Hamburg/Sassnitz - A Danish ferry company has resumed operations between the north German island of Ruegen and the Russian seaport of Baltiysk after an intermission lasted many years. Baltiysk, which was known until 1945 by its German name of Pillau, lies on the northern part of the Vistula Spit, some 45 kilometres from Kaliningrad. The presence of a large Russian naval base meant the town was off limits for decades, with all foreigners denied access.
Ferry company DFDS Lisco operates a ferry once a week from Sassnitz on Ruegen to Baltijsk using the vessel MS Vilnius. It leaves Sassnitz on Thursdays at 4pm and reaches Baltijsk after a voyage lasting 16 hours.
A passage can be booked via the Schnieder Reisen travel agency in Hamburg which has a contingent of berths on board. The return trip sees the MS Vilnius setting off from Baltijsk on Fridays at 6pm. The ship can carry 132 passengers and 25 cars.
Passengers who wish to travel from Germany to Baltijsk require a Russian visa, along with a permit for Baltijsk, which can be obtained from the ferry operator or travel agencies.
Internet: www.dfdslisco.com
