Matjes
Young, mildly salted herring – traditionally with just raw onions. The tender classic.
Fresh from the cutter · fishing harbour and Vorderreihe
Fish rolls in Travemünde
For many people the fish roll is the real reason to head to the coast – and in Travemünde it is freshest where the fish comes ashore: at the fishing harbour on the Baggersand. Add to that the stands on the Vorderreihe and the promenade. This page shows the stands on a map, explains the varieties and tells why the topped roll is a north-German cultural staple.
The fish-roll stands on the map
Two areas: the traditional stands at the fishing harbour (Baggersand) and the addresses on the Vorderreihe and promenade. Tap to open each address in your map app.
Fishing harbour (Baggersand) Vorderreihe and promenade
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Königs Fischbrötchen
A classic right at the fishing harbour where the cutters land.
Today: 11:00–20:00
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Fischkombüse
Fish rolls and warm fish dishes at the harbour.
Today: 11:00–20:30
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Kajüte
A small stand at the fishing harbour with maritime flair.
Today: 12:00–21:00
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Fisch Stengel
Fish rolls and smoked fish, a little up the harbour.
Today: 09:00–18:00
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GOSCH
The Sylt fish brand on the Vorderreihe – prawns, salmon, fried fish, with a Trave view.
Today: 11:00–22:00
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Tiefblau
Bar and fish stand on the promenade, right by the water.
Today: 12:00–22:00
Which fish roll? The varieties
Bismarck herring
Herring pickled in vinegar, oil and onions – named after Chancellor Bismarck, with gherkin and onion.
Fried herring
Fried and then soured – heartier and firmer than matjes.
Fried fish
Battered, deep-fried fillet (often pollock or cod) – warm, crisp, with remoulade.
Brown shrimp
North Sea brown shrimp, plain or with egg – the fine, slightly pricier option.
Salmon and smoked fish
Cold-smoked salmon or mackerel – mild and without acidity, good for beginners.
World Fish Roll Day
Since 2011 Schleswig-Holstein has celebrated World Fish Roll Day on the first Saturday in May – an initiative of Ostsee-Holstein-Tourismus that celebrates fishing, maritime culture and the stand next door. The coast holds special events; in 2026 the day falls on 2 May. A good reason to work your way through Travemünde’s stands.
A short history of the fish roll
The fish roll comes from the north-German port cities of the 19th century: a quick, cheap meal for fishermen, sailors and dockworkers, eaten standing up. Because fresh fish spoils quickly, it was preserved – salted, pickled, smoked. That gave rise to matjes, Bismarck herring and rollmops, still the basis of the topped roll today. A workers’ snack became a cultural staple of the whole coast.
Where are the best ones?
The honest answer: a matter of taste. We crown no “top 5” and invent no stars – if you want to choose by real ratings, the aggregate scores of the individual stands are in the places directory. Our tip: head to the fishing harbour in the morning when the cutters are back, and simply try two stands.
Frequently asked questions about fish rolls in Travemünde
Where are the best fish rolls in Travemünde?
Freshest at the fishing harbour on the Baggersand (Königs Fischbrötchen, Fischkombüse, Kajüte, Fisch Stengel), plus Gosch and Tiefblau on the Vorderreihe. “Best” is a matter of taste – we don’t invent a ranking; real ratings are in the places directory.
Which fish-roll varieties are there?
The classics are matjes (mild, with onions), Bismarck herring (pickled), fried herring, battered fried fish (warm), brown shrimp and smoked salmon or mackerel. For beginners the mild smoked-fish versions are easiest.
When is World Fish Roll Day?
World Fish Roll Day has taken place on the first Saturday in May since 2011; in 2026 that is 2 May. The Baltic coast holds special events around fresh fish.
Where can I get fresh fish straight from the cutter?
At the fishing harbour on the Baggersand: the cutters usually return around 8 a.m., and the catch is sold straight from the boat or at stalls on land. There are no fixed sales times.
