Baltic Sea berth check: Test of patience in SH - harbours almost completely full

In the course of our extensive research, we contacted over 200 harbours and marinas along the German Baltic coast. From Schleswig-Holstein alone, 45 companies provided precise information on their current situation. This data underpins the daily reality for many owners, who often need a lot of patience to find a permanent box in Schleswig-Holstein. The waiting lists are not getting any shorter and the majority of facilities are still fully booked.

Little room for manoeuvre for owners

69 per cent of the ports surveyed in Schleswig-Holstein report not a single free permanent berth. The area between Flensburg and Travemünde is almost fully utilised - noticeably more densely occupied than the areas in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The few free capacities are concentrated in a few hotspots. Five large facilities, including ancora Marina in Neustadt and Marina Wendtorf, hold around a quarter of all available berths. The choice for sailors is limited. In fact, only 14 harbours reported free berths.

More about the mooring situation on the Baltic Sea:

• Moorings on the Baltic Sea: Mr Stahlhut, is the all-clear for the jetties?
• Berths on the Baltic Sea: Ports under pressure despite full capacity utilisation - the situation in Kiel
• Baltic Sea harbours 2026: More berths in MV - but not everywhere
• Berth check 2026 - Hardly any space left in Baltic Sea harbours

Cost differences on the Baltic Sea

The shortage is driving up prices. Permanent berth holders in Schleswig-Holstein pay an average of 44.50 euros per square metre for the season, compared to just 38.10 euros in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. However, the differences vary considerably from harbour to harbour: The range in Schleswig-Holstein extends from 15 to 76 euros per square metre.

Especially in conurbations such as Kiel or Travemünde, it is more expensive than in neighbouring regions. The services are also decisive - and these vary significantly depending on the marina.

Price comparison: Where SH and MV differ

Relaxation for guest tenants

The situation is much more relaxed for holidaymakers. The daily fluctuation ensures that occupied permanent berths become available - crews travelling through usually have no problem finding a box on the trip. On average, a twelve-metre yacht costs around 25 euros per night in Schleswig-Holstein and 23.38 euros in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The large price difference that is significant for permanent berths does not exist here.