Ferries make an interesting way to get up-close views of European harbors, such as Hamburg, Germany. (iStock)
For locals, they’re often simply a way to get from A to B on their morning commute. But for those new to the scene, the simple act of hopping on board a ferry to catch a ride to the other side of a body of water can be nothing short of delightful. What’s more, the shortest of these rides might not cost much more than the change in your pocket.
Crossing the Rhine: The six-minute ride on the car ferry from Bingen to Rüdesheim gives passengers just enough time to take in the sight of the Mäuseturm stone tower perched on an island in the middle of the river, vineyards, and a cable car whisking passengers toward the imposing Niederwald monument, erected in 1883 to commemorate the unification of Germany. The ride costs 5.90 euros for a car, 1.90 euros per passenger and 2.70 euros for pedestrians. Online: bingen-ruedesheimer.de
Over the Mosel: Hikers and cyclists can enjoy a scenic hop from Ellenz-Poltersdorf to Beilstein on board this tiny ferry operating seasonally between April and October. The three to five-minute ride gives visitors a foretaste of Beilstein, nicknamed the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle” for its exquisitely preserved half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone alleys and stone staircases, crowned by the ruins of Burg Metternich. The ferry’s operating hours are 10 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-6 p.m., and the fare is 1.50 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/3a7hssbj
Across the IJ River in Amsterdam: That bustling body of water that seemingly surrounds Amsterdam, the River IJ, can be crossed night or day, thanks to a fleet of ferries that make up part of the city’s public transportation system. Instead of exiting Central Station through its front entrance, make way to its back side, where you can board a ferry bound for Buiksloterweg and stop off for a visit to the Eye Filmmuseum or the Tolhuistuin, a cultural hotspot with a garden, concert stages and exhibition spaces sure to delight creative types. Using this ferry is free of charge. Online: tinyurl.com/4nmxbabm
Along the Thames in London: Not ferries but rather high-speed catamarans stand ready to take visitors to or past countless landmarks along the Thames: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, London Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern are just a few of the sights that can be spotted from on board one of the vessels operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. The River Bus network makes stops at 24 piers between Barking Riverside Pier in the east and Putney Pier in the west. A one-way journey by water within a single zone (there are three zones in all) costs from 9.90 UK pounds and up when booked online in advance. Travelers can also use their Oyster Cards or make use of ticket machines. Online: thamesclippers.com
Exploring the Elbe in Hamburg: Although located some 70 miles inland, Hamburg has the look and feel of a maritime hub, all thanks to the River Elbe, which links it directly to the North Sea. While not exactly beautiful, massive container ships and hulking cranes seen up-close can’t fail to make an impression, and that’s just one aspect of the scenery awaiting visitors who chose to explore Europe’s third-largest port city from on board one of the ferries making up part of the local public transportion network. A trip on line 62 between the Landungsbrücken and Finkenwerder piers offers views of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall and St. Pauli Fish Market, all amongst the hustle and bustle of a working seaport. One-way journeys cost from 3.50 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/43mzn7k6
See Stockholm like a local: In Stockholm, built upon 14 islands, water is seemingly everywhere, and the city’s public transportation network, SL, runs several boat services that travelers can use with the same ticket they would for a bus or the underground. Line 80, a favorite amongst sightseers on a budget, gives travelers easy access to sights such as the Vasa Museum, Abba Museum and Skansen, a delightful open-air museum on Djurgården island. A single-journey ticket costs 43 Swedish Krona, about $4.60. Online: tinyurl.com/3wwta3hf
Trieste to Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula: The town of Rovinj, part of the Venetian Republic for over 500 years, is a delight to approach from any direction, but particularly so by water. From the busy Italian port city of Trieste, Liberty Lines offers a seasonal service serving Piran, Slovenia and the Croatian towns of Porec, Mali Lošinj and Rovinj. The two-hour, 40-minute ride from Trieste to Rovinj costs 21.50 euros. The service runs from the end of June to the beginning of September. Online: libertylines.it/en
Copenhagen to Oslo: Of course, not all ferry rides are short hops. It takes about 18 hours to make the journey over the North Sea between Copenhagen and Oslo, but the time goes quickly on board one of the ferries operated by Go Nordic Cruiseline. While she’s not a cruise ship, the line’s Nordic Pearl features niceties such as a night club with entertainment, lavish dinner and breakfast buffets, a pool and jacuzzis. In addition to standard fares, travelers can book a mini-cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo and back, inside cabin inclusive, at prices starting at just 286 DKK per person. The six-hour stop in Oslo is just enough to explore the Norwegian city’s highlights including its waterfront and the remarkable Vigeland sculpture park. Online: tinyurl.com/msy84swr
