Port information & tips for Lauenburg
Lauenburg an der Elbe is a picturesque jewel in Schleswig-Holstein and a brilliant highlight on river cruises through Northern Germany. The colorful shipping town enchants visitors with its medieval old town, historic half-timbered houses, and maritime flair directly on the great river. Outstanding sights include the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum, the Maria-Magdalenen-Kirche, and the historic Schlossturm with its wide panoramic view over the Elbe Valley. River cruise ships usually dock at the central Rufer-Anleger or the Löwen-Anleger. Thanks to this first-class location, the historic alleys and the lively city center are in the immediate vicinity and can be reached comfortably in just a few minutes' walk.
Lauenburg an der Elbe is an idyllic starting point for river cruises and, thanks to its location in the border triangle of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it is excellently connected. Guests can reach the charming mariner's town easily by car, train, or plane, with the ship piers located centrally in the historic old town.
Car
The federal highways B5 and B209 lead directly to Lauenburg/Elbe and allow for a smooth arrival. From the direction of Hamburg, you can reach Lauenburg via the A24 using the Talkau or Schwarzenbek/Grande exits, followed by a drive on the B209 or B5. In the historic old town, paid parking spaces such as Borkeplatz are available, which can also be conveniently paid for via an app. You will also find free and spacious parking options in the area of the Fürstengarten in the upper town, from where you can reach the piers after a short walk.
Train
Lauenburg (Elbe) station is a relevant arrival point with direct connections from Lübeck and Lüneburg. You can also reach Lauenburg (Elbe) station from Hamburg in about one hour via Lüneburg or Büchen. The city is also integrated into the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV). From the station, local bus lines such as the 138 or 338 take you directly to Hafenstraße and thus to the ship piers. Alternatively, a taxi rank is available at the station.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Hamburg Airport (HAM), located about 60 kilometers away. The car journey from the airport to Lauenburg takes around 57 minutes thanks to good connections via the A24 and federal highways. For a direct and comfortable transfer, private shuttle services are available that offer fixed prices for the route. Traveling by public transport usually requires several changes and a travel time of about 1 hour and 22 minutes to 2 hours and 41 minutes, depending on the connection.
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 and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled for about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: 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.
Lauenburg an der Elbe is an idyllic starting point for river cruises and, thanks to its location in the border triangle of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it is excellently connected. Guests can reach the charming mariner's town easily by car, train, or plane, with the ship piers located centrally in the historic old town.
Car
The federal highways B5 and B209 lead directly to Lauenburg/Elbe and allow for a smooth arrival. From the direction of Hamburg, you can reach Lauenburg via the A24 using the Talkau or Schwarzenbek/Grande exits, followed by a drive on the B209 or B5. In the historic old town, paid parking spaces such as Borkeplatz are available, which can also be conveniently paid for via an app. You will also find free and spacious parking options in the area of the Fürstengarten in the upper town, from where you can reach the piers after a short walk.
Train
Lauenburg (Elbe) station is a relevant arrival point with direct connections from Lübeck and Lüneburg. You can also reach Lauenburg (Elbe) station from Hamburg in about one hour via Lüneburg or Büchen. The city is also integrated into the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV). From the station, local bus lines such as the 138 or 338 take you directly to Hafenstraße and thus to the ship piers. Alternatively, a taxi rank is available at the station.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Hamburg Airport (HAM), located about 60 kilometers away. The car journey from the airport to Lauenburg takes around 57 minutes thanks to good connections via the A24 and federal highways. For a direct and comfortable transfer, private shuttle services are available that offer fixed prices for the route. Traveling by public transport usually requires several changes and a travel time of about 1 hour and 22 minutes to 2 hours and 41 minutes, depending on the connection.
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 and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled for about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: 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 ship piers in Lauenburg are located directly on the Elbe and offer you an ideal starting point for explorations in the historic boatman's town. Thanks to the central location, you can reach the most important sights comfortably and without long distances.
On Foot
The picturesque old town with its half-timbered houses is located directly on the waterfront and can be reached in less than five minutes on foot. A stroll along the Elbstraße also leads you directly to the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum and offers you wonderful views of the river.
HVV Buses
The local bus lines of the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund regularly connect the lower town with the upper town and the train station. Thanks to this good connection, you can easily reach further viewpoints or comfortably continue your journey towards Hamburg or Lübeck.
Taxi
Taxis can be ordered directly to the pier and are available for individual trips in the surrounding area. This service offers you high flexibility and also enables a relaxed journey to destinations outside the city center.
To make the most of your stay in picturesque Lauenburg, we recommend exploring the historic lower town in combination with the impressive testimonies of Elbe shipping.
Historic Old Town & Elbstraße
The charming lower town delights with its colorful half-timbered houses directly on the riverbank and, thanks to its cobblestone streets, invites you to take a relaxed stroll with wide views over the Elbe.
Elbschifffahrtsmuseum
This modern museum in the historic town hall provides fascinating insights into the maritime history of the region and, thanks to its central location in the old town, is the perfect place for those interested in culture directly at the harbor.
Schiffshebewerk Scharnebeck
This monumental technical masterpiece is only a short drive away and offers visitors an impressive spectacle thanks to its enormous dimensions, as huge ships are effortlessly lifted over 38 meters in height.
Historic Old Town & Elbschifffahrtsmuseum
The picturesque Lauenburg Altstadt is just a few minutes' walk from the pier and offers an authentic maritime flair with its cobblestone alleys and lovingly restored half-timbered houses. The Elbschifffahrtsmuseum is particularly suitable for a cultural insight into regional history and can also be ideally combined with a visit to the viewing terrace at the castle for a panoramic view over the Elbe Valley. Charming cafés along the Elbstraße invite you to linger, and thanks to the central location, you can reach all sights comfortably on foot. It is best to visit the historic Oberstadt directly in the morning to enjoy the special peace of the alleys, and return to your ship relaxed one hour before departure.
The way back to the ship landing stage on the Elbe is very relaxed in the charming boatmen's town thanks to short distances and good signage.
On Foot
From the historic old town and the famous Elbstraße, you can reach the landing stages directly in just a few minutes on foot. The path takes you picturesquely along the shore or via the well-maintained stairways from the upper town down to Rufer-Platz and the harbor area.
Taxi
Central taxi stands can be found at Lauenburg station as well as near the market square in the upper town. In addition, local cafés and hotels such as Hotel Basedow are happy to call a car for you so that you can return to the pier comfortably and promptly.
Local Bus
Regional bus lines reliably connect the upper town with the lower town and stop at central points such as the ZOB or Rufer-Platz near the piers. Thanks to the regular frequency, you will reach the waterfront promenade and your ship safely and on time.
