travel to norway by car from uk

Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips

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The Best Routes to Norway from the United Kingdom

Are you planning an adventure or road trip in Norway but don’t want to fly? With a lots of different driving routes from UK to Norway, it’s easy to take your own car or campervan to this stunning country.

With information about routes, maps, costs and comparisons, plus ferries to Norway and tips about driving once you’re there, our driving to Norway from UK guide will help you decide which is the best route for your driving trip to Norway, so you can arrive refreshed and ready to go!

Crossing the Channel

Before you even think about getting to Norway from continental Europe, you need to get to Europe first, which means crossing the English Channel or North Sea.

We recommend finding the best deals and crossings from the UK with Direct Ferries , who make it easier to compare timings, routes and costs in one place.

Ferries from UK to Norway

Until 2008 you could get a direct DFDS ferry from Newcastle to Bergen, but that route no longer operates. Sadly there is now no direct ferry to Norway from UK, or even direct to Germany from UK. You’ll need to cross to one of the French or Dutch ports and drive north.

You may have read about getting a freight ferry from England to Norway. The Immingham to Norway route was a popular option for car drivers but DFDS Norway state on their website;

“The DFDS freight port of Immingham can accept commercial freight drivers with their loads. Due to UKBF port approval,  private passengers are not permitted to be carried through Immingham . This means that we can no longer accept leisure fare paying passengers on the freight routes through Immingham.”

This means there is no direct ferry from United Kingdom to Norway. But, you can still get to Norway in less than 24 hours if you pick the right routes and share the driving. We’ll show you how.

EuroTunnel Le Shuttle

The fastest route to Europe is the  Eurotunnel Le Shuttle  to Calais from Folkstone. The crossing under the channel takes 35 minutes, and with a quick check in and boarding process, you can be in France proper within an hour.

This crossing is ideal if you are driving to Norway from UK with a dog, or just want to get to the other side as quickly as possible. 

Dover to Calais

Certainly the quickest way by ferry is the Dover-Calais route , on which both P&O and DFDS Seaways operate up to 40 crossings between them a day in July and August. Taking just 90 minutes, you’ll have time on board for a meal or drink, and perhaps a quick snooze.

Getting on and off can take time, as they have to piece all the vehicles together like a jigsaw puzzle. It’s not as quick as the shuttle, but very possibly cheaper, especially if you can be flexible with crossing times and want a break from time in the car.

Crossing to the Netherlands

More expensive and quite a bit longer than the Dover to Calais route, the crossings from Harwich, Hull and Newcastle to the Netherlands may prove to be cost effective for your road trip, but only if you don’t live in the south east of England. 

The Stena Line Harwich-Hook of Holland route operates daily at 9am, with the crossing taking around seven hours. 

If you cross from Hull to Rotterdam with P&O, their daily crossing departs at 20.30pm and takes around eleven hours, meaning you arrive refreshed and ready for a full days drive. 

The DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam crossing is also overnight, but takes nearly 16 hours and is a but more expensive, although ideal for those starting their Norway trip in the north of the UK.

Other Popular Crossings

There are a handful of other routes out of Newhaven, Folkestone and Poole which are also worth exploring. You could also consider sailing to Le Havre or St Malo from Portsmouth, or Dunkirk from Dover.

The key here is to to be flexible with dates (but don’t book an open ticket if you’re on a budget, they are always more expensive) and times to get the best deals …this is where you may just find a bargain.

RELATED POST: 19 Helpful Long Distance Driving Tips

Route Planner – Mainland Europe to Norway

There are essentially two ways to get from mainland Europe to Norway – one involves crossing the water via a series of bridges, the other involves getting a ferry.

To achieve a level playing field, we’ll assume you’re travelling from Calais to Oslo in an E5 two litre petrol car. All ferry costs are approximate for a one way crossing and will vary depending on when you sail, the size of your vehicle, the number of passengers and the type of cabin you book if you decide to take a ferry.

Is this your first time visiting Norway? Get all the information you need in our Norway Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Quick Comparison of Routes to Norway

The bridges, storebaelt & oresund, route 1: calais – antwerp – munster – bremen – hamburg – flensburg – odense – copenhagen – malmo – gothenburg – oslo.

• Distance: 1822km
• Driving Time: 19 hours
• Toll Costs: €60
• Bridge Tolls: €50
• Fuel Costs: €215

This route involves driving up through Denmark before heading east to take the Storebaelt Bridge (Great Belt Bridge) in Denmark en route to Copenhagen, and then crossing the Oresund Bridge (of BBC ‘The Bridge’ fame) from Copenhagen to Malmo in Sweden.

This option gives you the opportunity to  see historic Hamburg and beautiful Copenhagen  on the way through and even road trip Denmark as you experience both incredible bridges, their views and architecture.

The down side of this scenic route to Norway is the continual and long hours of driving. Once you get to Sweden you still have a six hour motorway drive ahead of you, so you may need to book accommodation on route.

This is also an expensive route if you’re driving to Norway in a motorhome or campervan as the costs increase exponentially the longer and heavier your vehicle. In a 7m motorhome, the bridge crossings alone will cost over €200, unless you buy online with a discount.

The Ferries

Ferries from denmark to norway.

Getting a ferry to Norway from Denmark avoids the bridges and the long drive up the Swedish coast. Time it right and the ferry can also provide your overnight accommodation, landing you in Scandinavia feeling refreshed and ready to drive.

Route 2: Calais – Antwerp – Munster – Bremen – Hamburg – Flensburg – Frederikshavn – Oslo

• Distance: 1258km
• Driving Time: 12 hours
• Toll Costs: €4
• Ferry Cost: €100
• Fuel Costs: €186

This northern Denmark to Norway ferry is a great budget option and is this the cheapest route to Norway from the UK. With low driving hours, this nine and a half hour crossing has daily departures at 11.45pm every night, arriving in Oslo at 9.15am the following morning.

Get an early boat from the UK to Calais, or one of the Dutch ports and spend your first night onboard meaning you don’t need to book a hotel on the way. Find out about the Frederikshavn to Oslo crossing here .

RELATED POST: One Day Oslo Itinerary + Map, Guide & Tips

Route 3: Calais – Antwerp – Munster – Bremen – Hamburg – Flensburg – Hirtshals – Larvik – Oslo

• Distance: 1399km
• Driving Time: 14 hours
• Toll Costs: €7
• Fuel Costs: €168

This is another good route into Norway, with Larvik being a few hours south of Oslo, and the ferry crossing only taking four hours and is a better option than the exploring the beautiful area of southern Norway around Kristiansand. Get info about the Hirtshals to Larvik ferry here .

Ferries to the Western Fjords

Hirtshals in Denmark is a great port to sail from if you’re heading to the western fjords, or towards northern Norway for thrilling mountain passes and northern lights hunting. From Hirtshals you can get a direct ferry to Bergen in sixteen hours, Stavanger in ten hours and Kristiansand in four hours with Fjord Line .

These ferry routes are definitely an option worth considering if you’re planning to drive up the west coast, visit the fjords or head to some of the popular tourist areas. The price of the longer crossings balanced against fuel and tolls has to be worth considering. Find out more information about sailing from Hirtshals here .

Ferries from Germany to Norway

Route 4: calais – antwerp – munster – bremen – hamburg – kiel – oslo.

• Distance: 843km
• Driving Time: 9 hours
• Toll Costs: €0
• Ferry Cost: €500
• Fuel Costs: €110

This 20 hour crossing from Kiel in Germany takes you directly into Oslo. Leaving at 2pm daily, you arrive at 10am the following morning. This crossing is more like a mini cruise than a ferry, with plush lounges and dining, spa facilities and well appointed cabins.

These Color Line sailings from Germany to Norway is not for the budget conscious, but a relaxing experience to start your Norway holiday. Find out more about the Keil to Oslo crossing here .

Ferries from Germany to Sweden

Route 5: antwerp – munster – bremen – hamburg – travemunde – trelleborg- gothenburg – oslo.

• Distance: 1425km
• Driving Time: 15 hours
• Ferry Cost: €120
• Fuel Costs: €175

From Travemunde to the north-east of Hamburg, a nine hour crossing gets you into Trelleborg, south of Malmo. You still have the six hour drive up through Gothenburg to Oslo, and will miss the wonders of Copenhagen.

Day crossings to Sweden are cheaper but an overnight crossing means you can have a proper nights sleep and wake refreshed and ready to go in the morning. Time it right and you’ll be able to get to Oslo without booking a hotel on route. Click here to check the Travemunde to Trelleborg route and deals .

Route 6: Antwerp – Munster – Bremen – Hamburg – Rostock – Trelleborg – Gothenburg – Oslo

• Distance: 1523km
• Driving Time: 17 hours
• Fuel Costs: €189

From Rostock, another few hours on from Travemunde, the seven hour overnight crossing gets you into Trelleborg early in the morning.

What you make up for in crossing time, you lose in driving time. Your choice between departing Germany from Rostock or Travemunde might just come down to the best costs on the day you want to travel. Find out more about the Rostock to Travemunde ferry here .

Ferries from Netherlands to Norway

Route 7: antwerp – eemshaven – kristiansand – oslo.

• Distance: 865km
• Toll Costs: €9
• Ferry Cost: €1000
• Fuel Costs: €105

Holland Norway Lines have introduced new routes from the Netherlands to Norway. The routes depart for Kristansand from Eemshaven, Cuxhaven and Emden. With twelve 18 hour crossings a week each way, you’ll arrive at 9am feeling refreshed and ready to drive in whichever direction takes your fancy.

This cuts around a 1000km of driving from the route and is a great option if you are planning to visit the Western fjords and southern Norway, or if you’re planning to sail from the UK to the Netherlands. Find out more about the Netherlands to Norway crossings here .

Other No Fly Options

If you’re thinking the drive to Norway from UK sounds long, tiring and expensive, you could consider getting to Norway by train and then hire a car. Another great no fly option, but trains and car rental are likely to be more expensive and the journey will take longer.

Train and rail expert The Man in Seat 61 says there are three options for you to choose from. Visit the website for more information on train times, fares and tickets.

• take an evening Eurostar to Brussels, going from Brussels to Copenhagen by train next day, then the Copenhagen Oslo train the day after that. 
• travel by Eurostar and onward trains from London to Hamburg, staying there overnight, then take a train to Frederikshavn next morning then the comfortable overnight ferry to Oslo. 
• take a train to Kiel in Germany then the luxurious Color Line ferry to Oslo, sailing up Oslo Fjord.

