Cuxhaven is a North Sea port at the mouth of the Elbe in Lower Saxony, northern Germany. It serves as the final port of call for large container ships heading downstream to Hamburg, and has its own ferry connections to the island of Helgoland and the East Frisian islands. The town has a long maritime history and a working waterfront that reflects its dual role as a transit port and a North Sea resort.
For Baltic ferry travellers, Cuxhaven sits at the North Sea end of the German coastline, beyond the main Baltic routes but reachable as part of a broader North Sea itinerary. The beach promenade at Duhnen, the Alte Liebe pier and the Cuxhaven Wadden Sea National Park are genuine draws for visitors spending time in the town before or after a crossing.