DISCOVER Helgoland

Helgoland Catamaran - From Cuxhaven & Hamburg to Helgoland

The daily departures from Hamburg, Wedel and Cuxhaven allow last minute trips with the Heligoland Ferry that sweeps across the sea at 36.5 knots and is the most efficient ferry connection from the mainland to the island.

The HSC "Halunder Jet" - Largest and fastest catamaran in Germany

Heligoland Catamaran
Heligoland Catamaran

Christened HSC "Halunder Jet", the Helgoland catamaran connects the three federal states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony and Hamburg with the North Sea island Heligoland. With a size of 4.2 square kilometers and two Islands is Deät Lun, the Frisian name, a popular Destination, which is located directly in the North Sea between the Frisian Islands lies.

Dune is the name given to the smaller island that split off from the main island in 1721 due to the New Year's tide. Today, the associated airfield Helgoland-Düne and wide bathing beaches can be found on the island, which is also a refuge for many sea birds, seals and seals. The main island represents the center of the island's population and is known for its Frisian cuisine based around lobster and seafood.

The catamaran is the fastest and most beautiful way of crossing, which offers the Frisian culture and North Sea present in all their glory.

From where do the ferries to Helgoland depart?

The Helgoland catamaran "Halunder Jet" in detail

The shape of the 52-meter-long ship corresponds to a classic catamaran, with a width of 12.30 meters and seating for 579 passengers. Of these, 76 seats are in Comfort Class and 71 in Premium Jet Class.

Since catamarans are built wider than normal ships, the Helgoland catamaran is only 2.50 meters deep in the water and can thus cover long distances more quickly. With a speed of 36.5 knots, which corresponds to about 68 km/h, Helgoland is reached from Hamburg after four hours.

During the trip, the catamaran follows the course of the Elbe in the North Sea and then straight to the island, about 64 kilometers northwest of Cuxhaven. The ferry has an output of 9,463 hp and benefits from the low weight that is typical of this type of ship. It lies very stable in the water and the waves of the North Sea are only faintly noticeable during the crossing. This safety makes the journey with the "Halunder Jet" attractive for many people.

Relaxed experience the North Sea

The Halunder Jet is equipped with a variety of amenities to make the trip a memorable one:

  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship and at all times.
  • Air conditioning: Even in midsummer, you won't sweat on or below deck.
  • The diaper-changing room offers parents an opportunity to focus all-around on their offspring.
  • Handicapped accessible toilet for people with physical disabilities.
  • Board game tables: Entertain yourself with a game of ludo or chess. The service staff will have the game pieces ready for you. At the same time, eight passengers can sit at the tables.
  • Infotainment keeps you in good spirits.
  • The ship is child-friendly, equipped with a children's library on the main deck and coloring pages and crayons are available as desired. Funny and educational children's movies are broadcast on the screens.
  • In addition to the transport of passengers, cargo transport is also possible.
  • A wide culinary offer of food and drinks awaits you.

Comfort is a key aspect of the HSC "Halunder Jet. The seats have plenty of foot space and have been distributed over two decks, which contain different categories of seats. In the middle part of the main and upper decks you will find the Jet Class seats, inviting you to enjoy a cozy get-together.

The front part of the main deck is reserved for Premium Jet Class, which has a first-class view outside and an integrated snack with coffee. Great luxury with direct service via the staff is offered with Comfort Class on the upper deck.

This is also located in the front part of the ship and presents the view of the North Sea through large panoramic windows, which were designed to resemble a classic atrium. Each Comfort Class seat is equipped with its own table and you will be served directly at your seat. If you include a trip with the Helgoland Catamaran in your Vacation at the North Sea If you want to integrate your own boat, you will find reserved seats, which will make your crossing comfortable.

It is also possible to spend the whole trip on the outside deck to feel the cool North Sea wind or to have a good chat with other passengers.

A souvenir from the north

In commemoration of the many years of operation of the "Halunder Jet", small souvenirs are offered in the onboard store, which set the scene for the characteristic catamaran in green-red-white paint. In addition to the miniature ship model on a scale of 1:1,250, which is made of a metal casting, a compass in a high-quality metal box can be found, which is a great souvenir of your North Sea vacation will be.