RELATED POST: Road Trip on a Budget: 36 Tips to Save Money in Europe

Driving in Europe

Driving to Norway from UK means observing the driving rules and regulations of up to seven countries depending on your route – France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway itself.

That means you’ll need different kit and equipment in each country – sigh – but happily lots of the basic travel and road laws in each country are the same;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Norway.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle. Update August 2021 – you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe.
• From 28th September 2021, you will have to display a UK sticker on the rear of of your vehicle, instead of a GB sticker, unless you have a new style UK numberplate which displays the Union Jack flag.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the right.
• Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries and Norway. If you only have a paper driving license or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an  International Driving Permit .
• The EHIC/GHIC card is not valid in Norway (unless you have rights under the withdrawal agreement ). You should take out health cover when visiting Norway, we recommend True Traveller .
• You may also want to take out breakdown cover for your trip.
• If you are travelling to Norway and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90 day limit – even though Norway is not in the EU (it’s in the European Economic Area), they are part of the Schengen area.

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Driving in norway.

Norway is a fantastic country for a driving holiday. Modern roads, national tourist routes, huge tunnels to get you under the fjords, and the Trollstigen mountain pass and Atlantic Road all make for a great road trip experience. Follow these tips for safe driving in Norway ;

• It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle in all vehicles in case of a breakdown.
• Always stick to the speed limits. In general, the Norwegian speed limit is 50mph, except in built-up areas, where it is 30mph unless otherwise stated. Dual Carriageways and motorways have a speed limit of 70mph unless otherwise stated.
• If there is snow or ice covering the roads, winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory. You can be fined for travelling on icy/snowy roads using summer tyres only. You can expect your vehicle to be checked at or near the border in winter – if you are not carrying or using snow chains you must purchase a set or return to the border. When winter tyres are used they must be fitted on all wheels and must have a minimum tread depth of 3mm.
• It’s also recommended to carry spare bulbs for youe car’s external lights, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit and a reflective jacket.
• Drinking and driving penalties are severe in Norway and include heavy fines, prison and the surrender of your driving licence. The legal limit is much lower than the UK at 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (in the UK its 80 milligrams) so be mindful of this.
• It is forbidden to use radar detectors.
• You must use dipped headlights or daytime running lights during the day in towns as well as rural areas.
• Norway is a HUGE country and it will always take longer than you think to drive around . Make sure you plan properly and calculate driving times every day.

Low Emissions Zones in Norway

There is a combined congestion and LEZ zone in Oslo called the Oslo Charging Scheme . The cost of entering the LEZ is calculated within the toll charges for driving within the city limits. No sticker or vignette is required.

Oslo also operates emergency measures and closes to diesel traffic when emissions are high. 24 hours notice are given of any closure, you can check here for updates and current status.

Bergen is planning a zero emissions pilot scheme which will start in 2023.

Toll Roads in Norway

There is a sophisticated and comprehensive toll system in Norway.

You will know you’re on a toll road by the signage of a camera and wifi, but it’s safe to assume if you’re on a major main road, or in a city, it will be a toll road.

The sign is sometimes accompanied by another sign with the cost for that stretch of road, but it’s almost impossible to keep a tally of costs.

Now it starts to get complicated! The system is not straightforward but this is what you need to do;

• Register your vehicle for electronic tolls with one of the AutoPASS authorised providers. Head to the section entitled ‘register a payment account for your foreign vehicle’. Leave plenty of time for this step, so your electronic toll tag can arrive in the post.
• Flyt is one of the user-friendly options on the list and we would recommend them. Their tag covers you for toll roads, bridges, tunnels and some fjord ferries in Norway and you are invoiced by email monthly in arrears.
• If you want an electronic tag to cover you for Sweden and Denmark as well, EasyGo operate this scheme and using it gives a discount on both the Strebaelt and Oresund Bridges when linked up with a BroPas account . EasyGo don’t actually issue the tags themselves, you need to use one of their operators such as the Oresund Consortium . The EasyGo tag is only worth doing if you’re planning to cross to Norway over the Danish bridges and/or travel in Sweden.
• If you choose not to have the tag (or the discounts), you only need to register with Epass24 who manage billing and collect monies on behalf of AutoPASS, who are the toll system operator (until April 2021, the collector was EPC [Euro Parking Collection], so if you registered with them previously, you’ll need to do so again with the new provider). Once registered, you can choose to get your invoice monthly by email and pay with a credit card or make payments via a linked credit card as you go.

If you don’t register, you will be identified via ANPR and will receive a bill in the post from Epass24 with an assumed class and emissions category, and a charge for not registering.

There is no manual way of paying tolls whilst travelling Norway, other than on the Atlantic Ocean Road stretch and the Alesund Tunnel.

Fjord Ferries

From time to time, especially on Norwegian scenic routes, you will need to take a car ferry across a fjord. This is not a fjord cruise, but a quick crossing designed to get you from one place to the other as fast as possible, a bit like public transport.

It is not complicated, the road stops with no option to take another route and there is a ramp for a ferry there. Google Maps or your sat nav will know this and direct you accordingly.

There are generally two car ferries passing each other in the middle, and the operation of getting vehicles on and off is pretty slick.

Usually, the ticket seller will come to your vehicle with a mobile card device and dispenser. Tickets cost around NKR100 or €10 for most regular ferry crossings, or use your electronic toll tag to pay.

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How to get to Norway from the UK on a Roadtrip

• Post author By Will Cecil
• Post date November 13, 2018
• No Comments on How to get to Norway from the UK on a Roadtrip

You’ve picked Norway, great choice!

I still can’t get over our 3 week trip to the country, so much so that for the first time in our life we may have a somewhat detailed travel plan for our extended trip next year.

When we departed our trip this year we took the first route Google gave us. Now while I am a fan of Google maps it sadly completely overlooked the most efficient way to get to Norway.

We drove to Norway via Copenhagen over the bridge to Malmo and then up the coast, past Gothenburg   and into Norway where we then swung by Oslo and headed west.

At the time we had no idea that this was totally unnecessary.

As we headed west towards Bergen/Stavanger to the best hiking regions we drove around 250 more miles than we would have done if we’d taken the ferry from Hirtshals to either Kristiansund, Larvik, Stavanger. London to trolltunga via ferry is 1200 miles, via road only is 1450.

On top of that is the cost of the bridges in Denmark.

On this route you’ll pass over two, the first is around a £45 fee and the second was £103. In total the best part of £150. (Assuming you’re in a motorhome/van conversion)

Best way to get to Norway from the UK

The ferry is £134 one way…. it’s as simple as this, this is the best route to take.

So in total it costs more, takes longer and puts more miles on your engine to travel the entire way via road.

I would highly recommend to take the ferry for anyone planning a road trip to Norway, while we loved our camp spots on the west coast of Sweden it would have been nice to not have to spend an additional 5 hours and £100 or so pounds in fuel to get there, it’s already far enough!

The ferry to Kristiansund is the fastest at 3hrs 15mins and will put you within a few hours of some of Norways most famous hikes. e.g. Trolltunga, Priekostolen, Keragsboten.

We travelled to Larvik 3hrs 45min which is a lovely little town and has a great camp spot a few miles from the ferry terminal.

The ferry to Stavanger puts you in the heart of a vibrant Norwegian city.

If you have any questions let us know in the comments!

By Will Cecil

I am an avid outdoors-man and adventure addict. I love travelling, I'm currently confined to being a weekend warrior and along with Emily seek breathtaking vistas and new experiences.

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DFDS operates North Sea ferry routes between the UK , Holland , Denmark and Norway. This includes 2 daily overnight sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam , as well as Copenhagen and Oslo . There’s no easier or more enjoyable way to take your car or other vehicle across the North Sea.

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Our daily, overnight Northsea ferries sailing between Newcastle and Holland offer a convenient way for those living in the north of England and Scotland to cross the North Sea and open the gateway to Europe. Take your vehicle with you and from our port in IJmuiden, near Amsterdam, you’ll find easy access to destinations in Holland , Germany , France and Belgium . At DFDS, we believe that your journey should be just as enjoyable as any other part of your trip, so our modern, comfortable cruise ferries come equipped with 4 restaurants, bars, a club, shops and live entertainment to help you enjoy every moment of your crossing.

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Our North Sea ferries between Copenhagen and Oslo are packed with excellent facilities and amenities to help ensure that your trip is as comfortable as possible. Tuck in at any of the onboard restaurants, including an Italian, an all-you-can-eat buffet, a steakhouse and the gourmet Marco Polo restaurant. You can also relax in the Bubble Zone, with jacuzzis and pools to enjoy, catch a movie in the cinema, or head to one of the bars for a drink. After sailing along the gorgeous Swedish coast, you’ll arrive in either Oslo or Copenhagen , both cosmopolitan and cultural capitals in their own right, ready to continue your journey. Whether you’re scouting Scandinavia or exploring Europe, there’s no more convenient way to travel with your car or other vehicle.

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If you’re travelling to Holland from the north of England, our Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry crossing is your best option. Sail overnight and enjoy maximum comfort, duty free shopping and fantastic entertainment throughout the day.  

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There is a good range of inexpensive flights to Norway from London, though from the UK’s regional airports the choice is poorer. Oslo Gardermoen airport is the main point of arrival. Flights are almost invariably much less expensive than the long and arduous journey from the UK to Norway by train or car. There are currently no ferry services direct from the UK to Norway, but this situation may change and it’s worth checking out if you’re considering taking your car.

Flights from the UK

Flights from ireland, flights from the us and canada, flights from australia and new zealand, flights from south africa, by train from the uk, driving from the uk, by ferry from the uk, by train, bus and ferry from the rest of scandinavia and russia, tours and organized holidays, tour and holiday operators.

From Ireland , there is much less choice, but there are regular flights to Oslo Gardermoen airport. For travellers arriving from North America , the main decision is whether to fly direct to Oslo – though the options are limited – or via another European city, probably London. Australians , New Zealanders and South Africans have to fly via another country – there are no nonstop, direct flights. Finally, getting to Norway from the rest of Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden and Finland) is quick, easy and relatively inexpensive, whether you travel by plane, bus or train.

