The company and its route
Among the East Frisian operators, the Schiffahrt der Inselgemeinde Langeoog is the exception: it belongs to no joint-stock company and no group, but to the island itself. On 28 January 1927 the island community took over a predecessor and has run the business as a municipal enterprise ever since.
The route
Langeoog is served from Bensersiel alone, and the crossing takes around an hour. The decisive difference from the neighbouring islands lies in the timetable: because the Bensersieler Tief was dredged in 1934, the route is no longer tied to the tides. The ships run to fixed times, four to six a day in winter and up to eight in high season.
What that means for getting there, parking and luggage is on the Langeoog page.
Ferry and island railway in one hand
The operation covers both legs of the journey. From the island harbour the island railway takes passengers into the village; its times are matched to the ships and the ride is part of the ferry ticket. For guests that means one continuous journey instead of two tickets.
Fleet
The scheduled service is worked by the Langeoog I of 1968 with 350 seats, the Langeoog II of 1991 with 260 seats and the Langeoog III and Langeoog IV, both built in 1979 with 800 seats each. The Pionier II and the Onkel Otto handle supplies and freight. The company carries no guest vehicles, because Langeoog is car-free.
FAQ
Who owns the ferry operator serving Langeoog?+
The island itself. The Schiffahrt is a municipal enterprise of the island community of Langeoog and runs the island railway alongside the ferry.
Is the ferry to Langeoog tide-dependent?+
No. Since the Bensersieler Tief was deepened in 1934 the ships have run to a fixed timetable regardless of the tide, unlike most of the neighbouring islands.
Is the island railway included in the ferry ticket?+
Yes. Ferry and island railway form one journey, and the ride from the harbour into the village is part of the crossing.
Can I take my car to Langeoog?+
No, Langeoog is car-free. Supervised long-stay car parks for island guests sit right at the ferry jetty in Bensersiel.