By Train from Hamburg (Germany) to København / Copenhagen (Denmark) - Option 1: take the trains which travel on a ferry

From Dec 15th these trains will be re-routed to travel via Fredericia and Odense and will no longer travel on the train-ferry between Germany and Denmark.

UNTIL DEC 14th:

Final Destination: Koebenhavn H (German Spelling)

All trains also call at: Lubeck; Nyköping F, Roskilde

Type of Scenery: Coast

Star Rating: *

Step on board for one of Europe's most fascinating train journeys - when have you ever been on a train that gets loaded on to a boat?!?

There are now only two train ferry services in Europe, and the trains on this route use one of them to travel from Germany to Denmark (the other connects Italy to Sicily)

Being transport fans, we found the train being sailed across the sea, aspect of the trip fascinating.
Though if that prospect doesn't float your boat (sorry we couldn't resist that one) there are less-obvious aspects of this Hamburg to Copenhagen 'train journey' that may appeal.

The sea crossing between Germany and Denmark takes around 45 mins - rail tickets include the ferry crossing.

Once the trains are loaded on board the boat, passengers have to leave the trains and travel in the ferry's lounges or deck areas - so you can make the most of all the facilities on board.

We have two tips to share:

(1) The boat has a buffet style restaurant which can be a good option, as only snacks are sold on the train.

The price of the meal is fairly reasonable - compared to typical Danish restaurant prices.

(2) There are duty-free shops on board the ferry and if you want to grab a bargain, head for these shops as soon as you board.

They tend to be busy, so you'll use up most of the crossing time, selecting your items and waiting in the queue to pay for them.

If you'll be travelling with children who get bored on train journeys, the ferry journey is a great distraction - though keep small children close as cars and trucks will also be boarding the boat.

Luggage can be left on the train as the doors are secured for the sea crossing.

Another pleasing aspect of this trip is that before and after both ferry terminals there are coastal views from the numerous bridges that the train crosses.

Though make the most of this train-ferry journey experience while you still can - according to press reports, the trains between Hamburg and Copenhagen/Kobenhavn will take a different route from December 15th.

From that date the trains will travel through northern Germany and the Jutland peninsular in Denmark, before turning to the east to travel direct to Kobenhavn via Odense.
The trains will take that route until the Fehmarn Fixed Link tunnel between Germany and Denmark opens in around 2028.

The alternative overnight train:

Between Apr 1st and Sep 16th there is now an alternative to these daytime trains.

Though this new overnight train service is usually due to arrive in the Danish capital very early in the morning at 06:01.

Also the same type of train is being used for this overnight service, as those that also used on this daytime route - so no couchette berths or sleeping cabins will be available.