How long does the Schwentinelinie F2 crossing take?

No official crossing time has been published here, so travellers should check directly with Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH for current journey times.

Why does the route start and end at the same port, Reventlou?

The F2 appears to operate as a local loop or shuttle service around the Reventlou area within the wider Kiel waterway network, rather than as a direct crossing to a different destination.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking ahead is generally advisable for vehicles on popular sailings, though foot passengers usually have more flexibility. Check with the operator for current booking requirements.

Can I take my bike or dog on board?

Bicycles and dogs can generally be accommodated on ferries of this type, but specific rules and any charges should be confirmed with Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH before travel.

What happens if my sailing is cancelled due to weather?

Weather can affect coastal crossings in this region. If a sailing is cancelled, rebooking and cancellation handling are managed by the operator, so passengers should contact them directly for the current status and next steps.

Schwentinelinie F2

ferry · NAH.SH;VRK

Overview

The Schwentinelinie F2 is a Kiel-area ferry service operated by Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH, and it stands apart from most route guides in one important respect: both ends of the line are Reventlou. Rather than a straightforward A-to-B crossing, this is a route built around a loop or a there-and-back pattern serving the Reventlou area itself, likely linking it into the wider Kiel harbour and Schwentine network that falls under the NAH.SH and VRK transport umbrella.

That makes the F2 less a long-distance sea crossing and more a local water shuttle, of the sort that lets residents and visitors move around the Kiel waterway without relying on roads. Because no crossing time, vessel details or timetable specifics have been published here, anyone planning to use it should treat this guide as a general orientation and go straight to the operator for the practical detail.

What follows sets out how to think about the F2 as a journey: what to expect on board, how fares and bookings tend to work on routes like this, and what alternatives exist if the sailing does not fit your plans.

Key facts

From	Reventlou
To	Reventlou
Operator	Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH

The crossing at a glance

The Schwentinelinie F2 runs from Reventlou to Reventlou, which signals a circular or shuttle-style service rather than a point-to-point sea crossing to a different town. It is operated by Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH, a name associated with ferry and towing operations in the Kiel area, and the route sits within the NAH.SH and VRK regional transport network, meaning it is likely integrated with local bus and rail ticketing in and around Kiel.

No official crossing time has been supplied for this route, so it would be wrong to guess at duration. Given its local, looped nature, it is reasonable to expect a short hop rather than an extended sea voyage, but travellers should confirm actual sailing length with the operator before making plans that depend on precise timing.

Frequency and seasonality

Sailings on routes of this kind typically vary through the year, with a fuller service in the warmer months when demand from both commuters and leisure travellers is higher, and a reduced pattern outside that period. The F2 should be assumed to follow a similar seasonal rhythm.

Because no specific sailing counts or seasonal calendar have been confirmed here, the only reliable approach is to check current timetables directly with Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH before travelling, particularly if you are planning a trip around a specific time of day or a particular season.

Fares and booking

Ferry fares on routes like the F2 generally distinguish between foot passengers and those bringing a vehicle, with vehicle fares typically calculated by size or category rather than a flat rate. No prices can be confirmed here, so travellers should treat any figure they see elsewhere with caution unless it comes directly from the operator.

On popular sailings, particularly at weekends or during peak season, booking ahead is generally wise if you are travelling with a car, since space for vehicles is more limited than space for foot passengers. The place to book, and to find current fares, is the operator itself, Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH, rather than third-party listings.

Foot passenger or car?

Foot passengers get the simplest experience on a short local service like this: minimal waiting, no need to queue in a vehicle lane, and an easy walk-on, walk-off journey that suits anyone exploring the Reventlou area on foot or connecting onward by bus or bike. Drivers gain the flexibility of continuing their journey by road at the other end without needing separate onward transport, but they should expect to arrive earlier, follow vehicle loading procedures, and potentially book ahead if the sailing is busy.

For a route that begins and ends at Reventlou, many travellers may find that going on foot, perhaps combined with local cycling or public transport, is the more practical option unless a car is specifically needed for onward travel beyond the port area.

Vehicles, bikes, dogs and accessibility

As with most ferries in this category, cars, bicycles and dogs can generally be accommodated, though exact rules on space, restraint for pets, and any surcharge for bikes should be confirmed with the operator rather than assumed. Cyclists in particular should check whether bikes are carried free or need a small allocation of space reserved in advance during busier periods.

Accessibility provisions, such as step-free boarding or assistance for those with reduced mobility, vary by vessel and by berth, so anyone with specific access requirements should contact Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH ahead of travel to confirm what support and equipment is available on the day.

On board

Given the local, short-hop character implied by a Reventlou-to-Reventlou service, the onboard experience is likely to be modest and functional rather than a full cruise-style crossing. Expect a straightforward deck and cabin arrangement suited to a brief journey, rather than extensive lounges or dining facilities.

Even on a short crossing, standing on deck for a few minutes gives a different perspective on the water and shoreline than travelling by road, and it is generally worth stepping outside if weather allows, rather than staying seated throughout.

Reliability and disruption

Ferry services in this region, as on any west-coast or coastal waterway route in northern Germany, can be affected by weather, particularly strong wind or poor visibility, which may lead to delays or cancellations at short notice.

If your plans depend on the F2 running to schedule, it is worth checking the current service status with Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH before setting out, especially in less settled weather. Cancellations and rebooking are handled directly by the operator, so any disruption should be resolved through their customer service rather than guesswork.

What you'll see from the deck

The Kiel area is defined by its waterways, harbour activity and the interplay between urban shoreline and more open water further out, and a crossing based at Reventlou is likely to offer glimpses of this working and leisure waterfront. Expect a mix of moored boats, harbour infrastructure and greener stretches of bank depending on exactly where the route travels.

Even a short sailing gives a sense of Kiel's relationship with the water, which is central to the city's identity, and offers a different vantage point on the surrounding landscape than is available from the roads alone.

Route alternatives and onward travel

Because the F2 begins and ends at the same port, travellers whose ultimate destination lies elsewhere should look at how Reventlou connects into the wider NAH.SH and VRK network of buses, trains and other ferry routes in the Kiel area. Local transport information services can advise on the best combination of ferry, bus or rail for a specific journey.

If the F2 does not suit your schedule or purpose, it is worth asking the operator or regional transport authority about alternative ferry links from Reventlou or nearby piers, since the Kiel waterway typically supports several interconnecting services rather than just one.

Common questions

How long does the Schwentinelinie F2 crossing take?: No official crossing time has been published here, so travellers should check directly with Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH for current journey times.
Why does the route start and end at the same port, Reventlou?: The F2 appears to operate as a local loop or shuttle service around the Reventlou area within the wider Kiel waterway network, rather than as a direct crossing to a different destination.
Do I need to book in advance?: Booking ahead is generally advisable for vehicles on popular sailings, though foot passengers usually have more flexibility. Check with the operator for current booking requirements.
Can I take my bike or dog on board?: Bicycles and dogs can generally be accommodated on ferries of this type, but specific rules and any charges should be confirmed with Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH before travel.
What happens if my sailing is cancelled due to weather?: Weather can affect coastal crossings in this region. If a sailing is cancelled, rebooking and cancellation handling are managed by the operator, so passengers should contact them directly for the current status and next steps.

On the map

Sources & method

OpenStreetMap route=ferry (ODbL) — route

See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.