Ferries to Sweden from Germany
These are some of the most popular routes to Sweden from Germany:
Ferry to Sweden from Germany: direct routes or via Denmark?
Travelling from Germany to Sweden is a classic ferry-route choice: do you want a direct ferry to Sweden, a short ferry via Denmark, or a mostly road-based route over the Danish bridges? The best option depends on where you start in Germany, where you need to be in Sweden, and how much driving you want to do.
The main direct ferry routes are Kiel-Gothenburg, Rostock-Trelleborg, Travemünde-Trelleborg and Travemünde-Malmö. You can also cross from Germany to Denmark with Puttgarden-Rødby or Rostock-Gedser, then continue to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge or a short Denmark-Sweden ferry.
Map: ferry routes to Sweden from Germany
Map: ferries and road routes from Germany to Sweden
Use the map first to compare the main corridors. The direct ferry routes save driving and take you straight to Sweden. The Denmark options split the journey into shorter ferry or bridge sections, which can be more flexible if you are travelling by car, camper or with fixed arrival plans.
Which Germany-Sweden route should you choose?
There is no single best route from Germany to Sweden. The right choice depends mainly on your Swedish destination and your preferred balance between driving and ferry time.
| Route option | Best for | Travel style | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiel-Gothenburg | Gothenburg, western Sweden, central Sweden and Norway-bound trips | Long overnight ferry | Most comfortable if you prefer sleeping on board instead of driving through Denmark |
| Rostock-Trelleborg | Southern Sweden, Skåne, Malmö and onward drives north | Direct ferry, day or overnight options | Practical if you are already in eastern or northern Germany |
| Travemünde-Trelleborg | Southern Sweden and flexible Baltic crossings | Direct ferry | Useful alternative to Rostock-Trelleborg, especially from northern Germany |
| Travemünde-Malmö | Malmö, Copenhagen region, Skåne and southern Sweden | Direct ferry to Malmö | Good if Malmö is your actual target rather than just a gateway |
| Puttgarden-Rødby + Øresund Bridge | Fast road-focused route to Malmö and southern Sweden | Short ferry plus bridge | Good balance if you want a ferry break but do not want a long crossing |
| Rostock-Gedser + Øresund Bridge | Travellers starting in eastern Germany or Berlin area | Germany-Denmark ferry plus drive | More driving in Denmark than Puttgarden-Rødby, but useful from the east |
| Full drive via Denmark and the bridges | Maximum flexibility and no ferry timetable | Drive via Jutland, Funen, Zealand and the Øresund Bridge | Factor in bridge tolls and the longer time behind the wheel |
Travelling from Germany to Sweden via Denmark
The Denmark route is the main alternative to a direct Germany-Sweden ferry. It gives you more flexibility, but usually means more driving. There are three common versions of this route.
Puttgarden-Rødby plus the Øresund Bridge
This is the classic short-ferry route. You take the Scandlines ferry from Puttgarden to Rødby, drive across Denmark towards Copenhagen, and then cross the Øresund Bridge into Malmö. It works well if you want a short ferry break without committing to a long Baltic crossing.
Rostock-Gedser plus the Øresund Bridge
This route starts further east in Germany. You sail from Rostock to Gedser, then drive north through Denmark and continue over the Øresund Bridge. It can be a logical option from Berlin, eastern Germany or when Rostock is more convenient than Puttgarden.
Drive through Denmark and cross the bridges
If you want to avoid ferries completely, you can drive through Denmark using the Great Belt Bridge and then the Øresund Bridge. This gives maximum independence from ferry timetables, but it is also the most road-heavy option and includes bridge tolls.
FerryGoGo verdict: the best way from Germany to Sweden
If you want the most comfortable route and are heading for western Sweden, Kiel-Gothenburg is the strongest choice. If your destination is southern Sweden, compare Rostock-Trelleborg, Travemünde-Trelleborg and Travemünde-Malmö. If you prefer to keep moving by road, the Denmark route via Puttgarden-Rødby or Rostock-Gedser and the Øresund Bridge is more flexible.
For most travellers, the decision is not “ferry or no ferry”. It is how much of the journey you want to spend relaxing on board, and how much you want to spend driving.
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to Sweden. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
Additional Information
On almost all ferries to Sweden from Germany you can bring your car, if you book well in advance and acquired a spot on the parking deck in your reservation. You can even drive to Sweden from Germany (via Denmark). Then you make the crossing via the Sontbridge which connects Copenhagen to Malmo.
