Ferries to Wangerooge

Timetable and tides

The ferries run to a tide-dependent timetable. Because the Wadden Sea is shallow, they can mainly sail around high water. That means departure times shift by about 50 minutes each day and are tied to the tides. In high season there are usually several crossings a day, correspondingly fewer out of season. Current sailing times are published annually in the timetable and should be checked before you travel. Storms or extreme weather can cause changes or cancellations. Watt Sprinter: a fast ferry called the Watt Sprinter supplements the regular service. This smaller vessel (around 50 seats) is largely independent of the tides and reaches Wangerooge in about 20 minutes. The Watt Sprinter runs to its own schedule and carries a fare supplement.

The crossing to the island

The route from Harlesiel to Wangerooge leads through the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towards the open North Sea. The crossing by motor vessel takes about 60 minutes. The ship first follows the channel of the Harle, a tidal creek, before passing through the Harle fairway between Wangerooge and Spiekeroog. Seabirds, above all gulls, are a common sight along the way. With a little luck you will see seals on the surrounding sandbanks as the ship enters the island harbour. In stronger winds the swell can be noticeable on the open stretch, where the North Sea makes itself felt.

The island railway on Wangerooge

The ferry jetty on Wangerooge lies at the western end of the island, several kilometres from the main village. Passengers change directly at the jetty onto the island railway, which takes them into the village to Wangerooge station. The metre-gauge line ambles along at about 20 km/h through salt marshes and past a lagoon in the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park. The train journey takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. For visitors that means the whole journey - ferry plus island railway - takes around 90 minutes. Train times are matched to the ferry schedule and the trains wait for arriving ships. Note: a few places to stay in the west of the island, close to the jetty, can be reached on foot, but for most visitors the island railway is the necessary link into the village.

Tickets and fares

Ferry and island railway form a single journey, so tickets always cover both legs. They can be bought at the ticket desk in Harlesiel or online in advance. There are separate fares for overnight guests, for children aged 6 to 14, for dogs and for day visitors; the current amounts are on the fares page. On top of the ferry fare, overnight guests pay the local visitor's tax, which is settled separately. Booking early is advisable in the main travel season, as capacity is limited.

Luggage and travel notes

Special luggage rules apply on the Wangerooge ferries. Only a limited amount of hand luggage is allowed on board - larger suitcases travel as freight:

• Hand luggage: small bags and rucksacks (up to about 25 × 40 × 50 cm) may normally be carried, a maximum of 2 pieces per person.
• Checked luggage: larger items (over about 25 kg or very bulky) must be checked in at the harbour before departure. They travel in containers on the ferry and are carried for a fee (rates on the fares page).
• Pushchairs: prams and buggies can be taken on board free of charge.
• Handcarts and trailers: handcarts and bicycle trailers are not permitted on the passenger deck for reasons of space and safety and must be checked in as luggage.
• Bicycles and sports equipment: bicycles and surfboards are carried in limited numbers and for a supplement. There is no guaranteed carriage on every sailing; bicycles for the return trip often have to be handed in the day before.

On arrival at Wangerooge, checked luggage is returned to travellers at the island station. Alternatively you can book a paid door-to-door luggage service in advance, which delivers suitcases from the jetty to your accommodation and back. Because the ferry depends on the tide, check the current timetable and build in some slack. Aim to be at the harbour at least 30 minutes before departure - more in high season - so that check-in and luggage drop-off run smoothly. Note: besides the ferry there is also a flight connection from the nearby Harle airfield to the island. The flight takes only about 5 minutes but is more expensive and weather-dependent. For most visitors the ferry with the island railway remains the comfortable and scenic way to Wangerooge.