Gothenburg waterfront and cityscape on the west coast of Sweden
Västra Götaland · Sweden

Gothenburg Ferry &
Destination Guide

Plan ferries to and from Gothenburg in Sweden, with route choices, harbour guidance and ideas for the rest of your journey.

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Discover Gothenburg

A lively west-coast city of canals, seafood and islands with direct ferries to Frederikshavn and Kiel

Gothenburg is Sweden’s great west-coast city, shaped by canals, shipping and a strong relationship with the sea. Its centre is relaxed and compact compared with many European cities.

Haga is one of the best-known historic neighbourhoods, with cobbled streets, cafés and characteristic wooden and brick buildings. Nearby districts combine independent shops, restaurants and a strong cultural scene.

Liseberg provides a major family attraction, while Feskekörka and the city’s seafood restaurants reflect Gothenburg’s fishing and maritime traditions.

The southern and northern archipelagos put rocky islands, fishing villages and swimming spots within easy reach using local ferries and public transport.

Stena Line operates two important international ferry corridors from Gothenburg: a relatively short route to Frederikshavn in Denmark and an overnight service to Kiel in Germany. The routes use separate terminals, so confirming the correct departure point is essential.

Gothenburg landmarks and visitor highlights
City highlights

What to see while you are in Gothenburg

Gothenburg balances urban attractions with easy access to the sea, parks and islands that define Sweden’s west coast.

Haga

Stroll one of Gothenburg’s oldest districts for cafés, independent shops and characteristic architecture.

Liseberg

Spend time at Scandinavia’s famous amusement park, especially if travelling with children or teenagers.

Gothenburg archipelago

Use local ferries to reach rocky islands, walking trails, villages and swimming places close to the city.

Feskekörka

Visit the iconic fish-market building and sample the seafood culture that defines the west coast.

Botanical Garden

Explore one of northern Europe’s major botanical collections beside the green Slottsskogen area.

Universeum

Combine science, technology, rainforest and aquarium exhibits in a major family-friendly attraction.

Tours & experiences

Things to Do in Gothenburg

Browse city tours, archipelago excursions, food experiences and day trips around Gothenburg and Sweden’s west coast.

Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.

Stena Line passenger ferry terminal in Gothenburg, Sweden
Arriving or departing by ferry

Gothenburg Ferry Terminals

Foot passengers and vehicles are accepted on the main services, although some departures outside terminal opening hours may have restrictions for foot passengers. Check the exact sailing and terminal instructions before travel.

Gothenburg currently has separate Stena terminals. The Denmark Terminal is at Emigrantvägen 20, close to Masthugget, while the Germany Terminal is further west at Elof Lindälvs gata. The two routes must not be treated as using the same check-in point.

Stena Line operates direct passenger ferries from Gothenburg to Frederikshavn in Denmark and Kiel in Germany. The Denmark route takes about three and a quarter to three and a half hours, while Kiel is an overnight crossing of about 14 hours.

Denmark terminal Emigrantvägen 20, 413 27 Gothenburg for Frederikshavn sailings
Directions to Denmark terminal Open Stena Denmark Terminal in Google Maps
Germany terminal Elof Lindälvs gata, 414 55 Gothenburg for Kiel sailings
Foot passengers Generally accepted, but check restrictions on departures outside staffed terminal hours
Vehicle travel Cars, motorcycles and touring vehicles are carried on both main international routes
Crossing styles Frederikshavn is a short daytime route; Kiel is a full overnight ferry journey
Plan your stay

Getting around Gothenburg

Gothenburg has excellent trams and buses, a walkable central core and convenient local ferries for the archipelago.

Walk central neighbourhoods

Haga, the canal-side centre and many shopping and dining areas are easy to combine on foot.

Use trams and trains

Trams reach the Stena terminals and outer districts, while Gothenburg Central handles regional and long-distance rail services.

Find Gothenburg rail tickets here...

Use public ferries for islands

Local transport tickets cover useful ferry links to parts of the archipelago, making island trips possible without a car.

Stay in Gothenburg

Stay in the centre, Haga or near major tram links

Central Gothenburg is convenient for most attractions; Haga adds atmosphere, while strong tram connections make many outer districts practical too.

Find Gothenburg Accommodation
Common planning questions

Gothenburg ferry & destination FAQs

Where is Gothenburg Ferry Terminal?

Stena Line uses separate terminals: Emigrantvägen 20 for Frederikshavn and Elof Lindälvs gata for Kiel.

Where can I sail from Gothenburg?

Stena Line operates direct passenger routes to Frederikshavn in Denmark and Kiel in Germany.

How long is the Gothenburg to Frederikshavn ferry?

The current route takes roughly 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes depending on the sailing.

How long is the Gothenburg to Kiel ferry?

The direct overnight route takes about 14 hours.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Gothenburg?

Yes on normal passenger departures, but Stena notes restrictions can apply outside staffed terminal opening hours.

What are the best things to do in Gothenburg?

Haga, Liseberg, the archipelago, Feskekörka, the Botanical Garden and the city’s seafood scene are major highlights.

Can I reach the Gothenburg ferry terminals by public transport?

Yes. The Denmark terminal is served by nearby trams and the Germany terminal can also be reached using city public transport.

How long should I spend in Gothenburg?

Two or three days works well for the city; add another day if you want a relaxed archipelago excursion.

Where can you travel from Gothenburg?

The route catalogue includes departures towards Frederikshavn, Kiel. Each direction has its own guide so that you can check the correct starting pier and arrival arrangements. A listed connection may be seasonal, a multi-stop itinerary or a former service; read its service status before making plans.

Ferries arriving in Gothenburg

Reaching the harbour and checking in

The Denmark terminal is near Masthugget on the Göta River. Stena Line also has a separate Germany terminal for Kiel, so use the correct terminal instructions.

Pin the precise ferry terminal before travelling to Gothenburg. Some towns have separate passenger quays, vehicle terminals and excursion-boat landings. The operator’s address on your confirmation is more useful than a town-centre map pin.

For a car journey, leave a margin for the final approach, queueing and check-in. Without a car, confirm the last part of the journey from the railway station or bus stop. A short map distance may involve port roads or areas closed to pedestrians; use a confirmed transfer or walking route.

Keep your booking reference and required documents accessible. If you need step-free boarding, help with luggage or space for a bicycle, arrange it before the day of travel. Small piers and large vehicle terminals can offer very different facilities.

Building Gothenburg into a wider journey

Plan each sea leg as a separate part of the trip. Check the arrival port, transfer distance, vehicle restrictions and the time before the next sailing. A ticket sold by one company or booking provider does not automatically create a protected connection with another.

Check your arrival time against accommodation check-in and the next transport service. If this is an island stay, organise the return ferry before fixing a mainland flight or a long-distance train. The outward and return ports do not have to be the same, but separate tickets can have different conditions.

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