The company and its route
The ferry to Spiekeroog is operated by Nordseebad Spiekeroog GmbH, the island's tourism company. As on Langeoog, the ferry business therefore sits not with an independent shipping company but with the island itself, so booking, luggage transport and tourist information all run through the same house.
The route
Spiekeroog can only be reached by sea, and the route runs from Neuharlingersiel through the Wadden Sea. On the conventional ferries the crossing takes 45 to 50 minutes. The timetable follows the tides: departures are possible around high water and shift daily, usually two crossings a day and up to four in high season.
What that means for getting there, parking and the luggage containers at the jetty is on the Spiekeroog page.
Fleet
The scheduled service is worked by the MS Spiekeroog I and the MS Spiekeroog II. The MS Spiekeroog IV joined in April 2010 as a combined vessel for freight with limited passenger capacity, replacing the freighter Tilde. The fleet is completed by the WattnExpress, an express vessel with around 50 seats that reaches the island in about 20 minutes. It is not tide-independent either: that was the plan, but it could not be achieved technically at first, so the WattnExpress also relies on high water. Its shallow draught does give it a wider window than the larger ships.
FAQ
Who operates the ferry to Spiekeroog?+
Nordseebad Spiekeroog GmbH, the island's tourism company. It sails from Neuharlingersiel all year; details are on the Spiekeroog page.
What is the WattnExpress?+
A smaller fast ferry with around 50 seats that reaches the island in about 20 minutes. Its shallow draught lets it serve times when the larger ferries have to pause for want of water.
Why do departure times shift every day?+
The ships sail tide-dependently and depart around high water. The current times are in the timetable.
Can I take my car to Spiekeroog?+
No, Spiekeroog is car-free. There are day car parks at Neuharlingersiel harbour and garages at the edge of the village for longer stays.