Ferries from Hirtshals to Kristiansand
Select departure from “Denmark” to compare ferry routes to Norway
Ferries to Kristiansand
Kristiansand is located at the southern tip of Norway and is well-known for its numerous ferry connections. But which routes lead to Kristiansand, and what is the most convenient way to get there?
There used to be a direct ferry route from the Netherlands to Kristiansand, starting with the crossing from Eemshaven. This crossing has been discontinued. But there are other ferries to Kristiansand.
On this page, you’ll find which ferries still operate to Kristiansand and what alternative routes you can consider.
Ferries to Norway, and Kristiansand routes map
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports. The ferries to Kristiansand depart from Hirtshals in Denmark. Hirtshals is in the top north of Denmark, Kristiansand is in the Southern tip of Norway.
Ferries to Kristiansand – all ferries and routes
Kristiansand is a beautiful coastal city in Southern Norway and a popular entry point for travellers heading north. Although there’s no direct ferry from the UK, you can reach Kristiansand easily by sailing via Denmark or Germany. Here’s a complete guide to your options.
Direct sailings: Hirtshals – Kristiansand
If you’re travelling by car, camper, or caravan, sailing from Hirtshals in northern Denmark is the most direct way to reach Kristiansand.
| Operator | Route | Vessel type | Crossing time | Sailings per day | Vehicles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fjord Line – Fjord FSTR | Hirtshals ↔ Kristiansand | High-speed catamaran | 2h 15m (approx.) | Up to 2–3 (seasonal) | Cars, campers, caravans | Fastest option to Kristiansand |
| Color Line – SuperSpeed | Hirtshals ↔ Kristiansand | Fast ferry | 3h 15m (approx.) | Up to 2 (seasonal) | Cars, campers, caravans | Bigger ship, steadier ride |
*In peak summer there are often four or more departures daily, giving you great flexibility.
Alternative: cruiseferry from Kiel to Oslo
Prefer a longer, more relaxed crossing? Consider the Kiel (Germany) – Oslo cruiseferry. It’s not Kristiansand, but for many travellers from mainland Europe, it’s a logical route into Norway.
It's an overnight sailing with comfortable cabins and plenty of entertainment on board. From Oslo, Kristiansand is roughly 4½–5 hours’ drive. We’ve sailed this route ourselves and can highly recommend it as part of a Norway road trip.
Other Ways to Reach Norway
Norway has several other ferry gateways if Kristiansand isn’t your only destination:
- Ferries to Oslo – daily connections from Denmark and Germany.
- Ferries to Bergen, Stavanger or Larvik – useful if you’re touring southern Norway.
- From the UK: sail to the Netherlands or northern Germany, then continue by road to Denmark for the Hirtshals link.
Check our Ferries to Norway from the UK page or our Ferries to Oslo guide for more details and maps.
In short: Ferries to Kristiansand
The Hirtshals–Kristiansand route remains the simplest and fastest gateway to southern Norway. Whether you choose Fjord Line’s speedy catamaran or Color Line’s spacious SuperSpeed, you’ll arrive right in Kristiansand ready to start your Norwegian adventure.
On board impression & ferry route maps
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- Kiel to Oslo route
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- Color Line ferry to Norway
Quick planning tips for Kristiansand
- Driving from the UK: a popular overland route is Hull–Rotterdam or Harwich–Hook of Holland, then drive through Germany to Denmark.
- Booking early: summer sailings sell fast; booking 3 6 months ahead is wise.
- Cabins vs. seats: the Hirtshals-Kristiansand crossings are short, so many travellers book a reserved seat, or neither of these
Prices and availability for this crossing
To check the latest fares, sailing times, and availability for the Hirtshals-Kristiansand route, use the booking module for ferries to Norway. This tool provides real-time schedules, prices, and alternative routes so you can find the sailing that best suits your trip.
Additional Information
If you’re travelling from Hirtshals to Kristiansand, you can sail with Fjord Line or Color Line. Both operators run comfortable ferries, including high-speed services. Choosing a fast ferry costs a little more, but it cuts the crossing time by roughly an hour, making it the quickest way to reach southern Norway.Useful for travellers to Norway
