Is There a Direct Ferry to Oslo?
Yes, there are three direct ferry routes to Oslo from mainland Europe, departing from Germany and Denmark. The Kiel to Oslo ferry from Germany is operated by Color Line and is a cruise ferry offering a luxurious experience with restaurants, entertainment, and comfortable cabins. The journey takes just under 20 hours, making it the most relaxing and enjoyable option.
From Denmark, you can sail with DFDS on two routes. The first departs from Copenhagen and stops at Frederikshavn before continuing to Oslo, making it ideal for travellers starting in the Danish capital. The second, from Frederikshavn, is the fastest route to Oslo, taking just 9 hours. This is a great choice if you prefer a quicker journey and are already in northern Denmark.
Whether you prioritise comfort or speed, there’s a direct ferry to suit your needs. Book in advance to secure the best prices and enjoy a seamless trip to Oslo!
Map: Ferries to Oslo.
About these crossings
Routes to Oslo:
Kiel to Oslo (Germany):
- Operator: Color Line (cruise ferry).
- Duration: Just under 20 hours.
- Comfort: Luxurious with restaurants, entertainment, and relaxing cabins.
- Recommendation: This is the most comfortable option, ideal for a leisurely journey.
This is the direct crossing from Northern Germany to Oslo. It's aboard a cruiseferry with plenty of entertainment, and it includes an overnight stay. We've made this trip ourselves and can really recommend it. For most passengers from the European mainland this is the most logical holiday route.
Option 2: Denmark to Oslo
When you decide to sail from Denmark, you can choose either Copenhagen or Frederikshavn as your departure point to Oslo. It's the same ferry that leaves Copenhagen, stops briefly in Frederikshavn, and then heads on to Oslo. This ferry, operated by DFDS, offers the shortest crossing from Frederikshavn.
However, if you're planning to combine a trip from Copenhagen to Oslo or are coming from Sjaelland or Southern Sweden, this might be the most convenient ferry for you. The journey from Copenhagen takes around 20 hours, while from Frederikshavn, it's about 9 hours to Oslo.
Copenhagen to Oslo (Denmark):
- Operator: DFDS.
- Stopover: Stops at Frederikshavn en route to Oslo.
- A good choice if you're starting in Copenhagen.
Frederikshavn to Oslo (Denmark):
- Operator: DFDS.
- Duration: The fastest route, taking just 9 hours.
- Best for travellers prioritising quick travel over onboard amenities.
Plan Your Trip:
- Recommendation: Opt for the Kiel to Oslo ferry for the most comfortable experience.
- Quickest Option: Choose the Frederikshavn to Oslo route for a shorter journey.
Alternative Routes
As you've seen, there are three direct ferries that take you to Oslo. However, there are more ways to reach the Norwegian capital, especially if you're travelling by car or camper. Since many tourists visit Oslo as part of a roundtrip in Norway, you might also want to consider one of the other ferries to Norway or Sweden (Kiel-Gothenburg for example) On the following page, we've listed all the options and ferries heading to Norway.
Another option would be to drive via the Puttgarden-Rodby crossing to Copenhagen, and take the Oresundbridge route from there to Sweden and drive up to Oslo from here yourselves.
Onboard the ferry to Oslo
Here's a glimpse of the scenery aboard the ferry from Kiel to Oslo + ferry maps for the different routes to Oslo.
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- Aboard the Color Line
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- Docking of the Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo
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- Playground for the little ones on the Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo
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- The Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo
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- Bar at Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo
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- Restaurant
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- Kiel to Oslo route
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- Kiel and Copenhagen to Oslo
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to Oslo. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
Routes you can consider for your trip to Oslo:
- Via Kiel-Oslo (directly)
- Via Kiel-Gothenburg (via Sweden)
- Long drive (Germany – Denmark – Sweden – Norway)
