The best transit and turnaround cruise ports in Northern Europe
Foto:Astrid Rasmussen&Daniel Rasmussen
Everything you need to know about the cruise ports of Denmark
We have gathered all the essential information about the cruise ports of Denmark. Find the best turnaround and transit ports in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea right here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or are missing information.
Denmark as a maritime nation
Denmark is a proud maritime nation that goes back to the Vikings. Today, Denmark operates the world’s 5th largest merchant fleet, which is reflected in our high-performing advanced port facilities, fresh water, and waste services across Denmark's ports.
Denmark also has a significant focus on sustainable shore excursions and high-quality service available for cruise guests and crew in all ports.
Short distances
Due to the short distances in Denmark, your cruise guests can easily reach experiences that are perfect for them in a short time. From Modern Art exhibits, exclusive high-end shopping, and fantastic gastronomic dining at the many Michelin-star restaurants, to world-famous attractions such as The Little Mermaid.
Perfect for off-season
Let your guest walk into history by sailing on an actual Viking ship or visiting the castle of Hamlet. Become a child again in the magical garden of Tivoli or explore the playfulness of LEGOLAND and the LEGO House. Let them relax on the beautiful beaches and walk on the cliffs of Bornholm.
All of this makes sure that Denmark is not only exciting to visit during the summer season but also has lots to offer during autumn and winter. We especially encourage you to consider planning itineraries off-season to Copenhagen. Read more about off-season cruising to Copenhagen here.
How to sell Denmark and Copenhagen to your guests
Due to the war in Ukraine and the lack of St. Petersburg on the itinerary, we know it can be a struggle to sell the Baltic region to your cruise guests. But do not worry!
Our region has much to offer, and Denmark is a unique example of the modern fairy tale and the sustainable future we all fight for. To sum it up, we have gathered 10 reasons for your guests to go on a cruise with Copenhagen on the itinerary. Read it here.
Pre- and post-cruise stays in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the largest, most advanced, and preferred turnaround ports in Northern Europe. Ideally, your guests would want more than a couple of days in Denmark’s beautiful capital, and if they have time for pre- and post-stays in the city, we have gathered some of our favorite places for them to explore here.
What do we offer your crew?
We love to welcome your crew and take good care of them while they are here. Take a look at our crew guide 2023 to see, what we offer your crew while calling our ports in Denmark.
Wonderful Copenhagen
Port of Copenhagen has three cruise quays. Langelinie Pier and Nordre Toldbod are both located right in the heart of the famous Danish capital. Ocean Quay with it's top modern facilities is located in the northern part of the city. Ocean Quay has the parfect facilities and space to handle multiple turnarounds at the same time. Langelinie and Ocean Quay will be ready with shore power in 2025, and have full capacity for shore power in 2028.
Port of Copenhagen is the preferred turnaround port in Northern Europe due to a short distance from the international airport to the cruise piers, easy and fast transfer, a wide variety of hotels, gastronomical dining experiences, and tourist attractions close by. Together with a vast network of local partners, Copenhagen is sure to provide a memorable experience for every visiting cruise ship, crew member, and guest.
Port of Roenne (Bornholm)
Port of Roenne is located in the city of Rønne - the capital of the beautiful Danish island Bornholm. The island is a true jewel known as "The Pearl of the Baltic Sea”. There are many reasons for this, such as 158 km of beautiful coastline, 527 square km of amazingly varied nature with cliffs, skerries, woodland, and heather, idyllic towns, and charming fishing hamlets.
Bornholm is a perfect haven for shorter stays, and since everything is within a short distance from the port, Port of Roenne is an ideal cruise transit port.
Rudy Hemmingsen
Port of Roenne is a transit cruise port and has four cruise quays. Cruise ships can dock at Krydstogtskajen Pier 31-32, Tværmolen - Pier 22/23, Kulkajen - Pier 13, and Multipier - Pier 34, all located just a little more than 1 km from the city centre. Port of Rønne can accommodate cruise ships of up to 350 meters in length and a water depth of 11 meters.
Bornholm is known for its long, beautiful sandy beacheslike Dueodde strand, round churches and Hammershus - Europe's oldest castle ruin. Other characteristics of the beautiful island are smoked herring, local produce, and the well-developed cycle path network, making it easy to explore the island.
Visit Nordsjælland
The Port of Helsingor is settled in the heart of Helsingor, right next to Kronborg Castle and its stronghold, which points towards the narrowest strait into the Baltic Sea. From the coast of Helsingor you can look right across the strait to Helsingborg Sweden. In historical times, Helsingor and Helsingborg controlled all access into the Baltic Sea. Your guests can encounter an ancient Danish legend in the cold, dark and moist catacombs under Kronborg Castle. According to the legend, the mighty knight Holger Danske (Ogier the Dane) sleeps in the catacombs under the castle - ready to wake up when Denmark needs him.
Next to the Port of Helsingor, you will also find the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, an architectural jewel designed by the world-renowned Danish architect firm Bjarne Ingels Group (BIG)
Dragsholm Castle
The Port of Kalundborg can accommodate big cruise ships, even some of the largest in the world, with a maximum length of 500 meters and a water depth of 15 meters.
Only a 30-minute drive from Port of Kalundborg you will find Dragsholm Castle, one of the oldest castles in Denmark and the most haunted castle in Europe. The 800-year-old castle is home to over 100 ghosts, including a white lady, a grey lady, and a poltergeist. Still, it is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Dragsholm Slot Gourmet, located in the old kitchen at Dragsholm Castle.
Nicolai Godvin
The Port of Nyborg can accommodate cruise ships with a maximum length of 290 meters a water depth of 11 meters.
The central location of Nyborg, right in the middle of Denmark, gives access to scenic nature and world-class attractions.
For cruise guests arriving in Nyborg, there is much to experience. Apart from its stunning beauty, the town hosts some of Denmark’s earliest national monuments.
Daniel Rasmussen
Within less than an hour's drive, cruise guests can also explore the city of Odense, the capital of Funen, Denmark's 7th largest city and the hometown of Denmark’s world-renowned author Hans Christian Andersen.
Nyborg Castle and city is one of the most important cultural heritage monuments from the Middle Ages in Denmark. Nyborg Castle and town were the King of Denmark's favourite residence from the beginning of the 13th century until 1560.
Port of Hundested
Port of Hundested is in the Northern part of Zealand, in the small fishing village of Hundested. The Port of Hundested offers easy access to the Baltic Sea.
Port of Hundested is a transit cruise port and have three cruise quays. Cruise ships can dock at cruise quay no. 1 and no. 2, both located right in the very heart of the city, just 300 meters from the city centre.
Hundested ports can accommodate cruise ships of up to 320 meters in length and a water depth of 8.2 meters.
Daniel Villadsen
The Port of Sønderborg can accommodate cruise ships up to 100 meters, and larger cruise ships are invited to use tender boats.
This part of Denmark was under German rule until the Reunification in 1920, making the region strongly influenced by Germany.
Cruise guests have the opportunity to dive into the fascinating border country history at Sønderborg Castle and the historical war field at the History Centre Dybbøl Banke.
Cruise news from Denmark
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