Samsø Rederi – Ferries to Samsø from Jutland
The green-hearted ferry link between Samsø and Jutland, turning a one-hour crossing into the relaxed first chapter of your island escape.
Samsø Rederi is the lifeline ferry operator linking the island of Samsø with mainland Jutland, sailing to and from Sælvig Harbour in the middle of the island’s west coast. From here, the car ferry Prinsesse Isabella connects Hou near Odder and Samsø in about an hour, while a seasonal fast ferry links Aarhus and Sælvig for foot passengers and cyclists. With modern, comfortable vessels, onboard cafés and strong green credentials, Samsø Rederi turns a practical sea crossing into a relaxed introduction to Denmark’s famous “energy island”.
A brief summary to Samsø Rederi
- Sælvig 64, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4570225900
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book vehicle space well in advance during school holidays and summer weekends, as popular sailings on Prinsesse Isabella can fill up quickly.
- Arrive at the terminal early enough to enjoy the onboard café; the short crossing is ideal for a light meal and classic Danish ferry fries.
- If you plan to explore Samsø by bike, bring your own on the ferry or coordinate with local cycle rental to meet you at Sælvig Harbour.
- Check seasonal timetables carefully, especially for the fast ferry from Aarhus, as departure times and frequency vary across the year.
- Those sensitive to motion should choose seats midship and on lower decks, where movement from waves is usually less noticeable.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Hou (Jutland) with vehicle boarding
From the town of Hou in Jutland, drive to the ferry terminal and check in for the Hou–Sælvig crossing with your car. Boarding and sailing together take around 1.5 to 2 hours, including waiting and the 60‑minute sea passage. Typical one‑way fares for a standard car with driver fall in the range of 350–600 DKK depending on season and time of day, with additional passengers charged separately. Vehicle check‑in closes well before departure, so plan extra time in busy holiday periods.
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Foot passenger from Aarhus by fast ferry
From central Aarhus, walk or use local city transport to reach the waterfront fast‑ferry terminal near the main cultural harbour area. Check in as a foot passenger or with a bicycle and board Samsø Rederi’s fast ferry to Sælvig. The sailing itself takes about 60 minutes, with the total journey commonly 1.5 to 2 hours once you include boarding and disembarkation. Expect a typical one‑way adult fare in the region of 150–300 DKK, with extra charges for bikes and dynamic pricing in peak summer.
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Public transport combination via Odder and Hou
If you are travelling without a car from elsewhere in Jutland, take regional rail or light rail services towards Odder or Aarhus and connect to a local bus running to the port town of Hou. From there, board the Hou–Sælvig ferry as a foot passenger. Depending on your starting point and connections, the combined bus and ferry journey usually takes between 2.5 and 4 hours. Bus tickets are priced by zone, while foot passenger ferry fares typically range from 80–200 DKK one way, varying by departure and season.
Samsø Rederi location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Samsø Rederi
Gateway to Denmark’s Energy Island
Samsø Rederi is far more than a transport company; it is the maritime gateway to Samsø, Denmark’s pioneering “energy island”. Operating out of Sælvig Harbour on the island’s west coast, the company runs the essential ferry routes that tie Samsø to Jutland. As you arrive or depart via Sælvig, the low coastline, gentle fields and wind turbines in the distance tell you immediately that this crossing is part of a wider story about sustainable living and island life. From the quay at Sælvig 64 you watch vehicles roll on and off the ferry, cyclists tighten helmet straps and foot passengers gather with bags and picnic baskets. The scene blends everyday necessity with holiday anticipation: locals commuting, delivery trucks supplying the island and visitors about to begin a slow-paced coastal escape.Prinsesse Isabella – A Green Car Ferry Workhorse
The backbone of Samsø Rederi’s operation is Prinsesse Isabella, the large car ferry on the Hou–Sælvig route. Purpose-built to serve Samsø, she can carry around 160 cars and up to 600 passengers, making it easy to bring your own wheels and explore small villages, farm shops and beaches at your own pace. The crossing takes about 60 minutes, enough time to settle in without feeling restless. Inside, wide lounges, panoramic windows and cushioned seating turn the short voyage into a mini sea journey. Many travellers head straight for the café counter where ferry classics like hot dishes, snacks and the almost obligatory crispy “ferry fries” are served alongside cold and hot drinks. Free Wi‑Fi lets you catch up on messages, plan your route across the island or simply read as the Kattegat passes by outside.Aarhus–Sælvig by Fast Ferry
