From Norway to the Netherlands
There used to be a direct ferry route from Norway to the Netherlands, connecting Kristiansand to Eemshaven. Unfortunately, this route is no longer in operation.
Some of the best alternatives:
Via Germany (Oslo-Kiel):
- Take the luxurious ferry from Oslo to Kiel in Germany.
- From Kiel, drive approximately 5 hours to the Netherlands.
Via Denmark (Kristiansand-Hirtshals):
- Take the fast ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals in Denmark.
- From Hirtshals, drive about 10 hours to the Netherlands.
These routes provide efficient alternatives for travelling from Norway to the Netherlands despite the absence of a direct connection.
Map: from Norway to the Netherlands/Holland
About this crossing
To the Netherlands via Denmark or Germany (or Sweden?)
Travelling from Norway to the Netherlands
There is no direct ferry crossing from Norway to the Netherlands, but several alternative routes can get you close:
1. Oslo-Kiel (via Germany)
- This is the longest ferry journey and offers a luxurious experience, ideal for those near Oslo or further north.
- From Kiel, you can drive to the Dutch border in 4 to 4.5 hours.
- While comfortable, this option can be quite expensive due to the overnight stay and premium amenities.
- Additionally, there is a convenient ICE train connection from Kiel to Amsterdam. The train journey takes between 6.5 and 8 hours, and the station is close to the port of arrival in Kiel.
2. Kristiansand or Larvik to Hirtshals (via Denmark)
- A budget-friendly choice with short crossings.
- From Hirtshals, you’ll need to drive around 10 hours to reach the Netherlands.
2. Kristiansand or Larvik to Hirtshals (via Denmark)
- A budget-friendly choice with short crossings.
- From Hirtshals, you’ll need to drive around 10 hours to reach the Netherlands.
3. Stavanger or Bergen to Hirtshals (via Denmark)
- These routes provide additional options for those further west in Norway.
- The crossings are longer than from Kristiansand or Larvik, making them convenient for travellers near Stavanger or Bergen.
- From Hirtshals, the drive to the Netherlands remains approximately 10 hours.
Key Considerations:
- Oslo-Kiel is the most luxurious but also the priciest option.
- Hirtshals routes from Kristiansand, Larvik, Stavanger, or Bergen are better for budget-conscious travellers, though they require significant driving.
These options ensure flexibility for travellers coming from various parts of Norway.
The approximate travel times by car after arrival are as follows:
- Kiel to Amsterdam or Rotterdam: approximately 6 hours
- Hirtshals to Amsterdam or Rotterdam: approximately 10 hours
Additional Option: Via Gothenburg, Sweden
Another alternative is to travel from Norway to Gothenburg, Sweden, and then take the ferry to Kiel in northern Germany.
Route Details:
Norway to Gothenburg:
- Drive or take public transport from Norway to Gothenburg, which is particularly convenient if you're near the southern parts of Norway.
- The distance from Oslo to Gothenburg is approximately 3.5 hours by car.
Gothenburg to Kiel Ferry:
- From Gothenburg, take the ferry to Kiel in Germany.
- This crossing is operated by Stena Line and offers an overnight journey with cabin options.
Kiel to the Netherlands:
- From Kiel, drive approximately 4 to 4.5 hours to the Dutch border.
What happened to the ferry between Norway and the Netherlands?
Currently, there are no direct ferry crossings between the Netherlands and Norway. However, there was a previous connection operated by Holland Norway Lines (HNL):
- Eemshaven to Kristiansand: This was the only direct ferry route between the Netherlands and Norway.
- Update in 2023: HNL has relocated the route from Eemshaven to Emden, Germany, still connecting to Kristiansand, Norway. But went bankrupt shortly after.
On board
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- Map with routes to Norway from the UK
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- Restaurant
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- Docking of the Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo
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- The Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo
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- Playground for the little ones on the Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo
Prices and availability for this crossing
By filling in your travel details in the booking module you can find sailings, alternatives, availibility and pricing for the ferries between Norway and Holland.
Additional Information
All ferries from Norway to the Netherlands listed above are car ferries as well. Other useful information that can be handy especially on longer sailings:
- Bring your passport: Since Brexit, a driver's licence or ID card is no longer sufficient for travel.
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Foot passengers: Not all ferries accept foot passengers, so check ahead.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
Luggage & Pets
On most ferries, there are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can reasonably bring. Pets are allowed, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels on board. For some destinations, like Norway, pets must meet specific requirements, such as certain vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find country-specific regulations and company policies in this post.
Tips for ferry travellers