From the UK, there’s a good choice of direct, nonstop flights from London to Oslo as well as a scattering of flights there from the UK’s regional airports . Norway’s main international airport is Oslo Gardermoen, 45km north of the city, but several budget airlines use the deceptively named Oslo (Torp) airport, which is actually just outside Sandefjord, 110km from Oslo, and Oslo (Rygge) airport, 60km south of the city near the little town of Moss. There are also a handful of nonstop, direct flights from the UK to other Norwegian cities, including Stavanger, Ålesund, Bergen and Trondheim, but for the likes of Tromsø you’ll have to change planes. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and its subsidiary Widerøe has the largest number of routes.

Prices vary enormously, but Norwegian Airlines often offers the least expensive tickets with a return from London Gatwick or Manchester to Oslo costing from as little as £140. Flying times are insignificant: Aberdeen to Stavanger takes just one hour, London to Oslo a little over two.

Flying from Ireland to Norway, there’s not much choice, but Ryanair ( w ryanair.com) has flights from Dublin to Oslo (Rygge) and Norwegian Airlines ( w norwegian.com) flies between Dublin and Oslo Gardermoen. As sample fares, Norwegian charges anywhere between €70 and €160 for the flight from Dublin to Oslo with a flying time of just over two hours.

From the US , you can fly direct/nonstop to Oslo Gardermoen from New York City with United Airlines ( w united.com) but otherwise you’ll have to change at a hub airport with London being an obvious choice. Return fares from major cities in the US to London start at around US$800, but otherwise reckon on spending around US$1500–2000 return for a nonstop New York–Oslo return flight with Continental. There are no direct flights to Norway from the west coast, but plenty of carriers will get you to Oslo with one stop, for as little as US$1500 return.

From Canada , the best deals are usually offered by Air Canada ( w aircanada.com), which flies nonstop to London Heathrow, with onward connections to Norway. From Toronto to Oslo, expect to pay around Can$2000 in high season and Can$1500 in low season, while typical fares from Vancouver are around Can$2200 in high season and, likewise, Can$1500 in low season.

The flying time on a direct, nonstop flight from the east coast of North America to Norway is just over seven hours.

There are no direct/nonstop flights from Australia or New Zealand to Norway. Most itineraries will involve two changes, one in the Far East – Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur – and then another in the gateway city of the airline you’re flying with – most commonly Copenhagen, Amsterdam or London. You can get tickets to Oslo from Sydney, Melbourne or Perth for Aus$1500–2500, NZ$2000–3000 from Auckland.

There are no direct/nonstop flights from South Africa to Norway, but several airlines will get you to Oslo with one stop via a European hub city. For example, KLM ( w klm.com) fly from Cape Town to Amsterdam with onward connections to Oslo for a return fare of between ZAR9500 and ZAR12,500.

Eurostar ( w eurostar.com) services running through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels put Norway within reasonable striking distance of the UK by train , but the whole journey from London to Oslo, which is usually routed via Brussels and Copenhagen, still takes about 22 hours and costs about £300 one-way (£350 return), though special deals and concessionary rates can reduce these fares considerably.

Rail passes

If you’re visiting Norway as part of a longer European trip, it may be worth considering a pan-European rail pass . There are lots to choose from and Rail Europe ( w raileurope.com and w raileurope.co.uk ), the umbrella company for all national and international passes, operates a comprehensive website detailing all the options with prices. Note in particular that some passes have to be bought before leaving home, others can only be bought in specific countries. Note also that Inter-Rail Pass ( w interrailnet.com ) and Eurail Pass ( w eurail.com) holders get discounts on some internal ferry and bus journeys within Norway.

To reach Norway by car or motorbike from the UK, the best bet is to use Eurotunnel ’s ( w eurotunnel.com ) shuttle train through the Channel Tunnel. Note that Eurotunnel only carries cars (including occupants) and motorbikes, not cyclists and foot passengers. From the Eurotunnel exit in Calais, it’s a somewhat epic journey of around 1400km or so to Oslo.

There are currently no car ferries from the UK to Norway; the nearest you’ll get is Esbjerg in Denmark, about 900km (around 10hr) by road from Oslo, with DFDS Seaways ( w dfdsseaways.co.uk ) from Harwich . Tariffs vary enormously, depending on when you leave, how long you stay, what size your vehicle is and how many passengers are in it; on overnight sailings, there is also the cost of a cabin to consider. As a sample fare, a seven-day, peak season return fare for two adults in an ordinary car costs around £250. Reservations are strongly recommended. There are three or four Harwich-to-Esbjerg sailings every week and the journey time is about eighteen hours.

By train you can reach Oslo from both Stockholm (2–3 daily; 6hr) and Copenhagen (2 daily; 8hr). There are also regular services from Stockholm to Narvik (1–2 daily; 21hr), operated by the Swedish company SJ ( t 00 46 771 75 75 75, w sj.se ). For online tickets, go to w raileurope.com.

Several bus companies provide services into Norway from other parts of Scandinavia. These include Eurolines ( w eurolines.co.uk ) buses from London to Oslo, which pass through several Danish and Swedish towns, notably Copenhagen, Malmö and Gothenburg; the Swedish company GoByBus ( w gobybus.se), which has services to Oslo from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Malmö and Gothenburg among others; and Swebuss ( w swebus.se ), which operates an express bus from Stockholm to Oslo. In the far north, Eskelisen Lapin Linjat ( w eskelisen-lapinlinjat.com ) runs a number of bus services from Finland to Norwegian destinations, including Tromsø, Kirkenes and Nordkapp.

A number of car ferries shuttle across the Skagerrak from Denmark to Norway.

As for border crossings , there is (usually) little formality at either the Norway–Sweden or Norway–Finland borders, but the northern border with Russia is a different story. Border patrols (on either side) won’t be overjoyed at the prospect of you nosing around. If you have a genuine wish to visit Russia from Norway, it’s best to sort out the paperwork – visas and so forth – before you leave home. Kirkenes is the main starting point for tours into Russia from Norway.

Tourism in Norway is a multi-million-dollar industry that has spawned a small army of tour operators. Some provide generic bus tours of parts of the country, but there are many more specialist companies too, featuring everything from skiing and walking through to whale-watching and cycling. Most of the better companies offer a choice of escorted and independent tours. Additional, domestic tour operators are detailed throughout the Guide.

Anglers’ World Holidays

UK t 01246 221 717, w anglers-world.co.uk . Sea- and river-fishing holidays in Norway.

Brekke Tours & Travel

US t 1 800 437 5302, w brekketours.com . A well-established company offering a host of sightseeing and cultural tours of Scandinavia in general and Norway in particular.

Discover the World

UK t 01737 214 251, w discover-the-world.co.uk . Specialist adventure tours including whale-watching in Norway, wildlife in Spitsbergen and dog-sledging in Lapland. Independent, tailor-made tours too.

UK t 0845 508 4197, w exodus.co.uk. Large, activity-holiday specialist offering cross-country skiing and all sorts of other winter sports plus whale-watching, hiking and Spitsbergen excursions.

UK t 0845 564 7148, w headwater.com . Limited but well-chosen selection of winter fun holidays in Geilo and Venabu, where punters choose anything from skiing to reindeer safaris.

High & Wild

UK t 0845 004 7801, w highandwild.co.uk . Adventure holiday specialist through whose services you can join a Sámi reindeer migration.

Hurtigruten Norway

t 00 47 81 00 30 30, w hurtigruten.com . The Hurtigruten coastal voyage is Norway’s most celebrated sea cruise (see Hurtigruten sailing schedule).

UK t 01653 617 001, w inntravel.co.uk. Outdoor holidays in Norway including skiing, walking, dog-sledging, fjord cruises, and whale- and reindeer-watching.

North South Travel

UK t 01245 608 291, w northsouthtravel.co.uk . Friendly, competitive travel agency, offering discounted fares worldwide. Profits are used to support projects in the developing world, especially the promotion of sustainable tourism.

Saddle Skedaddle

UK t 0191 265 1110, skedaddle.co.uk . Highly recommended company organizing a couple of cycling tours of Norway each year, usually one to the Lofoten islands and another round the western fjords.

Scandinavian America World Tours

US t 1 800 545 2204, w scandinaviantravel.com . Scandinavian specialist offering an extensive programme of group and individual tours and cruises within Norway.

Scand-America

US t 1 727 415 5088, w scandamerica.com . A wide variety of packages – everything from dog-sledging to garden tours – throughout Scandinavia. Florida based.

US t 1 800 223 7226 w scantours.com . Huge range of packages and tailor-made holidays to every Scandinavian nook and cranny.

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From UK to Norway by car and ferry – this is how we travel to Scandinavia

No wrestling with limiting baggage allowance or going through the stress of airport security and passport controls. Instead you could travel from the UK to Norway in comfort by car, with the help of a few ferries.

Unfortunately in 2017 there are no more ferries running between the UK and Scandinavia. Even the sailing between Harwich and Esjberg in Denmark closed down in 2014. And considering that London to Oslo is about 20 hours by car – it’s a bit of stretch to drive.

The thought of being trapped in a car for many hours can seem daunting, especially when travelling with young children. But going by car certainly has it advantages. Firstly, as soon as you are getting in the car the holiday can begin. You can make as many stops and detours you’d like. You can bring much more than what you can when flying. And by passing through the changing scenery and landscape you’ll get a better sense of Scandinavia and what the region has to offer.

So here its is, step by step, our best travel recommendation from the UK to Scandinavia;

First you need to cross the channel, either by catching a ferry from Dover to Calais. Prices starts from £31 each way. Day sailings takes 1 hour an 30 minutes and night sailings are 2 hours. We tend to travel to France via the Eurotunnel from Folkstone to Calais, crossing the channel in only 35 minutes. Prices starts from £23 each way.

Then, from there you drive up through France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark all the way up to Hirtshals in northern Denmark. Altogether the drive from Calais to Hirtshals is about 12 hours, without stops. When travelling with children you might want to consider stopping in North of Germany or South of Denmark for the night before continuing.

You can go by boat with Colour Line from Kiel to Oslo. The kids will love this minicruise with lots on board activities on offer but it will add an extra cost as well as 20 hours more to your travel time. Another option Stena Line from Kiel to Gothenburg, which is only a 1 hour and 50 minutes pleasant drive from the Norwegian boarder. You can also drive all the way, from Germany, through Denmark, crossing the Öresundbridge from Denmark to Sweden and continue up along the Swedish coast until you’ve reached Norway.

However this will ad a good amount of miles to your journey, so not recommended unless you’d like to see more of Denmark and Sweden along your way. I must admit – the bridge is beautiful, but it’s down to how much time you have on your way to Norway.

