Bleckede (Germany Lower Saxony)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Europe Rivers
Local Time
2026-10-09 12:19
51°F 10.3°C
Mod. breeze6.4 m/s
57 °F / 14 °C 47 °F / 9 °C
Port Bleckede cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Bleckede, Germany Lower Saxony. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 November, 2027 Tuesday |  MS Sans Souci | 13:00 | 14:00 |
Bleckede (port locode DEBKD) is an Elbe River cruise port and town in Germany's Lower Saxony state (Niedersachsen's district Luneburg) with population around 10,000. The town is located approx 20 km (12 mi) east of Luneburg (Hanseatic City) and approx 70 km (50 mi) from Hamburg - Germany's 2nd largest city (after Berlin) with population over 1,8 million and country's largest seaport.
The town was founded in the 11th-century as part of Herzogtum Sachsen (Duchy of Saxony / 804-1296) and was burnt down and destroyed completely in 1666. In 1810 it became part of France, in 1815 - part of the Kingdom of Hanover (1814-1866) and in 1866 - part of Prussia. After WW2 (1939-1945), the town's north quarters were occupied by USSR (Soviet Zone) while its south quarters became part of West Germany's Lower Saxony. Together with Mecklenburg, in 1949, the area became part of East Germany. Since 1952, the border was sealed off and inaccessible to the citizens of Neu Bleckede and Neu Wendischthun. After West and East Germany merged in 1989, in 1993 Neu Bleckede was annexed to Lower Saxony.
As a cruise port, Bleckede is included in the schedule of some of Europe's largest river cruise companies - CroisiEurope (ships Victor Hugo and Mona Lisa) and Nicko Cruises (ships Frederic Chopin and Katharina von Bora).
The next tables show some of the cruise tour itineraries as ports sequences and prices per person (double occupancy rates).
(CroisiEurope) 6-day itinerary between homeports Berlin and Hamburg, from ~USD 1300 pp
| Date / Time | Port |
|---|---|
| 02 May 18:00 / 03 May 12:00 (overnight) | Departing from Berlin |
| 03 May 14:00 | Potsdam |
| 03 May 22:30 / 04 May 05:30 (overnight) | Wusterwitz |
| 04 May 14:00 | Magdeburg |
| 04 May 22:30 / 05 May 10:00 (overnight) | Tangermunde |
| 05 May 21:00 / 06 May 13:00 (overnight) | Bleckede |
| 06 May 19:00 / 07 May / 08 May 09:00 (overnight) | Arriving in Hamburg |
(Nicko Cruises) 8-day itinerary between homeports Potsdam and Hamburg, from ~USD 1700 pp
| Date / Time | Port |
|---|---|
| 07 Sep / 08 Sep - 19:00 (overnight) | Departing from Potsdam |
| 09 Sep 13:00 - 14:00 | Burg bei Magdeburg |
| 09 Sep 18:00 / 10 Sep - 07:00 (overnight) | Magdeburg |
| 10 Sep 13:00 - 18:00 | Tangermunde |
| 10 Sep 21:00 / 11 Sep - 13:00 (overnight) | Havelberg |
| 12 Sep - 06:00 | Bleckede |
| 12 Sep 08:30 - 15:00 | Lauenburg |
| 12 Sep 20:30 / 13 Sep / 14 Sep (overnight) | Arriving in Hamburg |
Bleckede is a small Elbe River port best suited to a quiet walk, the local biosphere visitor center, and views across the Elbe floodplain. The principal sights are close enough to visit on foot, although some cruise itineraries make only a very short stop.
At a Glance
Independent sightseeing: Easy independently for passengers with at least two hours ashore. The town is compact, the terrain is mostly flat, and taxis or organized transport are unnecessary for the main local sights.
- Best for: Elbe landscapes, wildlife, half-timbered buildings, and relaxed walking.
- Main limitation: A one-hour call leaves little useful sightseeing time.
- Walking conditions: Generally easy and flat, with exposed stretches near the river and dikes.
Getting from the River Landing
Passenger vessels use the landing on Elbstraße, identified locally by a flagpole near the Elbe ferry area. This is an open river landing rather than a large cruise terminal.
Bleckede Castle and the Biosphaerium Elbtalaue are approximately 0.9 km (0.6 mi) from the landing, requiring about 15–20 minutes on foot. The historic center is also within comfortable walking distance. Local bus services are more useful for regional journeys than for sightseeing within Bleckede.
River levels and operating conditions can occasionally affect local landings and ferry services, so follow the ship’s instructions on the day.
Best Ways to Spend Your Time
Biosphaerium Elbtalaue and Bleckede Castle
Allow 1.5–2.5 hours. The baroque half-timbered castle contains the visitor center for the Lower Saxon Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve. Exhibits cover the river, seasonal flooding, fish, birds, and other wildlife; live beavers and an aquarium are among the principal attractions.
A 20 m (66 ft) observation tower overlooks the surrounding floodplain. Admission areas and the tower should be visited only if opening times fit the ship’s stay. The grounds and exterior remain worthwhile during a shorter call.
Historic Center and Riverside
Allow 1–1.5 hours. Walk through the compact center to see traditional brick and half-timbered buildings, St. Jacobi Church, and the streets around the central square. Continue toward the castle or return along the river-facing side of town.
Elbe Dike and Floodplain Walk
Allow 1.5–3 hours. Flat paths near the river provide views of the Elbe, meadows, wetlands, and birdlife. Binoculars are useful. Stay on marked paths and respect any seasonal restrictions protecting wildlife or flooded areas.
Visit Lüneburg
Suitable only for a long call. Lüneburg lies about 20 km (12.4 mi) west of Bleckede. Regional bus 5100 normally takes roughly 35 minutes each way, before waiting and walking time are added. For most short river-cruise calls, traveling there independently is not practical. Use a ship-arranged transfer if Lüneburg is included as an excursion.
Self-Guided Bleckede Walk
River Landing, Castle and Old Town Loop
Distance: approximately 2.5–3 km (1.6–1.9 mi)
Pure walking time: 40–50 minutes
Recommended total time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy; mostly level streets and paths.
- Elbstraße landing: Begin beside the Elbe and note the exact boarding point.
- Elbe ferry area: Watch the local river crossing if it is operating, but do not rely on the ferry for a short visit.
- Bleckede Castle: Walk inland to the half-timbered castle and biosphere visitor center.
- Observation tower: Climb for floodplain views if it is open and time permits.
- Historic center: Continue through the older streets toward St. Jacobi Church and the central shopping area.
- Return to Elbstraße: Follow the most direct route back to the landing, allowing at least 20 minutes from the center.
If the call is short, omit the indoor exhibition and complete only the landing–castle–old town circuit. Wet weather or seasonal flooding can make riverside and floodplain paths less suitable.
Practical Tips
- Check the ship’s all-aboard time before leaving; some scheduled Bleckede stops last only about one hour.
- Opening days and hours at the Biosphaerium vary seasonally.
- Carry a light rain layer, as the riverside and dikes are exposed.
- Use marked paths in the biosphere reserve and avoid disturbing birds or other wildlife.
- For longer regional trips, leave a generous margin for bus waits and delays; organized transport is safer when the port call is limited.