Ferry to Norway from Denmark
Select departure from “Denmark” to compare ferry routes to Norway.
Ferries to Norway from Denmark
Norway is a popular holiday destination that is easily accessible via ferry from Denmark. With a wide range of routes, you can choose the option that best suits your travel plans, and Denmark is a popular ferry hub for crossings to Norway.
Whether you’re looking for a quick crossing or a scenic route, ferries from Denmark to Norway offer flexibility and ease for travellers. This guide works both ways – you can use it for ferries from Norway to Denmark as well.
Map: ferry routes to Norway from Denmark
Use the ferry map to quickly identify the best route for your trip from Denmark to Norway. The map allows you to zoom in and out for detailed insights into the available crossings.
In short: 
Denmark to Norway by ferry
- Main departure ports: Hirtshals and Copenhagen.
- Popular destinations: Kristiansand, Larvik, Stavanger, Bergen and Oslo.
- Travelling with a car or camper? The Hirtshals-Kristiansand and Hirtshals-Larvik routes are the most practical and popular options: both carry vehicles and operate year-round. If you’re travelling further west or north, the Hirtshals-Stavanger-Bergen route offers a comfortable overnight journey with stunning coastal scenery.
- Foot passengers: The Copenhagen–Oslo route, now operated by Gotlandsbolaget (Go Nordic), is ideal for travellers without a car. It’s a comfortable mini-cruise experience featuring cabins, dining options, and great views of the Kattegat. Ideal when you want to combine the two capitals in one trip.
- Crossing times: From about 2 hours 15 minutes on the fast Hirtshals-Kristiansand ferries to around 16-18 hours on longer overnight sailings such as Copenhagen-Oslo or Hirtshals-Bergen.
Tip: For the quickest and most direct option, choose Hirtshals-Kristiansand. For a more relaxed start or an overnight adventure, sail on Copenhagen-Oslo (Go Nordic) or Hirtshals–Bergen; both offer a true Scandinavian travel experience.
- Alternatives: via Germany – Kiel to Oslo, via Sweden: Kiel to Gothenburg and drive to Norway
About the crossings to Norway from Denmark
Routes from Denmark to Norway
When travelling from Denmark to Norway, there are five ferry crossings to choose from:
- Hirtshals to Bergen
- Hirtshals to Stavanger
- Hirtshals to Larvik
- Hirtshals to Kristiansand
- Copenhagen to Oslo (via Frederikshavn)
Port information
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Hirtshals:
- Located in northern Denmark, this port is the departure point for most ferry routes to Norway.
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Copenhagen:
- The southernmost departure point, ferries from Copenhagen first stop in Frederikshavn before heading to Oslo.
Choosing the best route
- If you’re travelling to southern Norway (e.g., Kristiansand or Larvik), Hirtshals offers the shortest and fastest options.
- For Oslo, consider departing from Copenhagen or from Germany.
- The Hirtshals routes are ideal if you’re heading to western Norway (e.g., Bergen or Stavanger).
Find the most suitable connection based on your destination in Norway and your starting point in Denmark. Enjoy a smooth and scenic journey
Ferry from Denmark to Norway
Several ferry routes connect Denmark to Norway, offering flexibility and comfort. For a more relaxing journey, consider a night crossing that doubles as a mini-cruise on routes like:
- Hirtshals to Bergen
- Copenhagen to Oslo
Choosing the ferry that fits best
Your choice of ferry depends mainly on where you need to be in Norway.
- For a road trip in Norway:
- Start by sailing from Copenhagen to Oslo.
- From Oslo, drive to Larvik, Kristiansand, Stavanger, or Bergen.
- Complete your journey by sailing back to Denmark from any of these destinations.
This approach allows you to combine a scenic drive with the convenience of returning via ferry, making it an ideal option for exploring Norway.
Alternatives for the Ferry to Norway from Denmark
If you’re travelling to Norway from the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, or other southern European countries, you have several alternative ferry options, including routes from Germany and the Netherlands.
Alternative Routes
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- Kiel to Oslo:
- A direct and comfortable route, ideal for avoiding long drives.
- Kiel to Gothenburg (Sweden):
- From Gothenburg, you can enjoy a scenic drive to Oslo, perfect for road trip enthusiasts.
- Kiel to Oslo:
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Netherlands to Norway:
- Previously, the ferry from Eemshaven to Kristiansand provided a direct connection. However, this service is no longer available, as the ferry operator went bankrupt. However, there is a new initiative to start a new crossing between the Netherlands and Norway.
Road trip options
From Kristiansand or Gothenburg, you can drive to Oslo and return to Germany via the Kiel – Oslo ferry. This combination of ferry routes and beautiful drives is ideal for those looking to explore both southern Norway and the Nordic coastline.
These alternatives ensure flexibility and unique travel experiences while connecting Europe to Norway.
Onboard impression & ferry route maps
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- Kiel to Oslo route
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- Map with routes to Norway from the UK
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- Color Line ferry to Norway
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 Norway. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.Norway
🇬🇧 Travelling from the UK to Norway by ferry
There are currently no direct ferries from the UK to Norway. The most practical way to travel by sea is to combine a short Channel crossing with an onward drive through Europe, then take a ferry from Denmark to Norway.
Typical route: Sail from the UK to mainland Europe via Dover–Calais or Harwich–Hook of Holland, then continue by road through Germany and Denmark to the port of Hirtshals. From here, you can choose from several ferry routes to Norway, including Kristiansand, Larvik, and Bergen.
Best crossings once in Denmark
- Hirtshals-Kristiansand: the fastest and most popular route for cars and campers, sailing in just over two hours.
- Hirtshals–Larvik: another efficient year-round option to southern Norway.
- Hirtshals–Bergen/Stavanger: longer and more scenic, ideal for travellers heading to the fjord regions.
- Copenhagen–Oslo: operated by Gotlandsbolaget (Go Nordic), offering a relaxed overnight mini-cruise experience for foot passengers and motorists alike.
Travel requirements for UK citizens
- Passport: must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
- Visa: not required for visits up to 90 days within 180 days.
- Driving: UK photocard licences are accepted; carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance covering Europe.
Why this route works well
Combining a European road trip with a ferry from Denmark offers the most flexible and comfortable way to reach Norway by sea. You can travel at your own pace, bring your car or camper, and arrive directly in southern or western Norway with easy access to the fjords and mountains.
Tip: The Hirtshals-Kristiansand crossing is best for quick access to Norway, while Copenhagen-Oslo suits travellers who prefer an overnight cruise with cabins and onboard dining. Kiel-Oslo or Kiel-Gothenburg are brilliant alternatives.
Useful for travellers to Norway
