Cruise Port Day PlannerCruise Port Day Planner
Find Cruises Plan a Cruise My Trips Port Guides

Travemunde GermanyCruise Port Guide

Upcoming cruises to Travemunde

Travemunde is a charming sea resort and a borough of Lübeck, popular with families. It serves as a significant harbor town with daily passenger and cargo ferries connecting to Scandinavia and the Baltic states. What began as a small fishing village has grown into a tourism hub, maintaining a distinctly "sleepy character" in its old town despite attracting many tourists on weekends.

Your cruise ship will likely dock at one of two locations. Smaller ships often use the convenient Ostpreussenkai, which is within walking distance of the main town and beach, and near the local bus station. Larger vessels typically dock at the Skandinavienkai cruise terminal, requiring a 10-minute bus ride into Travemunde town, with buses running every 20 minutes. While in the region, consider visiting Lübeck's Altstadt (Old Town), which is not an open-air museum but a vibrant, living city center blending historic architecture with modern infrastructure.

Getting Around from the Port

From Skandinavienkai: A bus service operates every 20 minutes, taking approximately 10 minutes to reach Travemunde town center. From Ostpreussenkai: The main town and beach are within easy walking distance. A bus station is also conveniently located nearby.

To reach Lübeck: From Travemunde, you can take bus number 30. The journey to Lübeck takes about 25 minutes and costs 2.50 Euro.

Attractions and Activities

  • Explore Travemunde: If docked at Ostpreussenkai, enjoy a leisurely walk into the main town and to the beach. Experience the "sleepy character" of the old town, explore the harbor, and soak in the atmosphere of this family-friendly sea resort.
  • Discover Lübeck's Altstadt (Old Town): Take bus #30 (25 min, 2.50 Euro) for a trip to the historic heart of Lübeck. The Altstadt is a living city, offering a captivating mix of old and modern buildings. Don't miss the particularly well-preserved 13th-century Koberg area at the northern end of the island. Also, seek out the "Gänge," small atmospheric streets tucked away off the main roads, with their unique small houses.

Dining & Shopping

Travemunde offers local charm, but for more extensive shopping, Lübeck is the primary destination.

Shopping in Lübeck: Lübeck boasts a wide variety of shops for a relaxed shopping experience.

  • Main Shopping Streets: Stroll along Breite Straße, a lively pedestrian street, or explore shops on Königstraße, Holstenstraße, Sandstraße, and Mühlenstraße.
  • Selected Offers: For more curated selections, visit Hüxstraße.
  • Romantic Side Streets: Discover unique finds in streets like Fleischhauerstraße or Wahmstraße.
  • Shopping Malls: Königpassage and CITTI-PARK offer over 50 attractive shops.

Shopping Hours: Be aware that store hours in Germany can be shorter than in some other countries. Most stores close no later than 8 p.m., with some closing as early as 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays, many stores close by 1 or 2 p.m., though larger city centers might stay open until 2 or 4 p.m. On Sundays, almost all stores are closed, with the exception of some bakeries that open in the morning.

Weather

The cruise season in Travemünde, Lübeck's historic port, runs from May to September with mild Baltic summer temperatures between 59–72°F (15–22°C). Weather can be changeable with Baltic breezes and occasional showers, so light layers and a rain jacket are recommended. The charming seaside resort atmosphere and easy access to UNESCO Lübeck's medieval old town make this a highly rewarding cruise stop.

Average Temperature (°F)
4235Jan4636Feb4936Mar5339Apr6449May7054Jun7256Jul7458Aug6854Sep5948Oct4739Nov4235Dec
Average Precipitation (in)
2.5Jan3.17Feb1.41Mar2.27Apr2.24May2.03Jun2.87Jul1.94Aug2.39Sep2.75Oct2.06Nov3Dec

Currency and Language

The local currency is the Euro (EUR). There are numerous ATM machines available for cash withdrawals. When visiting smaller establishments, it is advisable to ask in advance if they accept credit cards.

German is the spoken language. Germans are generally regarded as punctual and disciplined. When addressing people you don't know, it's customary and more formal to use "Sie" (the formal "you") along with their last name, rather than "Du" (the informal "you").

In case of emergencies, dial 110 for Police and 112 for Fire Emergency or Ambulance. An Internet-Café is located just two blocks from the top of the Ostpreussenkai cruise terminal building. Note that German keyboards have a different layout; to find the @-sign, you'll typically need to use Ctrl + Alt + Q.

Top Attractions

Show map
Travemünde Lighthouse
Germany's oldest lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Baltic Sea, Travemünde, and the Priwall peninsula from its observation deck. It's a historic landmark and a popular spot for photography.
Passat
A majestic four-masted steel barque, one of the last surviving 'Flying P-Liners.' Now a museum ship, visitors can explore its decks, cabins, and learn about its history as a cargo and training vessel.
Travemünde Beach
A wide, sandy beach along the Baltic Sea, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. It's lined with traditional beach chairs and offers a lively atmosphere with cafes and restaurants nearby.
Brodtener Cliff
A stunning natural coastal formation offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. Visitors can walk along the cliff-top path or explore the beach below, enjoying the dramatic scenery and unique geological features.
Priwall Peninsula
A tranquil peninsula accessible by ferry, known for its expansive natural beaches, dunes, and a nature reserve. It's ideal for cycling, walking, and enjoying unspoiled coastal landscapes away from the main town bustle.
Vorderreihe
The vibrant promenade along the Trave river, bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's the perfect place for a stroll, enjoying views of the harbor and passing ships, and soaking in the town's atmosphere.
Old Town Travemünde
Explore the charming historic core of Travemünde with its narrow streets, traditional fishermen's houses, and quaint architecture. It offers a glimpse into the town's past and a relaxed atmosphere.
Fishing Harbor
A picturesque working harbor where you can watch fishing boats unload their catch and buy fresh fish directly from the cutters. Enjoy delicious seafood at the local restaurants or simply soak in the authentic maritime atmosphere.
Ostseestation Travemünde
An educational aquarium and nature center focusing on the marine life of the Baltic Sea. It offers interactive exhibits and tanks showcasing local fish species, providing insights into the regional ecosystem.
St. Lorenz Church
A historic church dating back to the 16th century, featuring impressive Gothic architecture and a serene interior. It's a significant cultural landmark offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into local history.
Godewind Park
A beautifully landscaped park offering green spaces, walking paths, and a tranquil environment. It's a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying outdoor concerts and events during summer.
Dune Garden
A unique botanical garden designed to showcase the diverse flora of coastal dunes. It offers accessible paths through various dune landscapes, providing a peaceful and educational experience close to the beach.
Hermannshöhe
A scenic viewpoint located along the Brodtener Cliff, offering expansive panoramic views over the Baltic Sea and the coastline. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Rose Park
A charming park dedicated to roses, featuring a variety of rose species and beautifully arranged flower beds. It's a delightful place for a quiet walk, enjoying the fragrant blooms and serene atmosphere.
Adventure Golf Travemünde
A fun and challenging miniature golf course with creatively designed holes and obstacles, often themed to the local area. It's a popular activity for families and friends looking for outdoor entertainment.