From Hirtshals in Denmark ferries run to Kristiansand in Norway, which is great if you are travelling on to the West coast and the Fjords of Norway. However, if you are travelling to Oslo, there’s a speed ferry to Larvik, which is only 3 hours and 45 minutes. Prices from €89. Then all that is remaining of your journey is a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Larvik – before you’ve reached your destination, Oslo.

When travelling by car we recommend checking fuel prices in advance. Prices may vary a lot from country to country. Norway is expensive and so is its petrol, so tank up before you leave Denmark (or Sweden). Also, book the Eurotunnel and ferries in advance, to get the best possible deal. If you decide to travel through the Öresundbridge, consider a ‘Bropas’ if you will be crossing the bridge more than once in a year.

To find out more about Oslo or how to get there, go to Visit Oslo

To book your channel crossing, go to Eurotunnel or DFDS Book ferry to Norway via Color Line

Please note that in the comment field below it has been suggested to take the freight ferry from Immingham to Breivik, Norway. But the freight ferries are no longer allowed to take private cars and passengers. So unfortunately this is no longer an option.

You might also like:

PO Ferries in talks with the Scottish Government to reopen the ferry service from the UK to Scandinavia Sign the petition – Reopen Harwich to Esbjerg!

94 thoughts on “ From UK to Norway by car and ferry – this is how we travel to Scandinavia ”

Colour Line or Fjord line need to extend there ships over to the uk its 2021 and there is no direct route since the last route shut down in September 2014 by DFDS

Please reinstate the Newcastle-Norway ferries. I hate flying and wish to travel in my own vehicle without the extra thousand plus miles each way driving all through Northern Europe. Ferry has to be the best result for the planet.

• Pingback: Reopen the Harwich to Esbjerg ferry! – LITTLE SCANDINAVIAN
• Pingback: P&O Ferries to reopen ferry service from the UK to Scandinavia? – LITTLE SCANDINAVIAN

Please open ferry crossing to Scandinavia preferably from a northern UK port (Newcastle or Aberdeen great. I do not want to get the bends travelling to a southern port or having to go past London just to go back North again).

My daughter lives in Namsos.i live near Liverpool.we try to get over every two years.use to go by boat from Newcastle,when that went we used Immingham.know that is no longer we have to drive from rottadam.germany.denmark.swedan into norway.I was an hgv driver for 36 years so the drive was ok.im now 72 my wife is 76 so know it’s a problem.we DO need a ferry!

I loved the Felixstowe to Esbjerg Denmark Ferry with DFDS and earlier Scandinavian Seaways. We urgently need a ferry crossing to Esbjerg AND Gothenburg! Please start these ferry crossings again. Not everyone wants to fly !

Hope P&O ferries will open route harwich/Newcastle to Esbjerg in Denmark. A lot of people miss that route.

How can countries so historically and biologically close as Scandinavia and the UK be so far apart in 2018 ? We are Vikings and need to touch base with our roots ! Please open a ferry route between the UK and Scandinavia soon ! Slainthe , Liz and Les

Situation in December 2018? Is the deal the same with the ferries being out of service?

We had winter cross-country skiing holidays in Norway for about 18 years and really miss them. Taking the car makes it much easier to get to the right place to start each day’s ski trip and one can take more kit too.

I wish the ferries would re-start and would be more then happy to go again on the Immingham to Brevik freight ferry which, inexplicably, has been forbidden for ordinary cars for the last three years. it was a quiet and peaceful trip.

I would recommend Kiel to Oslo. Book in advance for best price and enjoy your mini cruise! What are your plans for Oslo? x

I know! Once a week during the summer months is all we ask for. x

Hope it will happen in the future. Camper holidays are the best!

Wow, the petrol was indeed super expensive this Summer. Which is incredible considering it’s an oil nation. Glad to hear you still enjoyed the trip! x

This year wanted to visit friends in Sweden – had to take Eurotunnel (cost us £90.00 each way – booked months in advance). Stayed in a noisy and horrid so-called 5* campsite on the Elbe (did not get an once of sleep) on the way there and decided to skip campsites on the way back. Because of the horrific snarl-ups in Germany (took us 11 hours to cross) we had to pay another £83 to get back to the UK. Eurotunnel staff were unhelpful and rude when we suggested that all that extra money was a rip-off. I want a direct route to Sweden / Norway. Just one ferry to Denmark and then on to Sweden is a pain and really expensive. We used to do annual trips from Newcastle to Bergen and that is a very good and convenient place for both the Scots and the English and the rest of the UK (Harwich too far south and Scotland too far north). Totally fed up with Eurotunnel and that vile journey through northern Europe. Thank goodness we had a lovely time in Sweden (and Denmark was nice too) – BUT the journey back was verging on traumatic. PS Prices stated here on this blog for Eurotunnel and crossing the Channel are a joke.

There was no economic case for the ferry from Bergen to Newcastle. DFDS were subsidising it in the end. In fact they made quite an effort in the last years putting in place a brand new ferry, all mod cons, on the route and did a lot of marketing on both sides. For Norwegians extolling a weekend, getaway cruise, highlighting visiting Gateshead for cheaper priced shopping, especially in run up to xmas, or trips to York. Also images of the small casino and other entertainment on the crossing giving it the air of a cruise. British side highlighting easy access to fjord land.

I think the issue is two fold. One British cars with steering on the opposite side (and conversely for Norwegians) was quite off-putting for most. Secondly, Brits did not see value in visiting Norway. Reputation for high prices whilst for the same hassle-distance one could so easily hop over to the Alps for skiing or summer scenery (better weather too) on more established routes guaranteed to please.

Visit-Norway tried to ginger up more Brits visiting even after the ferries ceased with plane charters to fjord land or ski trips. But not with much success. Norwegian ski resorts were a particular taste, emphasising child friendly for instance. Though that there is a reasonable number of Brits visiting on charters, but notably rarely re-visiiting. I understand on that point, Brits impressed by Norwegians and hotels but find it a little boring and un-eventful compared to all the energy in the Alpine resorts and variety of eating out options. Plus better skiers attracted to the big Alpine resorts with better within-resort skiing in the Alps. For summer, sun was always more of a pull than mountain scenery. Mountaineering fans, again a minority taste, might visit but in living room cost-benefit calculations even they could see better mountain ranges for the same distance/lower cost in the Alps. Also the fact it is so easy and relatively cheap to travel inter-continental from the UK, we are spoilt with direct connections.

For all these reasons ferries or attempts to attract British visitors has not materialised as hoped. I see no change in these patterns. The only new trend in British visits to Norway this century is Oslo and Bergen now on the radar for weekend city breaks. Otherwise, Brit visits to Scandinavia remain a minority market.

The only straw in the wind is the curious and un-usually large share (relatively) of Brits who seem to like visiting Iceland. Why that works and not Norway is for someone else better qualified in tourism/travel marketing than me to study.

I sometimes visit an Island near Tvedistrand on the southernmost tip of Norway where my relations live during the summer. I pack an inflatable dinghy and 2.5 horse outboard motor in the hatchback small car ( back seats folded forward). I ferry from Dover to Ostend or to Calais and drive through Belgium, Holland, Germany, At the border before going through Denmark I buy 12 wineboxes from the German supermarket and hide them under the dinghy. I time my journey through Denmark over the bridge to Sweden so that I reach the Norwegian border after 9.00 pm and can therefore drive straight through without stopping. I reach Son, a port halfway between the border and Oslo at about midnight and stay with a relative or pitch a tent. The next morning I take the ferry across the gulf of Oslo to Larvik (1 Hour) and drive south towards Rica and I leave my car at a little quayside at Dipvok. 5 miles in the dinghy, in island protected water, takes me to my destination on the Island of Askeroya. Journey time from landing in France or Belgium with a few kips in the car during the journey, is about two days. Oh yes, – The wineboxes are worth about £40 each in Norway and are shared around as payment for the hospitality I receive.

Jo Smith – just come back from Norway trip and petrol is very expensive (£1.60 a litre), not 95p. It’s one of the most heavily taxed countries in the world, everything is very expensive. But still enjoyed the trip.

I have signed and shared on some Facebook groups. Going to Norway in my camper with my dogs is on my bucket list.

Hello, motorcyclist based in Brittany(FR). Planning a trip to visit Norway and certainly reach the Kapp Nord. As there is no ferry, have to ride from Rennes(FR) to Hirtshals(Denmark) or Copenhagen. Either 1700 or 2100km by road, mostly boring toll roads to not waste too many leave days getting to Norway and returning from Norway. Once in Norway, it’s about 2500km to the north and 2500km back south… All that in 21 days as we usually get three weeks vacation time at any one time. I prefer to spend more days IN NORWAY than using days GETTING TO NORWAY!!!!! Has to be my own motorcycle so no hiring and no flights. After using toll roads, motorcycle tires lose a bit of profile as you ‘vertical’ most of the time and never ‘leaned over side to side’……then once in Norway, the tire is not at it’s best…..all that can, be avoided with a ferry……..for the midnight sun experience, which allows camping without needing lights and long days in the saddle without fear of night riding, the ferry’s could run even once a week from mid June to mid July…..why not mid August…… It’s a shame that we have no links with Norway by sea from FRANCE.

Please we need a ferry and car service ASAP to Norway from the UK

We are currently starting to plan our U.K.- Oslo driving holiday next year. We plan to go Harwich to Hook of Holland, to Bremen (stay overnight), to Copenhagen (stay overnight) Øresund Bridge to Malmö, to Gothenburg (have lunch) then finally to Oslo. Although now I’ve seen there is a Kiel to Gothenburg route, we might take that one way.

As someone who remembers taking my car on the deck of a Russian boat direct from uk to Helsinki I cannot believe that there isn’t a strong economic case (leaving aside all the important cultural arguements) for a uk-Scandinavia ferry. Surely the popularity of ScandiNoir (Film, TV & books) alone would drive this

I live near Newcastle and I too used to travel often for both work and holidays from Newcastle to Bergen in the early ’70s [ Leda was the earliest ship I travelled on in I think 1965] but miss all of that since the ferry services ceased. I was planning to re-visit Mongstad and Hardanger in my old Land Rover [Vera] but the cost of ferry travel and petrol for a return trip via Amsterdam, Kiel and Oslo will exceed the value of my vehicle. Any news of moves to introduce a direct ferry from the UK to Norway would be very welcome. I was quoted £700 for a one way shipping charge from Immingham to Brevik for Vera, plus of course I would have to fly to and from Norway. So getting up to about £2000 before I even buy a hot-dog and Fanta! Details of any petitions would be very welcome…………

Norway was the cheapest of all the countries we visited the whole Baltic last year at about 95p a litre!! Cheaper even than the Baltic states! So yes, check! Was the only thing cheaper in Norway. Alcohol is prohibitively expensive, the Norwegians pop over the border into Sweden for beer and fags.

