Ferry to Tunø – Tickets and Practical Information

Where does the ferry depart from?

The Tunø Ferry departs from Hou Harbour, located south of Aarhus. If this is your first visit to Tunø, the experience begins already at the ferry terminal in Hou. Tunø is a car-free island in the middle of the Kattegat Sea, and the ferry is the island's vital connection to the mainland. Fortunately, getting there is both easy and enjoyable.

If you are travelling by car, there are reasonably priced parking facilities in Hou, where most visitors leave their vehicles before boarding the ferry. As Tunø is a car-free island, putting away the car keys and slowing down is actually part of the experience.

If you are travelling by public transport, Bus 103 connects Hou with Aarhus and Odder.

We recommend checking the ferry timetable in advance, as the number of departures varies throughout the year, with special schedules during weekends and public holidays.

Book Your Ticket in Advance

During the summer season, school holidays and public holidays, the ferry can be very popular. It is therefore a good idea to reserve your ticket in advance.

Tickets, timetables and current fares can be found on the official Tunø Ferry website.

If you have made a reservation, you should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. If you are travelling with a bicycle or larger equipment, arriving a little earlier is recommended.

The Crossing to Tunø

The ferry crossing takes approximately 55 minutes. On a clear day, the views alone are worth the journey, and many passengers choose to spend part of the trip on deck.

Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views across the Kattegat, watch sailing boats pass by, or simply sit back and relax. Vending machines offering drinks and snacks are available onboard.

Many visitors feel that their holiday begins the moment the ferry leaves Hou Harbour. Most years, several pairs of swallows build their nests on the ferry, making them some of the most frequent travellers between Tunø and the mainland alongside the captain and crew.

Can You Bring a Car?

Generally speaking, no.

Tunø is a car-free island, and ordinary visitors leave their vehicles in Hou. Special permits are only granted for service vehicles, mobility vehicles and certain commercial transport needs.

The advantage is that you can explore the island without traffic, noise or cars. For many families with children, this is one of the things that makes Tunø so special.

Bicycles can be rented at the harbour, and it is also possible to book a local tractor taxi ("Traxa") if you have luggage or equipment that needs to be transported to your holiday home or campsite.

 

Bring your dog

Bring your dog to Tunø

Bring Lady, Scruffy and Bella

Tunø is a wonderful destination if you're travelling with your dog. The island's relaxed pace, car-free roads and scenic trails make it perfect for long walks along the coast and through the beautiful countryside. Tunø is also home to grazing livestock and nesting birds, so please respect nature, other visitors and the island's wildlife by keeping your dog on a lead at all times.

Bicycle rental

Lej cykel på Tunø

Explore Tunø by Bike

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Tunø's quiet roads, scenic viewpoints and unique island atmosphere. You can either bring your own bicycle on the ferry or hire one at Tunø Harbour, just a few metres from the ferry terminal.

See prices at Tunø Bicycle Rental.

Food at the harbour

Lunch on Tunø

Hungry when you arrive?

If you're feeling hungry after arriving on Tunø, you'll find several excellent places to eat close to the harbour. The Smokehouse "Røgeriet" is located right beside the ferry terminal, while the Old Dairy "Mejeriet" is just a five-minute walk away. Whether you're looking for a classic Danish lunch, coffee and cake, or a refreshing drink, both are great places to start your visit.

Arrival at Tunø Harbour

When the ferry arrives at Tunø Harbour, you step directly into the heart of island life. During the summer months, the harbour is full of life. Sailors visit one another aboard their boats, children catch crabs from the pier, and visitors enjoy a coffee or lunch overlooking the water.

At the harbour you will find:

• Tunø Smokehouse & Restaurant "Røgeriet"
• Bicycle rental
• Information boards and island maps
• Public facilities including showers, toilets and a playground
• A sailors’ lounge with books, games and indoor seating

Tunø Village is only a few minutes' walk from the harbour. Here you'll find the island's local grocery store, where you can buy everything you need for your stay, including food, drinks and everyday essentials.

We always encourage our guests to shop locally while visiting Tunø. Every purchase helps support the island community and ensures that the village shop can continue serving both residents and future visitors.

 

Day Trip or Holiday?

Many visitors first discover Tunø on a day trip. It provides an excellent introduction to the island and its unique atmosphere.

Most day visitors choose one of two classic experiences. The first is the popular walk around the island. The route is approximately seven kilometres long and takes you through forests, beaches, cliffs and beautiful coastal scenery overlooking the Kattegat.

The second option is a leisurely walk through Tunø Village, where you can visit the famous church with its lighthouse tower, the local museum, the gallery and the charming streets lined with colourful gardens.

Both routes can easily be combined with lunch at Mejeriet or the Smokehouse.

However, this is often where visitors discover that one day feels far too short. That is why many return later for a weekend getaway or a full holiday in a holiday cottage.

Once the last ferry has departed, a special sense of peace settles over the island. It is often only then that visitors truly understand why so many people fall in love with this small car-free island in the middle of the Kattegat.