Hetzner Cloud is a practical fit when predictable virtual-server pricing and infrastructure ownership matter more than eliminating server operations. A Next.js Node.js deployment works on a normal Linux cloud server, but Hetzner does not replace the deployment and runtime layer for you.
Choose the server deliberately
Select a location near the application’s users and data. Shared plans are cost-effective for low-to-medium traffic and variable workloads; dedicated-vCPU plans are designed for sustained production work. Start from measured memory and CPU needs rather than traffic alone, because builds and runtime image optimization can create short resource spikes.
Create the server with an SSH key, a maintained Linux image, and only the network addresses you need. Enable backups or establish an independent backup process before treating the server as production-ready.
Restrict the network
Attach a Hetzner Cloud Firewall. Permit SSH only from known administrative addresses where feasible, and allow public TCP traffic on ports 80 and 443. Do not expose the Next.js application port directly unless a documented architecture requires it.
Provider firewalls are one layer. Keep the operating system patched, use key-based access, run the application without root privileges, and configure the reverse proxy with TLS and request limits.
Deploy and verify
Install a supported Node.js release, deploy an immutable build or standalone artifact, and supervise the process with systemd or a comparable manager. Configure Nginx or another reverse proxy and verify streaming if the app uses Suspense or streamed responses.
Before DNS cutover, test the production hostname locally, validate certificates, exercise dynamic routes and image optimization, and confirm that a failed health check prevents traffic from reaching the new release. Keep the prior release available for rollback.