Ferry Service to Rügen Suspended Over Easter Weekend

Rügen - Travelers planning to visit the picturesque island of Rügen over the Easter holidays face unexpected disruptions. One of the crucial ferry services connecting the mainland to the island is currently out of operation, necessitating alternative travel plans for holidaymakers.

The ferry service operated by the Weiße Flotte, which typically transports passengers between Stahlbrode and the Glewitz ferry harbor in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has been halted. This situation arose after the MF 'Glewitz' suffered damage due to debris encountered during its last voyage, which is believed to have compromised its propulsion system. The vessel will require repairs in a shipyard before it can resume operations.

While there is usually another ferry, the MF 'Stahlbrode', available to serve this route, it too is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance and inspections at the shipyard. As a result, the company has announced that ferry services to Rügen will be completely suspended until further notice.

With the two-kilometer ferry connection unavailable, visitors now have limited options for accessing the island. The Rügendamm and the Rügen Bridge, connecting Stralsund to Altefähr on Rügen, remain operational but involve a longer journey. The detours to these crossings can add significant travel time, particularly during the busy Easter travel period.

It's important to note that the Rügendamm Bridge opens six times daily to accommodate maritime traffic, temporarily closing for approximately 20 minutes during each opening. The specific times for the bridge openings are 5:20 AM, 8:20 AM, 12:20 PM, 3:20 PM, 5:20 PM, and 9:30 PM, which may further complicate travel arrangements for those seeking to reach Rügen.

As the Easter holidays approach, the demand for various modes of transportation is expected to surge, with heavy congestion anticipated on roads, railways, and flights. Authorities are advising travelers to plan accordingly and allow for extra travel time to navigate potential delays.