I would love to travel to Norway it’s on my wish list but would prefer to take my car but I live in Scotland and no ferry here or anywhere in England We do need a ferry from the UK ASAP

We’ve been going to Norway since the 1960’s and bought a house in Hordaland in 2005, before the old ferries were taken off. As we live in the North of England, about 12 miles from Manchester, the South Coast ferries would almost double our driving time. After a deal of trialling different routes, we cut out Sweden and about 200 miles extra driving, by going from Hull to Rotterdam and on through Holland, Germany and Denmark to Hirtshals. Ferries from there include a direct trip to Bergen, via Stavanger on an overnighter. This was our route of choice for taking out Springer Spaniel Sally for 7 years and gave loads of options for overnatting. Incidentally we go for 12 weeks through summer and have to think carefully about accommodation on the return journey in Scandinavia in the autumn.

Thanks for your recommendations. We will definitely take the Gothenburg ferry next time!

You can use the ferry if you are in a commercial vehicle driving for a company, seems stupid considering that a Romanian truck driver brought 57 people in to Immingham in the back of his vehicle, it’s just leisure drivers that can’t use the ferry now. I had the idea of just shipping my car to Sweden and flying there but it’s over £500 now just for the car!

From Hamburg (you have to pass nearby anyway) to Norway You take the cheapest and shortest way to Hirtshals at the top of Denmark. From there you have Fjordline and Color line going to Kristiansand, Langesund, Larvik, or Oslo. All are in the South and South Eastern coastline of Norway. There are also Ferry from Frederikshavn (near Hrtshals.) going to Gotenburg. (short distance)

There used to be a ferry immingham to goteburg sweden not sure if it is still there . Freight ferry but they take cars.

I was wondering would it be quicker if we drive from Germany to Estonia then catch the ferry to Sweden then drive on to Norway from there ?

I’ve made a new post on this subject; here: https://www.littlescandinavian.com/2017/10/30/reopen-the-harwich-to-esbjerg-ferry/ Let’s change the situation by signing the petition! Best wishes, Bianca x

Here is the petition to sign: https://www.change.org/p/reopen-a-direct-ferry-from-the-uk-to-denmark

We are an Anglo-Danish family (living in Denmark), and the closure of both Esbjerg-Newcastle and Esbjerg-Harwich has been a disaster for our bicultural existence. At our grandparental age, the long drive to Dunkirk is not an option. Where is the petition to sign?

We desperately need a ferry from Newcastle to Norway for numerous reasons.

It is so upsetting that we find it so difficult to get to Norway nowadays. We travelled there virtually every year from Newcastle by ferry. Then when they ceased to run we found Ryanair from Liverpool airport was the easiest & cheapest way to get there.(bearing in mind we had to hire a car etc.)Now they have stopped their service. My parents are laid to rest over in Norway & we find making the effort to visit what family we have left is diminishing. Please bring back the ferry service. Scandinavian mum is right. Bring back even 1 crossing per week

This time last year I drove my VW camper from Sheffield to Jokkmokk. Utter misery driving across Europe to get to Sweden. This has to be sorted. SIGN THE PETITION AT REOPEN HARWICH TO ESBJERG FERRY

Only problem is that if you live in London, like I do, the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry doesn’t save you many miles or time. But as you say, if you lived closer to Newcastle, or in the North it’s definitely an option to consider! x

And since north of England also exists: we have several times taken the car ferry (DFDS) from Newcastle to Amsterdam, driving through Germany. We do love the Color Line from Kiel to Oslo, but then we have to spend a night in Germany, with our favorites being Bremen or Hamburg. We do miss the other ferry from Newcastle to Norway though.

The lack of transport to our own flesh and blood neighbours inScandinavia can only. Assist in dragging uk down further and compound teething problems after brexit . The Scandinavian countries lead the fields in many industries common to U.K. As opposed to tailing and subsidising many of our less industries Mediterranean countries the UK should making Scandinavian links a priority in order to cement our oil,agricultural ,aquaculture fishing, heavy engineering seafaring and all the industries we share interests in which are being severally neglected at present

If you wish to fly from northern Uk you can fly from Aberdeen or Shetland isles to Stavangr or Bergen ,still no good for caravan or campervaners.

Darren, that’s sounds completely ludicrous! Scandinavia and UK are suddenly very far apart without the ferry service. Like many other have suggested, we don’t need daily sailing, but perhaps one or two. And UK to Denmark would have been fine too, or UK to South of Norway. Let’s hope this situation changes. Best, Bianca x

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Ferry to Norway from UK

How to travel (indirectly) from the uk to norway.

FerryGoGo » Norway » Ferry to Norway from the UK

Dover Calais

Step 1: from the UK to mainland Europe , first choice: Dover-Calais, depends on where you're based though.

Step 2: from mainland Europe to Norway , first choice: Kiel-Oslo

Getting to Norway

Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry to Norway from The United Kingdom . Yet, you can get there quite easily by car and two ferries! Getting to Norway without ferries (driving) is possible, but that is not advisable since that's a very long drive through Sweden !

• There are five logical routes (we logically excluded the Southern UK routes to France) to reach mainland Europe from the UK.
• Four follow-up connections will eventually get you to Norway from Western Europe.

There used to be a connection from Eemshaven/Emden to Norway. This connection was a logical second step. However, this connection doesn't exist anymore and ended in September 2023 . 

Sit tight. We will explain why the picks above are our preferred options and provide you with all possible routes on this page. Let's start with our map:

UK to Norway ferry route map

Will there ever be a direct route to norway.

The ferry route from Eemshaven to Kristiansand, which unfortunately faced bankruptcy after a two-year run , serves as a cautionary example for potential investors considering a direct route from the UK to Norway. The default and subsequent closure of the HNL route between the Netherlands and Norway have significantly diminished the prospects of a new direct route emerging from Norway to the UK.

Nevertheless , the founders of BCL remain committed to exploring the feasibility of a route connecting Stavanger /Bergen and Newcastle. While we hope this endeavour will come to fruition soon , it's essential to acknowledge that the odds of success are slim. If this route becomes a reality by some fortunate turn of events, it is projected to launch in 2026. [1] Source: Bergen Cruise Line

There also is a DFDS-managed direct freight ferry route from Immingham to Brevik . However, passengers can't travel on this route: “Due to UKBF port approval,  private passengers are not permitted to be carried through Immingham .”

Step 1: Getting to mainland Europe first

As a direct connection doesn't exist, you must first get from the UK to mainland Europe. You can choose between direct crossings to Holland (Netherlands) or various options from Dover to France , depending on where in the UK you depart.

Departure is possible from  Newcastle ,  Hull ,  Harwich , and the two Dover connections: Dover-Calais and Dover Dunkirk . 

The five best options for the first step

The distance to Kiel is important as that is where step 2 starts—the first possible departure to Norway. Your personal choice also depends on where you depart from in the UK. There are more routes, especially from the UK to France , but these routes are more West and can't be seen as good routes if you want to travel to Norway . 

In this connection, our preferred route to mainland Europe is the Dover-Calais crossing (avoid high-season, though). No planning is needed for this route, and the transfer is relatively cheap. From there, drive to Kiel, and then let your holiday begin! 

All 5 ferries & operators for the first crossing

Hull-Rotterdam

Harwich Hook of Holland

Newcastle-Amsterdam

Dover-dunkirk.

Indication of the time you'll need to travel from one port to another:

• From Rotterdam to Kiel (Germany): ± 6 hours 30 minutes
• From Calais to Kiel (Germany): ± 9 hours 30 minutes
• From Calais to Hirtshals (Denmark): ± 14 hours 15 minutes
• From Dunkirk to Copenhagen (Denmark): ± 13 hours ( inc. ferry )

Step 2: To Norway from Denmark or Germany

From Europe’s mainland, most people choose a cruise ferry from  Kiel or a fast ferry from the North of Denmark. 

Earlier on, it was possible to travel from the Netherlands to Norway via the (new in 2022) Eemshaven-Kristiansand ferry connection. This ferry, however, went bankrupt.

The best options you have for the crossing to Norway

Of course, there are more routes and options you can take, but these are the most popular when arriving from the UK. The Kiel to Oslo is, of course, the perfect start to your holiday. This is a night crossing on the beautiful ship from Color Line. This is more of a ‘cruise' experience than a ferry experience.

On this page, you'll find more information about all the ferries from Germany to Norway.

The luxurious cruise ships from Color Line on the Kiel Oslo route

Alternative (option 3) if you're looking to include Sweden in your trip to Norway:

If you're planning a trip to Norway but also considering including Sweden in your itinerary, you might want to consider travelling via either the outbound or return route through Kiel to Gothenburg . For instance, if you choose to go outbound via Kiel to Gothenburg and continue from there to Norway, you could return via Oslo to Kiel or Kristiansand to Hirtshals, or vice versa, of course.

Hirtshals-Kristiansand

Hirtshals-Bergen

Kiel-gothenburg, all ferries from denmark to norway.

The departure ports in the north of Denmark are not just around the corner, but anyone taking a road trip to Norway will undoubtedly benefit from one of these crossings.

You can choose between various destinations depending on where the rest of your vacation or trip will take place. For example, destinations like Larvik , Kristiansand , Oslo and Bergen .

Copenhagen-Oslo

Frederikshavn-oslo, hirtshals-larvik, hirtshals-langesund, hirtshals-stavanger, drive to norway from the uk.

It may not be the most obvious route, but we'll mention it anyway: it is also possible to drive to Norway!

You can choose to take the Channel tunnel ( Shuttle ) and drive all the way to Copenhagen. From here, you can take the bridge to Sweden and drive further to the north to Norway.

Beware, though: there are many toll routes and additional costs attached to these routes. Also, you must travel 973 miles (1566 KM) kilometres from Calais to the Swedish-Norwegian border for this.

Other ferry guides that would help you reach Norway move convenient:

• Ferries to Holland from UK
• Ferries to Norway from Scotland
• Ferries to Norway from Denmark
• All ferries to Norway
• Ferries to Norway from Germany
• Ferries to Oslo

Our Personal Experience

On one of our latest trips to Norway, we went with the now-stopped route Eemshaven-Kristiansand and then back through the Kiel-Oslo ferry. Here are a few images that back up our claims of our trip to  Oslo from Kiel in April 2023. Click on them to enlarge.

