The Heligoland day trip from Cuxhaven
The route from Cuxhaven Ferry Port is the shortest connection.
From 10:15 the ferry starts and takes 2 to 2 ¼ hours for the crossing.
12:30 run on Heligoland South harbor. From now on you have 3 ¾ hours for your day trip until it goes back punctually at 16:15.
This connection is the only one that is served all year round by the shipping company "Cassen Eils". Only the length of stay is half an hour shorter in winter.
Helgoline Halunderjet to Heligoland
The Heligoland day trip from Hamburg
9:00 Start at the landing stages
If you would like to make the crossing by catamaran, you will depart from Hamburg, St. Pauli Landungsbrücken at 9:00 am. With a travel time of 3 ¾ hours you set off on a day trip, because you pass the ports of Wedel and Cuxhaven on your journey through the Elbe, until you arrive at 12:45 in the southern port.
Before the catamaran starts its return journey at 4:30 pmYou will have 3 ¾ hours at your disposal for activities and shopping. You will not reach Hamburg again until 20:15.
A side note: Starting with the 2018 season, a new catamaran will be sailing from Hamburg, please note the possibly changed departure times.
5 day trip tips
Hummber booths on Heligoland
Upon arrival, you will have approximately 4 hours to shop and explore the island.
A few tips from which you can choose, are briefly presented:
The Börtebahn awaits its guests directly at the southern harbor. With it you can travel through the lowlands and let yourself be introduced to Helgoland's history, nature and culture.
If you want to go on a journey of discovery on foot, climb the Stairway to the cliff edge off on the upland or take the elevator at the end of Lung Wai.
The circular trail stretches over almost 2 km and is lined with pyramids that offer information for every interest. You can find out about history on the yellow ones, about cultural history on the blue ones and about the diverse flora and fauna on the green boards on the pyramids.
To the north of the island, the wind turbines of the wind farm rise up. To the northwest, the "Lange Anna" emerges, one of Helgoland's Sights of red sandstone. Gannets, guillemots and seagulls nest on the rocks. The path leads south to the lighthouse. Here you can decide whether to continue it, start your shopping or go down the stairs to the south harbor to watch ships.
Another, but equally exciting tour is a detour to the dune. The dune ferry boat takes about 5 minutes each way from the main island. Tip: Nowhere else will you see wild seals and seals as close as on the dune. A minimum distance of 30 meters must be kept at all times. This also applies to photographers. Retreat is announced as soon as the animals approach curiously.
Tax free shopping on Helgoland
Whisky on Helgoland in the DutyFree Shops
Take advantage of the opportunity to customs and purchase VAT free. Since the import duty is eliminated for goods outside the EU, goods for personal use and consumption are free of duties and taxes.
These may be exported in certain quantities. These include tobacco products, alcoholic beverages such as whisky, vodka & tequila as well as coffee, tea, perfumes and food. Please note the current customs regulations.
Not fully exempt from duty are technical and optical devices such as binoculars, cameras, jewelry, watches, clothing, the value of which exceeds the ceiling of € 430.00. Goods exceeding this exemption amount must be cleared through customs in full. The customs office is located at Südstrand 1 and at the airfield.
Is a day trip to Helgoland worth it? - The conclusion
The length of stay for both day tours is in the range of 3 to 4 hours. Time enough to shop and get many impressions.
However, you will be on your feet for almost 12 hours from Hamburg. This is a whole day trip.
For a day trip you better choose the fast crossing by seafaring ship. Because a trip to the island is worth it. There is much to discover on the changing island. And a duty-free shopping is still worthwhile today.
