Getting there
Ferry to Bornholm
All ferry connections to the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm at a glance - direct from Rügen, fast via Sweden, or overnight from Zealand
- Direct from Germany: Sassnitz - Rønne in around 3.5 hours with Bornholmslinjen (seasonal, April to December)
- Fastest option: Ystad - Rønne by high-speed catamaran in around 80 minutes, year-round
- Overnight from Zealand: Køge - Rønne in around 5.5 hours
Bornholm route map
All ferry routes to Bornholm
Interactive map of the connections to Rønne: the direct ferry from Sassnitz, the fast route via Ystad, and the overnight ferry from Køge. Click a route for details.
Route guide
Ferry routes to Bornholm at a glance
Bornholm is Denmark's easternmost island: a rocky outcrop in the Baltic Sea with sandy beaches in the south, dramatic cliffs in the north, and its famous round churches. Because the island sits so far out, closer to Sweden than to Zealand, getting there takes a little planning. There's a direct ferry from Rügen, a fast route via Sweden, and an overnight ferry from Zealand. Which one suits you best depends on the season, your starting point, and how fast you want to travel.
Three ways to reach the island
All connections to Bornholm are run by Bornholmslinjen, a brand of the shipping company Molslinjen; the destination port is always Rønne on the island's west coast. You have three options for the crossing: the only direct ferry from Germany departs from Sassnitz on Rügen, the fastest route goes via Ystad in Sweden, and from Zealand the overnight ferry from Køge gets you to Rønne while you sleep.
Direct from Germany: Sassnitz - Rønne
The only direct connection from Germany to the island runs from the ferry port of Sassnitz-Mukran on Rügen to Rønne. The crossing takes around 3.5 hours. Bornholmslinjen only runs this route seasonally, roughly from April to December, with most sailings in the summer months; in winter it largely stops. If you're travelling between spring and autumn and want to skip the detour via Sweden or Zealand, this is the most convenient option.
Fastest option: via Ystad in Sweden
The fastest and most frequent connection departs from Ystad in southern Sweden. Bornholmslinjen's high-speed catamarans cross the Baltic in around 80 minutes and run year-round, with several daily sailings in summer. From Copenhagen, you reach Ystad via the Øresund Bridge and the Swedish E65 motorway in a little over an hour and a half. For travellers arriving from Germany, that means first crossing the Baltic or travelling overland to Zealand, then over the Øresund Bridge to Ystad, and finally the catamaran crossing. All told, this route is often the quickest way to reach Bornholm.
Overnight from Zealand: Køge - Rønne
If you'd rather avoid the detour via Sweden and stay entirely within Denmark, take the overnight ferry from Køge, around 40 kilometres south of Copenhagen. The crossing takes about 5.5 hours and runs year-round as a classic overnight service with cabins. It's the relaxed option: board in the evening and arrive rested on Bornholm the next morning.
Vehicles, bikes and pets on board
All three routes are car ferries and carry cars, motorhomes and caravans; the fare depends on the vehicle's length. Details on dimensions and vehicle rules are in our guide Travelling to Denmark by motorhome. As a foot passenger, you can bring your bike along. Dogs and other pets are welcome on board; entering Denmark requires an EU pet passport, a rabies vaccination and the third-party liability insurance for dogs required in Denmark - full details in our guide Travelling to Denmark with your dog.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ - Ferry to Bornholm
The key questions about getting to Bornholm, answered concisely.
Is there a direct ferry from Germany to Bornholm?+
Yes. The only direct connection runs from Sassnitz-Mukran on Rügen to Rønne and takes around 3.5 hours. However, Bornholmslinjen only operates it seasonally, roughly from April to December, with most departures in summer. Outside the season, you travel via Ystad in Sweden or on the overnight ferry from Køge.
How long is the ferry to Bornholm?+
That depends on the route. The fastest option is via Ystad in Sweden: the high-speed catamaran reaches Rønne in around 80 minutes. The direct ferry from Sassnitz takes about 3.5 hours, and the overnight ferry from Køge on Zealand around 5.5 hours.
Does the Sassnitz - Rønne ferry run in winter too?+
No. The direct ferry from Sassnitz only operates seasonally, roughly from April to December. It runs daily at the height of summer, but largely pauses outside the season. Travellers heading to Bornholm in winter take the year-round route via Ystad or the overnight ferry from Køge.
Can I take a motorhome across to Bornholm?+
Yes, all three routes are car ferries and carry cars, caravans and motorhomes. The fare depends on the vehicle's length, including any attachments. Dimensions, gas-cylinder rules and other tips are in our guide Travelling to Denmark by motorhome.
Can my dog come on the ferry to Bornholm?+
Yes, dogs and other pets are welcome on board. To enter Denmark you'll need an EU pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination and the third-party liability insurance for dogs required in Denmark. All the rules are in our guide Travelling to Denmark with your dog.
Ready for the island of Bornholm?
Compare departures and book your crossing directly with Bornholmslinjen.