How to book tickets to Norway

It's easy. Use our booking engine below and see what tickets are available at which dates for which price! You have to buy the two tickets individually though, but by using this tool you'll book your tickets at one company. 

Summary; Why we picked these routes

As you can read in much of the above guide, there are many reasons why these routes are our first choice if you want to reach Norway from the UK. To summarize:

• Calais-Dover is a cheap route.
• The 10-hour drive from Dover.
• There used to be a better route from Eemshaven and Emden, but that route stopped.
• Kiel-Oslo provides a cruise-like experience.
• Calais-Dover and Kiel-Oslo are different from each other: meaning you get two different kinds of ferry experiences.
• It's better to end with the most luxurious one

Many things are involved, but one point might be most important: Where do you start and where do you want to go to in Norway? If you leave that point out, it's simply an excellent choice to drive first and reach your ‘luxurious' ferry after your long drive instead of the other way around. There are enough other options:

Interesting combinations we also considered:

• Harwich – Hook of Holland & Hirtshals – Bergen : Two high-quality (semi-cruise-like) ferries and also a very nice route with a slightly lower driving time, and of course, you start your Norway trip in Bergen.
• Newcastle – Amsterdam & Copenhagen – Oslo : If you time this wisely, you could book amazing day trips in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Oslo. This won't be a very cheap holiday, however! (very expensive cities and ferries)
• Dover – Dunkirk & Hirtshals – Kristiansand : Also a great trip but you will miss a very luxurious ferry on this one, If you want to travel to Norway at least go for one cruise-like experience. 
• Kiel-Gothenburg & Oslo-Kiel: if you're thinking about a road trip through Scandinavia where you want to travel to both Sweden and Norway this is a great option.

The follow ing (last) image of this guide, explains our Kiel-Oslo choise also much better:

Oceanic á la Carte Restaurant at Color Fantasy © FerryGoGo 2023

Frequently asked questions Ferry UK-Norway

There is no direct ferry from the UK to Norway. You can choose to travel to  Holland (Rotterdam or Amsterdam) or France and drive to Kiel or to the north of Denmark. From there you can take various ferries to Norway. 

Depending on whether you bring a car and book a cabin, the costs for the ferry to Norway vary a lot.  To give an indication: A ferry to the Netherlands will be approximately £ 40 to £ 300 per person, and from the Netherlands to Norway up to around £ 60 to £ 800 per person. You can read the exact pricing within this guide.

You can take your dog along on most crossings from the UK to Norway. Be sure to inform and follow up on vaccination rules and rules aboard the ships.

Ferry talk: Share your questions and opinions

Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!

I am disappointed there is no direct Ferry. I am Norwegian but live in the UK. I have been waiting for this for years! Hopefully they will soon realise the demand.

Hi Fredrik,

Quite late but thanks for your comment – there have been crossings in the past: https://ferrygogo.com/historic-ferry-crossings-uk-scandinavia/ and there are plans for a direct crossing in the near future again. We really hope a ferry from the UK to Norway will return too, especially since the ferry from the Netherlands to Norway ceased to exist as well.

Helpful start for me to plan a norwegian fishing holiday thank you.

Glad we could be of help with our guides! Have fun on your fishing holiday. Happy travels

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Taking the ferry from the UK to Norway

We’re all trying to cut our carbon footprint and travel in a more environmentally friendly way. And going by ferry or train is certainly one of the greenest options if you want to get from the UK to the European mainland.

Historically it was a good way to travel from England to Scandinavia too. In the past, ferry routes have connected Newcastle to Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen, Haugesund and Oslo in Norway , as well as to Gothenburg in Sweden.

Today, sadly, there’s no direct car ferry from the UK to Norway. However, plans to reinstate the Newcastle to Bergen ferry route in 2026 are being greeted with enthusiasm by environmentalists and fans of ferry travel alike.

The Bergen Cruise Line ferry

Newcastle and Bergen in Norway were linked by a ferry route for more than 140 years, until 2008 when cheap air travel led to its demise. 

In 2026, the Bergen Cruise Line plans to resurrect this popular route with 3 services a week in high season (2 weekly in low season) running between Newcastle, Stavanger and Bergen.

The route will be served by a brand new low-emission ferry which runs on liquified natural gas and fuel cells. 

Huge electricity storage batteries will power the boat when it is “harbour mode”, so that it can sail into the Norwegian fjords emission-free. 

The ferry will be 210 x 31 metres and will carry up to 2380 passengers with a large car deck and cargo space. 

It’s expected to cost in the region of 200 million USD to build, with restaurants, bars, a casino, theatre, night club, gym, shops and conference centre on-board.

The ferry is currently in the planning and design stage, with construction expected to start later in 2023. And it’s hoped to be up and running in 2026 – a welcome new green travel route from the UK to Norway.

Alternatives to the direct UK–Norway ferry

Until the new passenger ferry to Norway from the UK is in service, there are a few ways you can get to Norway overland and sea via other European countries. 

None of the routes is quick or straightforward, so you’ll need to make the journey part of your holiday.

Via Amsterdam

• First take the DFDS overnight car ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, which leaves Newcastle daily at 5pm and arrives in Amsterdam at 9.45am the following morning. The journey takes just under 17 hours, and there’s a choice of accommodation available from inside bunk-bed cabins to smart en-suite double cabins with a sea view. 
• From Ijmuiden (the port for Amsterdam), it’s a drive of three and a half hours along the A9 and the A7 to Emden in Germany.
• From Emden, the M/S Romantika ferry leaves at 5pm, arriving in Kristiansand in southern Norway at 10.45am the following morning. There are four ferries a week in high season, two to three in low season and none in January.
• From Kristiansand, it’s about an eight hour drive north to Bergen. You can either take the coastal route via Stavanger, which involves two further short ferry trips, or the inland route via Voss. A third alternative is to drive from Kristiansand to Stavanger (three and a half hours), then take a ferry from there to Bergen . The ferry leaves Stavanger daily at 1.30pm, arriving in Bergen at 7pm.

Via Keil in Germany

• Get the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry (see above) from where it’s a six-hour drive to Keil in Germany. Or, from London, it’s a twelve-and-a-half-hour drive to Kiel in Germany via the Channel Tunnel, across France, Belgium and Holland.
• From Keil, there’s a daily Colour Line ferry to Oslo, which takes 20 hours. The best way to get from Oslo to Bergen is by train: read our guide for details .

Via Hirtshals in Denmark

• Getting to Hirtshals in Denmark from the UK is not straightforward. You can either get the DFDS overnight car ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam (see above), from where it’s an eleven-hour drive through Holland and via Hambourg in Germany. Or if you’re coming from London, it’s a 17-hour drive through the Channel Tunnel via France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
• From Hirtshals, there are several routes to Norway on Fjordline and Colour Line ferries. The quickest is on the year-round fast cat to Kristiansand, which runs up to four times day in high season and takes two and a half hours.
• To Bergen and Stavanger, ferries leave Hirtshals at 8pm, arriving in Stavanger at 6.30am and Bergen at 12.30pm the following day. To Larvik, ferries leave Hirtshals twice daily and take 3 hours 45 minutes.

Ferries from other parts of Scandinavia to Norway 

Of course, getting to Norway is easier from other Scandinavian countries than it is from the UK. And there are several useful routes that you can use as part of a wider trip round Scandinavia.

What about ferries to other Scandinavian countries from the UK?

Since the demise of DFDS’ Harwich to Esbjerg ferry in 2014, there are no ferries routes from the UK to anywhere in Scandinavia. 

Taking a private tour

Of course if money is no object, there are ways of getting to Norway by sea.

This  luxury yacht trip cruises from Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland to Bergen in Norway via the Orkneys and the Shetland Islands. It takes two weeks so you’ll need plenty of time and deep pockets!

Getting there by plane

As you can see getting to Norway by ferry is not a quick option, so you may be tempted to fly. And there’s no shortage of airlines and routes if you do decide to take the plane.

Ryanair flies from Stansted to Oslo, Norwegian flies from Gatwick to Oslo, while British Airways and SAS fly from Heathrow to Oslo. Norwegian also flies from Gatwick to Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim.

SAS and Norwegian fly from Manchester to Oslo, while Ryanair flies from Manchester to Oslo Torp. 

Norwegian also flies from Edinburgh to Oslo, while Loganair flies from Aberdeen to Oslo and Newcastle to Stavanger.

The pros and cons of flying vs taking the ferry

Clearly flying is quicker, with a journey time of around two hours from London to Oslo compared to several days driving and taking the ferry.

And flying is almost always cheaper too, with return fares from London to Oslo starting from around £50 if you book ahead.

Flying from a regional airport and booking last-minute will usually bump up the cost, but it’s still likely to be cheaper than the ferry, especially when you’ve added on the cost of a car and cabin.

However, travelling by ferry and car is definitely the greener option, and a more interesting way to get to your destination. And once the new Bergen Line ferry is running, it will be greener still.

So, if you’re short of time we recommend flying. But if you’re in hurry and want to see some other countries on the way and make the journey part of your adventure, we suggest taking the ferry.

See also : Hurtigruten cruises in Norway: all you need to know Eco-friendly places to stay in Norway Norway’s best national parks

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Unfortunately the ferry from Emsden to Kristiansand went bust last year. We used it last year and it certainly cut out a huge amount of time and driving. We’d booked again for this year just before it declared bankruptcy.

Thank you for this really useful post 🙂

I was so happy to find the Emden-Kristiansand alternative. I’m so terribly sorry to discover that the company just got bankrupt! As I plan a travel in the footsteps of Steinlen (#anneecentenaireSteinlen), who traveled by boat from Tilbury (UK) to Kristiansand (NOR) in 1901, this would have been perfect! Now we might miss the UK-part of the journey and it’s a pity! 😬😢

Greetings, Karianne

#surlespasdeSteinlen

Hi Karianne! Thanks so much for the comment. Yeah that’s super sad isn’t it… we hope you still enjoy your travels even without the UK-Norway section!

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Can I go to Norway? Travel restrictions from the UK explained

By Sarah James

As of Friday 18 March 2022, all Covid travel rules have been dropped in the UK. This means that any travellers returning to the UK from Norway don't need to take any tests or quarantine on arrival in the UK and no longer need to fill out a passenger locator form . But what are the rules for entering Norway, and which tests are needed? Here’s what you need to know.