Helgoline FRS Ferry in Hamburg
Helgoline FRS Ferry in Hamburg

The ports at a glance

From where ferries go to Helgoland

Ferry from Hamburg to Helgoland

With the largest seaport in Germany, Hamburg is not only an important commercial center, but also the port of call for trips to Helgoland. Located at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, the so-called Hamburg water station, the Helgoland catamaran HSC "Halunder Jet" is waiting for passengers at bridge 3/4.

Along the Elbe River, the cityscape is characterized by architecturally distinctive buildings, the famous Speicherstadt warehouse district, and a view of the skyline that presents itself picturesquely as you embark and disembark. Opposite the jetty, you can catch a glimpse of the container port, while the many stores and restaurants along the shore will help you pass the time until you cast off. The Landungsbrücken are not far from Hamburg's old town and the main train station and can be easily reached by bus, S-Bahn and U-Bahn.

The ferry from Wedel to Helgoland

Wedel is located about 25 kilometers west of Hamburg and is known for its ship welcoming system, which greets ships entering and leaving the port in a special way. It plays the ship's national anthem, raises the corresponding national flag and greets it in the respective language to respectfully welcome them.

The Halunder Jet's modern pier is located at the pontoon Willkomm Höft, which can be reached either by bus or car. Please note that Wedel is not served on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Ferry Cuxhaven-Helgoland

Cuxhaven is the last port before the island and is located at the mouth of the Elbe into the North Sea. As one of the largest fishing ports, Cuxhaven is also the gateway to the North Sea Islands and the Halunder Jet takes only 75 minutes from here to the North Sea island.

The catamaran docks in the port city at the Alte Liebe, which has a viewing platform with cafes and shopping. Unique to the Alte Liebe is the loudspeaker system that informs visitors about the origin and size of the passing ships. Because of this, onlookers gather daily to marvel at the large barges.

The central location allows travel via Cuxhaven train station, which is connected with Hamburg via the "Metronom" railroad and with Bremerhaven via Nordseebahn. Within the city, transportation is available by local buses.

Arrival at Helgoland harbor

You can reach Helgoland by catamaran via the South Harbour, which is only 500 meters away from the city center. In the immediate vicinity you will also find the Redeerei office, which is located on the main shopping street Lung Wai in the arcades.

The Helgoland Town Hall and Hotel "Atoll" are prominent points of the island and also not far from our office. Due to the size of Helgoland, transportation within the island is arranged by cabs. For example, the distance from Lange Anne to the south beach is about two kilometers, which can be reached quickly on foot.

The absolute highlight on the way to the city are the numerous lobster stalls that capture the culinary spirit of the island. They are transported directly to the port without disembarkation.

Timetable to Helgoland

If you decide to travel by cat, there are daily departures to and from the only high sea island in Germany. Quickly and effectively, the ship will transport you between the North Frisian and East Frisian Islands to Helgoland and no disembarkation is necessary to get to the island.

The ship departs from the three ports of departure Hamburg, Wedel and Cuxhaven in that order and takes just under four hours to reach Helgoland after boarding in Hamburg. Make yourself comfortable on a North Sea trip and enjoy the service and comfort of the "Halunder Jet".

Fares to Helgoland

The fare for a ferry crossing is influenced by a variety of factors. At North Sea vacation These include the size of the group or the presence of a dog. Depending on the season and the seating category, the tickets also vary in price.

For seats in Comfort Class in the front part of the ship, which are more comfortable and provide an imposing view of the North Sea, higher prices are charged than in Premium Jet or Jet Class. You can also choose to sail from one of the departure ports in Hamburg, Wedel, Cuxhaven or from Helgoland towards the mainland and experience the magic of the North Sea coast experience

Helgoland ferry price & timetable

Helgoline contact information

Helgoline is a shipping company that sails daily to Helgoland. You can find more information at:
Helgoline - Shipping company