port information & tips for Magdeburg
Magdeburg is the history-steeped Ottostadt on the Elbe and a cultural jewel in the heart of Saxony-Anhalt. The state capital delights visitors with a harmonious blend of medieval splendor, modern architecture, and extensive parks right on the picturesque riverbank. Absolute highlights include the majestic Magdeburg Cathedral St. Mauritius and Katharina as well as the colorful Green Citadel of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, which forms a fascinating contrast to the historic cityscape. River cruise ships dock centrally at the Petriförder pier, from where the charming city center and the Old Market are within easy walking distance in just a few minutes thanks to the first-class location.
Magdeburg is a significant inland port in Central Germany and a central starting point for river cruises. The docking points, particularly the Petriförder for passenger shipping, are easily accessible and offer a convenient start to your river journey.
Car
Thanks to its direct connection to the German motorway network, traveling to Magdeburg is straightforward. You can reach the port area directly via the A2 (Hannover-Berlin), and the A14 is also easily accessible. For passengers of the Weiße Flotte, paid parking spaces are available directly at the Petriförder, with additional alternatives at the Schleinufer if you are arriving via the B1.
Train
Magdeburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) is an important hub with numerous ICE and regional connections from throughout the country, including direct links from Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Dresden. From the main station, you can easily reach the Petriförder docking points by public transport such as the tram (e.g., Line 9) or a taxi, which will get you to your destination in a short time.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, Berlin Brandenburg (BER) and Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) airports are the primary options. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes away from Magdeburg. There are good train connections to Magdeburg Hbf from both airports. Additionally, various private transfer and shuttle services are available to take you directly to your ship. For a relaxed embarkation, an overnight stay in one of the Magdeburg hotels on the day before is recommended for those arriving by air.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than 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.
Magdeburg is a significant inland port in Central Germany and a central starting point for river cruises. The docking points, particularly the Petriförder for passenger shipping, are easily accessible and offer a convenient start to your river journey.
Car
Thanks to its direct connection to the German motorway network, traveling to Magdeburg is straightforward. You can reach the port area directly via the A2 (Hannover-Berlin), and the A14 is also easily accessible. For passengers of the Weiße Flotte, paid parking spaces are available directly at the Petriförder, with additional alternatives at the Schleinufer if you are arriving via the B1.
Train
Magdeburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) is an important hub with numerous ICE and regional connections from throughout the country, including direct links from Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Dresden. From the main station, you can easily reach the Petriförder docking points by public transport such as the tram (e.g., Line 9) or a taxi, which will get you to your destination in a short time.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, Berlin Brandenburg (BER) and Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) airports are the primary options. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes away from Magdeburg. There are good train connections to Magdeburg Hbf from both airports. Additionally, various private transfer and shuttle services are available to take you directly to your ship. For a relaxed embarkation, an overnight stay in one of the Magdeburg hotels on the day before is recommended for those arriving by air.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than 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 docking points for river cruise ships in Magdeburg are very centrally located and offer an ideal starting point for exploring the history-steeped state capital.
On Foot
From the ship pier at Petriförder, you can reach the city center and the famous Magdeburger Dom in about 10 to 15 minutes. The walk along the Elbe promenade is very charming and leads you directly to the city's architectural highlights.
Tram
The dense rail network of the MVB offers a convenient connection and the nearest stop is just a few minutes' walk from the shore. Thanks to the regular connections, you can quickly reach the Alter Markt or the Grüne Zitadelle and discover the city flexibly.
Taxi
Official taxis can be easily ordered directly to the pier or are available at central hubs nearby. The short distances within Magdeburg ensure swift transportation to any desired destination and offer additional comfort for your individual shore excursion.
To experience the diversity of the Ottostadt Magdeburg at its best, a focus on the historic center as well as the architectural highlights directly on the banks of the Elbe is recommended.
Magdeburger Dom & Domviertel
The imposing Cathedral of St. Maurice and Catherine is the oldest Gothic cathedral on German soil and the city's proud landmark. Thanks to its location in the historic Domviertel, it offers a fascinating insight into medieval history.
Grüne Zitadelle von Magdeburg
This colorful masterpiece by Friedensreich Hundertwasser forms an inspiring contrast to classical architecture and invites you to stroll and discover its curved shapes and charming courtyards.
Wasserstraßenkreuz Magdeburg
This impressive technical marvel north of the center is a spectacular excursion destination thanks to the world's longest canal bridge, while also offering a unique view of the interplay between the Elbe and the Mittellandkanal waterways.
Die Grüne Zitadelle
Die Grüne Zitadelle by Friedensreich Hundertwasser is perfectly accessible from the ship pier on the banks of the Elbe via a pleasant, approximately fifteen-minute stroll through the historic old town and impresses as an architectural work of art full of joie de vivre. This colorful ensemble houses charming little boutiques as well as inviting cafés and offers a wonderful atmosphere for relaxing thanks to its green inner courtyards and organic shapes. A visit in the morning is ideal to admire the artistic details of the architecture in peace and also to enjoy the view of the colorful hustle and bustle in one of the cafés before returning to the ship relaxed and on time.
Returning to your mooring is extremely straightforward and quick, thanks to the central location of the ship berths at Petriförder or on the Stromelbe.
Taxi
Taxis are available at central hubs such as the Alter Markt, at the Allee-Center, and directly at the Hauptbahnhof, and will take you directly to the ship berth within a few minutes. In addition, large hotels such as the Maritim or the Ratswaage always have vehicles ready for guests who prefer a comfortable transfer back to the water.
On Foot
From Magdeburg Dom or the Grüne Zitadelle, you can reach the banks of the Elbe via the well-developed Elbe promenade in a short, barrier-free walk. The striking towers of the Johanniskirche serve as an ideal orientation aid and point you the direct way back to the berths at Petriförder.
Public Transport
The trams of the MVB run at high frequency and easily connect more distant destinations such as the Elbauenpark with the city center. For the way back to the ship, use the Alter Markt or Opernhaus stops, from which you can reach your gangway on time after a short walk towards the riverbank.