What are the entry requirements for Norway?

It's now much easier to travel to and from Norway. There are currently no travel restrictions upon entering Norway – the same rules as prior to the pandemic now apply. As of Tuesday 1 March, travellers arriving into Svalbard no longer have to show evidence of a negative Covid test. 

Wherever you're travelling, it's always best to check the government guidelines for your destination before booking and well ahead of your trip. It's also always wise to get travel insurance with Covid cover . 

Like this? Now read:

Traffic light system for travel: Which countries are green, amber and red?

A sustainable trip to Norway

By Rick Jordan

Oslo: the new capital of Scandi cool

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Norway Tours from The UK

From city breaks in culture-rich Oslo to scenic journeys through the fjords, the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor can make your trip to Norway from the UK unforgettable and stress-free. In just a 2-hour flight from London you can be exploring Norway’s attractions by train, cruise or car on a bespoke holiday.

Travel to Norway from the UK

Looking for the perfect package holiday to Norway from the UK? Enjoy an authentic and stress-free trip to Norway from the UK with a bespoke tour arranged by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor . As one of the leading travel agencies in Scandinavia, we take care of your hotels, your driving route and rental car (if you’re doing a road trip), your tickets for any travel by train or cruise, and any itinerary customisations you desire.

Getting to Norway from the UK

Most trips from the UK to Norway begin in the capital city, Oslo, which is home to many of Norway’s top cultural attractions as well as Norway’s main international airport. Luckily for British travellers, there are a number of short, inexpensive non-stop flights to Oslo Airport  from the UK:

• London to Oslo: 2h 5m (Norwegian, British Airways, SAS, Ryanair)
• Edinburgh to Oslo: 1h 45m (Norwegian)
• Manchester to Oslo: 1h 55m (SAS, Ryanair)

See the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway

From Oslo it’s just 55 minutes via domestic flight to popular winter destinations like Tromsø, Kirkenes or the Lofoten Islands in Norway’s far north. With a short winter break in northern Norway between December and March, you can experience landscapes covered in snow and the incredible northern lights (aurora borealis) as well as winter sports like snowmobiling, dog sledding and more -- all in under a week. You could even spend a night in a snow hotel!

Visit the Norwegian Fjords by train or car

Another major highlight for travellers booking a Norwegian holiday from the UK are the fjords. From Oslo it’s easy to travel to the Bergen area and nearby fjords of western Norway by rental car or train in 7 - 14 days.

By car: Exploring Norway by car from the UK is the way to go if you plan to do some hiking in summer or if you just want to explore at your own pace. Nordic Visitor offers a range of customisable self-drive tours in Norway , available from May to September, that come with marked road maps, information about driving in Norway, our own travel guide showcasing the highlights of each region, and more.

By train: By far the most popular Norwegian train holiday is the Norway in a Nutshell® classic tour , which includes a short fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and a scenic ride in vintage rail cars on the mountainous Flåm Railway. This tour has year-round departures and can be customised by Nordic Visitor to include additional nights in Bergen as well as side trips to other cities such as Stavanger.

Don’t want to travel on your own? Join a Guided Small Group Tour of Norway to see the fjords and more with an experienced local tour leader at the helm.

Take a Hurtigruten Coastal cruise

You could also experience Norway’s fjord-indented west coast by travelling on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise. With 34 ports of call between Bergen at the southern end and Kirkenes in the Arctic North, this voyage is a hit with travellers visiting Norway from the UK and makes a great addition to travelling by train from Oslo. Nordic Visitor are certified Hurtigruten and Havila agents. Plus, we offer cruise packages in Norway year-round, so you can even sail under the northern lights in wintertime.

Stree-free Travel from the UK with Norway experts

No matter what type of your holiday in Norway you choose, Nordic Visitor’s itineraries are designed to be well-structured yet flexible to be tailored to your needs and interests. Nordic Visitor can even arrange flexible self-drive tours in Norway and bespoke holiday packages in Scandinavia that combine stays in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and other Nordic destinations.

What’s more, you’ll have your own dedicated travel consultant to advise you about possible add-ons to your tour and handle all the details for you. You’ll also have access to Nordic Visitor’s 24/7 helpline while travelling in Norway, so in case of any any unexpected delays our friendly staff can quickly get your trip back on track.

Contact us to get started on your dream holiday in Norway from the UK!

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Why book with nordic visitor.

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Experience the northern lights in winter

Head up north to Kirkenes or Tromsø for snowy activities and colourful skies. These short breaks are ideal with extra nights in Oslo.

Northern Lights by Train and Cruise

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Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland - Winter

Train, cruise & minibus, best of scandinavia - norway cruise & iceland - winter, see the norwegian fjords by train.

Experience Norway in a nutshell on a scenic railway journey between Oslo and Bergen, with route modifications available.

Norway in a Nutshell® - Classic

Best of the norwegian fjords – express, geiranger & fjord cruise, complete norway, coastal cruise & scenic train journey, norway in a nutshell® & pulpit rock, norway in a nutshell®- express, lofoten & the fjords, coastal cruise & flåm railway, express norway, fjord cruise & scenic train journey, classic norway & pulpit rock, classic norway at leisure, norway in a nutshell® express - winter, norway in a nutshell® classic - winter, express norway - winter, classic norway, norway in a nutshell® classic winter - from bergen, norway in a nutshell® classic - from bergen, norway in a nutshell® express - from bergen, norway in a nutshell® express winter - from bergen, go on a summer road trip in norway.

You do the driving, we handle the travel arrangements. Drive around Norway’s top attractions at your own pace, with a flexible itinerary.

Norway Fjord Route by Car - Classic

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Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark

Scandinavian Road Trip & Finland Cruise

Scandinavian road trip at leisure, grand road trip of norway, sweden & denmark, scandinavian road trip & gothenburg, sail along norway's scenic coast.

Hop on a Havila or Hurtigruten voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes for incredible scenery. Overnight cruises are great in combo with train journeys.

Lofoten & 71°North Cape

Northern norway & coastal cruise, best of the norwegian fjords, expand your nordic adventure.

Why not visit Norway and Scandinavia in one tailor-made trip? Check out our most popular multi-country tour packages below.

Capitals of Scandinavia & Norwegian Fjords

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Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

Highlights of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise

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As a travel agency founded in the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Norway. We offer a variety of tours – both independent and guided – that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Norway travel experts. To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you – accommodation, activities, rental car, train tickets, cruise reservations and other specialist services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

Different ways you can experience Norway

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Norway below.

Self-drive tours

Independent train travel, guided small group, partially guided, northern lights, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

The tour was perfect and went smoothly the entire time. Communication from Nordic Visitor was timely and detailed. Would book with this tour company again.

Memories we'll cherish forever

We found Norway to be a fabulous country and enjoyed every minute of our trip. The scenery was fantastic, the places visited were brilliant and the people were incredibly friendly and helpful. The information pack provided by Nordic Visitor was invaluable, the route chosen for us was superb and the places we stayed in were great. Likewise, the excursions offered, especially the Rib Safari were fantastic and gave us memories we'll cherish forever. Lastly, but by no means least, Irja, our travel consultant, couldn't have been more helpful and I would like to extend a huge thank you to her for all that she did.

Unforgettable in so many ways

It was unforgettable in so many ways, highlights after highlights. We knew to expect a lot after our trip to Iceland a couple of years ago, also organised by Nordic Visitor. Our expectations were exceeded and more. We saw northern lights three times, the food everywhere was excellent, experienced dog sledding in the moonlight and sleeping in the SnowHotel, and we saw a white reindeer! How lucky we are to have experienced all that. We have now returned home, happy and full of awe.

A great experience

Very well-organised tour and a great experience. Nordic Visitor were very professional and their experience was evident in choosing the well-located and comfortable accommodation they selected for us. Best of all we got to see the northern lights!

Incredibly happy!

Our travel agent, Małgorzata, was amazing to work with! She was able to add a few extra days in Oslo and arranged transportation via train to Bergen. Overall, I thought booking this vacation online and making payments was seamless. All the hotels we stayed in were nice, clean and safe! We loved the breakfast buffets, they were top notch! Also, collecting our rental car and navigating in a foreign country was seamless. We are incredibly happy that our tour package that we received at our first hotel included a physical map that had our tour highlighted.

I'll be recommending Nordic Visitor to my friends

The trip was really amazing. We had an absolutely superb time in Tromsø; hotel and excursions were spot on. The guide and whole the staff was really professional. Professional photos taken by the guide were really fantastic. They gave us excellent care, more than what we have experienced on any trip. Our favourite experience was the snowmobile, but catamaran trip was great too. Certainly I will be recommending it to my friends. I was very pleased that those who delivered the services showed a lot of professionalism.

Very satisfied customer

This was my second experience using Nordic Visitor. I am a very satisfied customer. A few years ago we did a self-drive tour of Iceland that was just amazing. This time we did a train/cruise combo tour of Norway. Once again, I can only say you will have a fantastic experience and you will appreciate the labuor of organising and planning being handled by experts who know what they are doing. The cruises through the fjords were beautiful as were the train trips. We loved the combination of train and boat travel as each offered distinct beauty from a different perspective. The country is truly lovely and we look forward to booking future travel with Nordic Visitor!

Extraordinary!

Extraordinary! Everything went off as planned without a hitch. Our travel guide, Juliana, was exceptional, very responsive in answering our questions and providing updates.

Very satisfied with Nordic Visitor

We were very satisfied with the tour and overall experience with Nordic Visitor. The hotels were strategically chosen and the quality of hotels was satisfactory. The optional tours were also highly recommended. Timings of the schedules throughout the tour were ideal and not rushed.

Best vacation we ever had!

Our family of 5 (3 adult children) loved our Norway fjord tour. We saw the most beautiful scenery and loved each hotel. The food was delicious. Something for everyone. Our guide Al and driver Chris kept things running smoothly. We will have memories to last a lifetime. Thank you Nordic Visitor. Best vacation we ever had!

An excellent decision to book with Nordic Visitor

Following research, we decided to book with Nordic Visitor. This was an excellent decision. The booking process was easy and informative and Hanna was always available for guidance. The accommodation provided was top class and, importantly, convenient to the train stations from which we travelled. Our tour was amazing throughout with stunning scenery and sights.

The tour gives you a fabulous overview of Norway!