Complementing the car ferry is Samsø Rederi’s fast passenger ferry between central Aarhus and Sælvig. The sleek vessel, often used by day‑trippers and cyclists, covers the distance in roughly an hour and carries several hundred passengers plus a generous number of bicycles. It departs from the waterfront in Aarhus, close to the city’s light rail and cultural district, and glides straight out across the bay towards the low silhouette of Samsø. On board, the design leans towards modern, bright interiors, with large windows framing port cranes, open sea and, finally, the approach to Samsø’s gentle shoreline. Comfortable airline-style seating, room for luggage and a small selection of refreshments make it easy to treat the trip as a moving lounge rather than simple transport.Sustainability and Local Ownership at Sea
Samsø Rederi is municipally owned, closely tied to the island community it serves. This link becomes clear in its commitment to cleaner technology. Prinsesse Isabella was one of Denmark’s first domestic ferries capable of running on liquefied natural gas, with the longer‑term aim of switching to locally produced biogas generated from agricultural by-products. The idea is simple but ambitious: turn the island’s fields and farms into energy that powers the very ship bringing visitors to them. The company’s green ambitions mirror Samsø’s broader energy journey, where wind turbines, biomass plants and solar panels have gradually transformed the island’s footprint. Sailing with Samsø Rederi, you are not just crossing water; you are participating in an ongoing experiment in how remote communities can remain connected while reducing emissions.Life On Board and Practical Comforts
Daily life on the ferries balances practicality with low-key comfort. Families settle at tables with colouring books, cyclists cluster near deck doors ready to roll ashore, and locals greet crew members by name. Dogs are welcome in dedicated areas with water bowls, and accessible facilities are designed so travellers with limited mobility can move between decks and lounges with relative ease. Even on blustery days, sheltered indoor spaces and broad windows keep you close to the changing light and waves without facing the full force of the wind. On calm summer crossings you may choose to step outside, feel the sea breeze and watch Samsø recede or draw nearer, already spotting windmills, church spires and narrow strips of sandy beach below low cliffs.Sælvig Harbour as a Starting Point
Arriving at Sælvig, you disembark directly into the heart of the island. The harbour itself is compact, with the ferry berth flanked by parking areas, bus connections and simple port facilities. From here, Samsø unfolds as a long, slender island ideal for cycling, scenic drives and coastal walks. The crossing becomes the first chapter of your island stay: an hour to slow down, reset your pace and get ready for smaller roads, open skies and the subtle rhythms of life in Denmark’s middle of the sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel Vadstrup1771
3.0 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
3.8 km
A Bronze Age sacred spring where fresh water flows from an ancient hollow oak, connecting modern visitors to 3,000 years of spiritual tradition.
Samsø Sogn
4.2 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
The Kanhave Canal
5.9 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
The small Summer Hotel
7.7 km
Experience authentic Danish seaside charm at The Small Summer Hotel in Ballen, Samsø, offering cozy accommodations and a perfect base for exploring the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
8.1 km
Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning harbor views at Restaurant Mårup Havn, a culinary gem on the scenic island of Samsø, Denmark.
Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
8.2 km
Experience coastal bliss at Ballen Strandpark on Samsø: stunning sea views, direct beach access, and charming apartments near Ballen harbor, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
Oasen Samsø
9.9 km
Discover tranquility and island charm at Oasen Samsø, a unique retreat offering comfortable accommodations, natural beauty, and a rich cultural experience on Denmark's sustainable island.
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
11.8 km
A modest memorial stone set in Samsø’s quiet countryside, offering a brief, reflective pause amid open fields, island sky and centuries of local history.
Landmarket Horsedalen
30.7 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Olaf Ryes Skanse
33.1 km
A 19th-century Danish military fortification honoring a war hero with commanding views across the Jutland landscape.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
35.0 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Marselisborgmonumentet
36.3 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Enebærodde
37.7 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Glasmuseet Ebeltoft
37.8 km
Discover a world of contemporary glass art at Glasmuseet Ebeltoft, showcasing stunning collections and innovative exhibitions in a picturesque Danish setting. A unique cultural experience awaits.
