Harwich to Hamburg ferries were once the most leisurely way to travel from the East Anglian port of Harwich in the United Kingdom to the major northern German port city of Hamburg. Today, they are just as leisurely but not as popular. Harwich is one of the most important harbours in Great Britain while Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city with its own distinct history.

For many years, the DFDS Tor Line ferry line provided ferry sailings three times a week. The crossings were overnight journeys lasting 19 hours, 30 minutes with parties on board and beautiful views available from the deck.

Since DFDS Tor Line discontinued their Harwich to Hamburg ferry crossing in March 2002, the only way to enter Germany from the United Kingdom by ferry is by sailing from Harwich to the Danish port city of Esbjerg. Esbjerg is 272kms from Hamburg by car, bus, or train. Another alternative ferry route is from the British port of Newcastle to Amsterdam.

Harwich’s ferry terminal port is among the most contemporary in the United Kingdom, featuring a bureau de change, retail shops, air conditioning, a refreshment counter, and relaxing lounges with plenty of room for passengers to stretch their legs before their voyages. Two lighthouses, one of England’s oldest cinemas, and gazing at ships along the ocean are among Harwich’s most popular tourist attractions.

Hamburg’s harbour, the second largest in Europe, is only one of the many attractions greeting ferry passengers to Germany’s wealthiest city. Known as ‘the Gate to the World,’ Hamburg also boasts impressive churches such as St. Michaelis, over 64kms of canals, many museums, scenic parks, one of Europe’s most famous red light districts, and a famous Sunday morning fish market which sells much more than fish.

Tags: Amsterdam, East Anglian port, Esbjerg, Europe, Germany, Hamburg, Harwich, Newcastle, United Kingdom