The tour gives you a fabulous overview of Norway. We did a lot of travel in between sights but this enabled us to have a real breadth of experience, from fjords to mountain passes, railway adventures and small boats. Our tour guide was excellent and the sights and experiences outlined for us were top-notch. The materials provided about our tour were excellent and well thought out.

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Norway adventure.

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Rising an impressive 604 metres (1982 ft) above the Lysefjord, Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock, is...

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How to get to Norway by campervan – from the UK

• September 12, 2018
• Living and travelling in a van

My plan was to take the most direct route from the UK to Norway to catch the end of summer.

OK, there was no ‘plan’. I just wanted to go to Norway in my van. So here’s how I did it. I’ll also share a few other alternative routes and options I found along the way.

Also see this post on how I prepared the van:  Servicing the van in 15 jobs – with video

A direct ferry from the UK to Norway?

That would have been the best option but this route no longer runs. It used to go from Newcastle to Stavanger, which would have been a great option. It’s possible P&O might reopen this route at some point in the future, but for now…

Here’s the route I took – the first option

I got ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland. I drove through Holland, through Germany and up to Hirtshals at the top of Denmark. From there I got a ferry to Kristiansand in the south of Norway.

You could do this journey in a day or two but I took a few days.

Here’s what it cost

Ferry from UK to Holland: £127 – booked through  Aferry.co.uk Diesel from Hook of Holland to Hirtshals, Denmark: £142 Ferry from Demark to Norway: £93 – also booked through Aferry Total: £361 

Once you’re in mainland Europe there are several different ferry routes to Norway.

Here are 3 other options I considered:

Option 2: Ferry from Kiel (northern Germany) to Oslo

This takes around 20 hours and operates nearly every day. Route operated by Colour Line.

A nice break from driving – and less wear on the tyres – but costs a fair bit more money, and takes more time.

Option 3: Ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo

This takes around 17 hours, operated by DFDS Seaways.

I was tempted by this option but I had visions of me loving Copenhagen and staying there too long. Same with Oslo. I can visit on the way back down.

Option 4: Drive into Norway through Sweden.

If it was Spring or the middle of summer I’d probably take this option. But It’s not. I better get a move on!

Why I chose option 1

Kristiansand seems to be a good starting point for exploring the west of Norway: the fjords, mountains and… further north before it gets too cold. I can visit Oslo on the way back. Also, this seemed to be the cheapest route at the time.

A few of tips

Tip one: The cost of the ferries can vary hugely from day to day – probably based on how booked up they are. I stayed totally flexible as to what day I booked the ferry. I looked for sailings, and the costs, for the next week and simply chose the cheapest one.

Tip two: You might want to fill up with Diesel before you leave Germany. It’s more expensive in Denmark and Norway.

Tip Three: Same with food. Stock up with food in Germany! Maybe I’ll do a separate post on this?

Other options?

If you have any suggestions, or know any other alternatives for getting to Norway in a van, please let us know in the comments below…

Watch the video:  VIDEO: driving to Norway in my van 

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Getting here by ferry

There are regular ferry routes to Norway from Denmark, Sweden and Germany. Most operators offer package deals for cars with passengers and discounts for seniors, students, and children.

Fjord Line is changing port:

MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord will no longer call at Langesund Port, and are introducing a permanent route change to Kristiansand . From late spring 2023, the ships will sail Bergen-Stavanger-Hirtshals-Kristiansand.

Ferries to Norway from Denmark

Copenhagen–Oslo

17 hours 15 minutes. Operated by DFDS , daily departures.

Frederikshavn – Oslo

9 hours 15 minutes. Operated by  DFDS , 7 departures a week.

Hirtshals – Kristiansand

2 hours 15 minutes. Operated by Fjord Line , 3 departures a day. 3 hours 15 minutes. Operated by Color Line , two daily departures.

Hirtshals – Larvik

3 hours 45 minutes. Operated by Color Line , two daily departures.

Hirtshals – Stavanger

10 hours 30 minutes. Operated by Fjord Line , daily departures.

Hirtshals – Bergen

16 hours 30 minutes. Operated by Fjord Line , daily departures.

Note: Changes to the route  from January 4 .

Ferries to Norway from Sweden

Strömstad – Sandefjord

2 hours 30 minutes. Operated by Color Line , four daily departures, and Fjord Line , two daily departures.

Note: Fjord Line will permanently discontinue their route from the 29th of October 2023.

Ferries to Norway from Germany

20 hours. Operated by Color Line , daily departures.

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Travel to Norway

Discover more, your recently viewed pages.

Jet2 adds new routes from 7 UK airports to 'stunning and picturesque' European spot

Jet2 has expanded routes and packages

By Sarra Gray

Published: 16/05/2024

Jet2 and Jet2CityBreaks have expanded the flights on offer to Norway and its fjords

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Holidaymakers can take advantage of brand new routes to Bergen, Norway that will take flight from seven UK airports.

The new routes follows the airline's announcement last month that is would travel to Bergen for the first time in over 15 years.

Britons will be able to book brand new flights from Bristol, Edinburgh and London Stansted Airports and enjoy expanded programmes from Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle.

There will be a total of 31 departures on sale for 2025 as seat capacity increases by more than double.

More From Forbes

A guide to norway’s ålesund for cruise ship visitors.

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Ålesund's picturesque central waterway is just a few minutes' walk from the main cruise terminal.

Ålesund is a picturesque Norwegian city renowned for its striking art nouveau architecture—unique in Norway—and its stunning natural setting. Situated on Norway's west coast, the city serves as a prime port, one that welcomes ever-increasing numbers of people on cruise ships touring the fjords and the Norwegian coastline.

In 2023, Ålesund welcomed more than 650,000 visits from cruise ship passengers, topping the list ahead of other popular ports like Bergen, Stavanger and Geiranger.

The city's harbor facilities are well-equipped to accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world from the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. On some summer days, more than one large cruise ship can be accommodated.

Cruise visitors to Ålesund will be offered excursions to the surrounding region. Most cruise ships calling at Ålesund are on a Norwegian fjords itinerary , but if your itinerary doesn't include the fjords, take advantage of the sightseeing boat tour to the stunning Hjørundfjord, a favorite of European royalty through the ages.

That being said, you don't need to take a pricey excursion to enjoy the best of Ålesund itself. The compact city is an excellent place to explore the beauty of Norway independently, without straying too far from the cruise port, which is in the heart of the city.

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Top ceo bets on a shock biden crypto flip as congress hurtles toward a crucial vote that could blow up the price of bitcoin ethereum and xrp, iphone 16 pro max all-new design upgrade promised, insider claims, discover the architecture of ålesund.

A simple walk around both sides of the central waterway is the best way to experience the city’s distinctive architecture .

A simple walk around the downtown area is the best way to appreciate the architecture of Ålesund.

This style flourished after the great fire of 1904, which led to the reconstruction of the city influenced by young local and European architects who preferred the ornate stone buildings, turrets, and whimsical facades inspired by natural motifs that were popular across Europe at the time.

Many of Ålesund’s central streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings adorned with intricate floral patterns, curved lines, and detailed reliefs that make it a visual feast regardless of your knowledge of architecture.

From the cruise terminal, walk along both sides of the central waterway towards the lighthouse Molja fyr and then to the Quality Hotel. This route showcases the finest examples of Ålesund’s distinctive architecture.

If you want to understand the story behind the architecture, visit the Art Nouveau Museum ( Jugendstilsenteret ) to learn more about the devastating fire and take a deeper dive into the artistic movements that influenced the city's renaissance.

The museum is housed in a former pharmacy, itself a prime example of art nouveau design. Visitors can join guided walking tours offered by local experts that focus on notable buildings, but these are quickly snapped up on cruise days, so arrive early for these, or seek independent options using websites such as Viator or GetYourGuide.

Your ticket also grants you access to KUBE, the art museum located in the former bank building next door.

Enjoy The View

For photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, or those simply seeking a spectacular cityscape, a visit to the city park is a must.

This well-known view of Ålesund in its spectacular natural surroundings is the reward for climbing ... [+] the Aksla steps.

Here, you'll find the base of the 400+ steps leading up to the Aksla viewpoint—a favored spot for capturing Ålesund’s most iconic images.

The breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Sunnmøre Alps and maze of waterways are hard to beat.

When you reach the summit, treat yourself to a well-earned reward at the café, where you can enjoy ice cream and snacks while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

Just bear in mind that the steps are steep, and there is quite an uphill walk before you even get to the first step. Benches and smaller viewpoints are dotted along the stairway, offering enjoyable views even if you don’t make it all the way to the top.

There is no actual railroad service in Ålesund, but a sightseeing road train operates on cruise days.

Starting from the cruise port, the tour includes parts of the downtown area and a 15-minute stop at the Aksla viewpoint, for those who don’t want to or can't make the walk.

The 'city train' is a sightseeing road train in Ålesund.

Tickets ($30) can be bought from the sales booth at the cruise port departure point.

Atlantic Sea Park

There’s lots to see in northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquarium, both inside and out. A small penguin colony gifted from Chile is the star attraction.

At more than $20, entrance isn’t cheap but it’s a worthy use of time if you have children. To make the most of your visit, check the website in advance of your visit for feeding times in the various sections.

From the cruise port, take the short walk to the bus stop Dronning Sonjas Plass to pick up bus line 1. From the stop Tuenesvegen , it’s a further 10-15 minute walk to the aquarium. Alternatively, a combined ticket including a shuttle bus is available from the sales booth at the cruise port.

Ålesund By Kayak

Explore Ålesund by kayak to see the city's striking architecture from the peaceful waters that surround it.

This vantage point provides views of quaint islands and active harbors, combining urban discovery with the calm of sea kayaking for a unique experience.

Kayak More Tomorrow provides comprehensive kayak and hiking tours throughout Norway, including a shorter 2-3 hour kayak tour around Ålesund’s waterways.

Kayak tours are a wonderful option to appreciate Ålesund's architecture from a different ... [+] perspective.

This tour offers numerous opportunities for photography and is led by a guide with extensive local expertise.

Sightseeing Bus

Regular cruisers will be familiar with the concept of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Passengers can use the bus as a 70-minute sightseeing tour of the city, or as transport between the major sites. The $40 day ticket is valid whichever method you choose.

The route calls at the Aksla viewpoint but also takes in many more of the city’s sights than the road train, including the Atlantic Sea Park and the Sunnmøre open-air museum.

However, departures run only every 45 minutes, so you will need to plan carefully to avoid lengthy waits. Tickets can be bought from the sales booth at the cruise port departure point.

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