Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [695]
INTERRAIL PASS
InterRail Passes (www.interrailnet.com) may be purchased by anyone who’s been a permanent resident of a European country (including Russia, Estonia, Turkey and several others; see the website for details). As with the Eurail Pass, you can pick from several schemes. The InterRail Global Pass entitles you to unlimited travel in 30 countries and is available either for 22 days (€469) or one month (€599) of continuous travel, for five travel days within a 10-day period (€249) or for 10 travel days within a 22-day period (€359).
The other option is the One Country Pass, eg the InterRail Germany pass, which buys three, four, six or eight days of travel within a one-month period. The cost is €189/209/269/299 respectively. This pass is not available if you are a resident of Germany.
Prices quoted are for one adult travelling in 2nd class. Different prices apply to 1st class tickets and for travellers under 26. Children aged between four and 11 years get a 50% discount on the adult fare. Children under four years travel for free.
LAKE
The Romanshorn–Friedrichshafen car ferry provides the quickest way across Lake Con-stance between Switzerland and Germany. It’s operated year-round by Schweizerische Bodensee Schifffahrt ( in Switzerland 071-466 7888; www.bodenseeschiffe.ch), takes 40 minutes and costs €7.50 per person (children €3.50). Bicycles are €5, cars start at €28.50.
SEA
Germany’s main ferry ports are Kiel and Travemünde (near Lübeck) in Schleswig-Holstein, and Rostock and Sassnitz (on Rügen Island) in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania. All have services to Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Return tickets are often cheaper than two one-way tickets. Prices fluctuate dramatically according to the season, the day and time of departure and, for overnight ferries, cabin size, location and amenities. All prices quoted are for one-way fares. Car prices are for a standard passenger vehicle up to 6m in length and include all passengers. Also see the individual port towns’ Getting There & Away sections in the destination chapters.
Denmark
GEDSER–ROSTOCK
Scandlines ( 01805-116 688; www.scandlines.de) runs year-round ferries every two hours to/from Gedser, about 100km south of Copenhagen. The 1¾-hour trip costs €87 per car in high season. Walk-on passengers pay €7/5 per adult/child. It’s €16 for a bike and you.
RØDBY–PUTTGARDEN
Scandlines ( 01805-116 688; www.scandlines.de) operates a 45-minute ferry every half-hour for €64 for a regular car. Foot passengers pay €6/4 per adult/child in peak season one-way or same-day return. It’s €13 if you bring a bicycle.
RØNNE–SASSNITZ
From March to October, Scandlines ( 01805-116 688; www.scandlines.de) operates three daily ferries to/from Rønne on Bornholm Island. The trip takes 3¾ hours and costs from €134 per car, €26 per person (kids €13) and €33 with a bike, all in peak season.
Finland
HELSINKI–TRAVEMÜNDE
Finnlines ( 04502-805 43; www.finnlines.de) goes to Travemünde (near Lübeck) daily, year-round in 27 to 36 hours. Berths start at €196; food is another €60. Bikes are €20, cars start at €100.
Latvia
RIGA–TRAVEMÜNDE
DFDS Lisco ( 0431-2097 6420; www.dfdslisco.com) operates this epic 35-hour journey twice weekly, with berths starting at €75, sleeper seats at €45 and cars at €126.
VENTSPILS–ROSTOCK
Scandlines ( 01805-116 688; www.scandlines.de) also runs this route, which costs from €105 per car, €40 for a Pullman seat and €140 per cabin berth in peak season. Bikes are €10. Kids pay half price. Ferries run four times weekly and make the journey in 27 hours.
Lithuania
KLAIPĖDA–KIEL
DFDS Lisco ( 0431-2097 6420; www.dfdslisco.com) makes 22-hour runs on this route six times weekly. Passengers pay from €70 per berth or €35 for sleeper seat. Cars start at €73.
KLAIPĖDA–SASSNITZ
DFDS Lisco ( 0431-2097 6420; www.dfdslisco.com) also operates this 19-hour ferry ride once a week in either direction. Costs start at €70 per berth in peak season, €35 for a sleeper seat and €62 for a regular car.
Norway