Unmissable attractions to see
Samsø Egnsarkiv
2.2 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
3.8 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Samsø Badehotel
3.8 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Samsø Museum
4.3 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Samsø Island Distillery
4.5 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Yduns Have ApS
4.7 km
Organic farm, self-serve shop and rustic cabins on Samsø’s quiet east side, where you taste the island’s vegetables right where they’re grown.
Husmandsstedet Fredensdal
5.3 km
An intimate Samsø smallholder’s farm where thatched roofs, animals and kitchen gardens bring Denmark’s rural past to life in a single charming homestead.
Stakladen Besser
5.6 km
A rustic island barn transformed into a light-filled gallery, with weekly changing art and craft exhibitions in the heart of Besser on Samsø.
The Morgan Garage
6.0 km
A tiny village workshop turned Morgan treasure-trove, blending hand-built British sports cars, quirky automobilia and Samsø’s quietly green island backdrop.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
6.0 km
High‑speed falcons, soaring eagles and silent owls in a one‑hour open‑air show that brings the ancient art of falconry to life on the island of Samsø.
Besser Udsigtstårn
6.1 km
A modest island lookout tower on the ruins of an old mill, offering wide Samsø panoramas, quiet rural atmosphere and glimpses of distant Kalundborg on clear days.
Brundby Stubmølle
6.2 km
One of Denmark’s oldest post mills, Brundby Stubmølle pairs centuries-old milling history with wide Samsø views from a peaceful hill just above the village.
Festivalpladsen
6.6 km
Open-air festival grounds at the edge of forest and fields, where quiet island scenery transforms into a cozy Danish music celebration each summer.
Strandlyst - Hotel
6.9 km
Intimate Nordic island hideaway with design-led rooms, seasonal dining and a tranquil pool garden near Ballen on Samsø’s gentle coastline.
Dansebjerg
7.1 km
Creative hilltop retreat on Samsø with wide Kattegat views, flexible communal spaces and a calm, homely atmosphere made for groups, workshops and slow island days.
Essential places to dine
Samsø Perlen
0.2 km
Casual seaside restaurant and guesthouse by the sands of Sælvig, serving Samsø’s island ingredients with relaxed coastal views and easy access to the ferry.
Samsø Madsnedkeri
3.8 km
Inventive island cooking and handmade Samsø specialties served in a converted farm stable at the culinary heart of Tranebjerg.
Flinchs Hotel
4.4 km
Historic 1885 town hotel in Tranebjerg with local-produce restaurant, leafy courtyard and a central base for exploring Samsø’s landscapes and coastline.
Samsø Madhus
4.4 km
Island produce, homely Danish cooking and simple rooms come together at Samsø Madhus, a cosy food house in Tranebjerg at the heart of Samsø.
Carlo's Corner
4.5 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Den Gule Parasol
4.5 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
søster sidevind
5.8 km
Atmospheric lunch café and curiosity shop in Besser’s old grocery, serving artful smørrebrød, local flavours and coffee in a cosy courtyard and vintage-filled interior.
ØbyUS
6.7 km
A cozy Samsø farmhouse café and design shop where slow coffee, local flavors and Nordic interiors come together in the tiny village of Permelille.
rumogrooms.dk - Hotel og Madhus Rumogrooms
6.7 km
Bright Nordic rooms and a seasonal madhus in a quiet Samsø village, blending minimalist design, local flavours and island calm in an intimate hotel setting.
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
6.9 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
Den Gamle Butik
7.7 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Pizzeria Maya
7.7 km
Cozy island pizzeria in Ballen serving creative stone‑baked pizzas, pastas and wine in a relaxed, harbor‑side setting on Denmark’s vegetable‑rich Samsø.
Samsø Værftet
7.7 km
Easy-going wharfside restaurant, coffee bar and cocktail hangout on Ballen’s harbourfront, blending seaside leisure, local flavour and Samsø’s laid-back island energy.
Restaurant Dokken
7.7 km
Harbourfront restaurant in Ballen blending Samsø’s maritime shipyard heritage, local Danish classics and lively summer terrace vibes right on the water’s edge.
Molevitten
7.7 km
Lively Samsø hangout in Ballen mixing local-produce dinners, a friendly bar and live music, where islanders and visitors share long evenings by the harbour.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Store island oen.dk
4.3 km
Island-style knitwear, woollen plaids and practical outdoor clothing in a cosy Samsø village shop that blends Danish craftsmanship with everyday Nordic living.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
4.3 km
Eclectic art, antiques and Danish design in a cosy summer shop on Samsø, where decades of collecting meet the easygoing rhythm of island village life.
Samsø Grej
4.4 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
Tøjhuset
4.5 km
Cosy Samsø clothing boutique offering friendly, personal service and a practical yet stylish mix of clothes, shoes and accessories in Tranebjerg’s main street.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
4.5 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Imerco
4.5 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
4.6 km
A cosy Samsø hybrid of Scandinavian fashion, design objects and aromatic coffee, Buur turns a simple village storefront into an inviting island living room.
Ny Form Samsø
4.6 km
Sporty, island-ready clothing and gear for all ages, keeping you comfortable in Samsø’s breezy coastal weather from village streets to windswept beaches.
SuperBrugsen
4.6 km
The practical heart of Tranebjerg and Samsø’s go-to supermarket for fresh local produce, Danish staples, and everyday essentials throughout your island stay.
Hobbyboden Scrapworld – Din onlline hobby butik indenfor scrapbooking, kort og mixed media
4.8 km
A cozy island outlet of a major Danish scrapbooking webshop, packed with papers, stamps and mixed-media supplies for creative travelers on Samsø.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
4.8 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
Langemarksgård
5.2 km
Traditional Samsø family farm shop bringing potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fruit and berries straight from surrounding fields to a cosy, countryside storefront.
Huge Market on the island
6.5 km
A cavernous Samsø flea and antique market where vintage furniture, island curios and second-hand treasures gather under one relaxed, rummage-friendly roof.
MoltkeDesign
6.5 km
Design-forward village boutique and intimate three-room B&B in Brundby, blending Scandinavian style, local art and relaxed Samsø island living under one roof.
Eskehus Samsø
6.7 km
Island design boutique and gallery on Samsø, blending BY BJORKSTRAND fashion, sustainable interiors, ceramics and botanical art in a charming village house.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ræven
4.3 km
Rural Samsø bar and eatery with relaxed island vibes, simple hearty fare, and late-week pub energy in a low-key farmhouse-style setting.
Vinkapellet Samsø
6.3 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Garagen
6.5 km
Laid-back island bar in the woods of Strandskoven, blending rustic charm, simple drinks and live music with the easy coastal rhythm of Samsø.
rullen
6.6 km
Casual festival bar in the heart of Samsø Festival, where cold drinks, sea air and relaxed island vibes create a warm pause between concerts.
Samsø Bryghus
11.2 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Solbjerg Bodega
35.2 km
Authentic Danish bodega with extended hours and genuine local atmosphere in North Jutland.
Umage Ølbar
37.4 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
37.4 km
Former oyster and bubbles bar on Ebeltoft’s old fishing harbour, where luxury shellfish, sparkling wine and maritime history came together in a relaxed coastal setting.
Mejeriets Bar
37.4 km
Cozy neighbourhood bar and eatery by the harbour in Knebel, offering simple food, evening drinks and a relaxed local atmosphere after days out on Djursland.
Sir Henry Bodega
37.6 km
Unpretentious Danish bar in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, pouring local beers and classic drinks in a cozy, lived-in setting from morning till late.
Ebeltoft Strandbar
37.7 km
Laid-back beachfront bar on Ebeltoft Bay, serving simple seaside food, cold drinks and big-sky sunsets just steps from the sand on Strandvejen.
Den Skæve Bar
37.8 km
A crooked timber-framed pub in Ebeltoft's old town, where live music and garden charm meet Danish hospitality.
Klub K
37.8 km
Small-town harbor bar turned late-night disco, Klub K keeps Ebeltoft dancing on weekend nights with simple drinks, big beats and an easygoing local vibe.
Toldboden
37.8 km
Relaxed harbourside bar in Ebeltoft, blending maritime character, waterfront views and late-opening drinks in a cosy, casual setting by the marina.
ButlerBar
38.0 km
Discover the lively ButlerBar in Aarhus, a perfect blend of great drinks, friendly service, and an inviting atmosphere for all travelers.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
27.7 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Luksusmassage Århus
38.0 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Lounge 8000
38.4 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
38.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
38.6 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
38.6 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bar Smil Aarhus
38.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife at Bar Smil Aarhus, a must-visit night club and bar offering an unforgettable experience in Denmark's cultural hub.
Bernhardt Natklub
38.8 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
38.9 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
39.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
39.0 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
