Norway
Travelling to Norway is as much about the journey as the destination. With scenic ferry crossings, coastal drives, and island connections, it’s one of Europe’s most rewarding road trip destinations. Whether you’re planning a city break, a fjord adventure, or a wider Scandinavia road trip, Norway delivers unforgettable experiences.
How do I get there?
There are currently no direct ferries from the UK to Norway. But reaching Norway by ferry is still straightforward and highly popular.
The most common route is to travel from the UK to mainland Europe first:
- Take the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry
- Or the Hull to Rotterdam ferry
From there, you can drive through the Netherlands and Germany into Denmark, where multiple ferry routes connect directly to Norway.
This option is ideal for travellers bringing a car, campervan, or motorbike, allowing full flexibility once you arrive in Norway.
Why choose ferry?
Travelling to Norway by ferry offers several advantages over flying:
- Bring your vehicle – perfect for exploring fjords and remote regions
- Flexible travel – no luggage restrictions
- Scenic journeys – especially routes into Bergen and Stavanger
- Comfort onboard – cabins, restaurants, and sea views
For many travellers, ferry travel transforms the journey into part of the holiday. Particularly when combining multiple destinations like Germany, Denmark, and Norway in one trip.
What are my options?
Once in Denmark, there are several Denmark to Norway ferry routes available, offering flexible options depending on where you want to travel in Norway. These routes are ideal for travellers planning Norway by ferry from the UK. Especially those bringing a car, campervan or motorbike.
Hirtshals → Kristiansand
Ferries From Hirtshals to Kristiansand
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The Hirtshals to Kristiansand ferry is one of the fastest and most popular options for travellers taking a ferry to Norway from Denmark. It’s a strong choice for UK travellers driving through Europe. As it provides quick access to southern Norway and the start of many popular road trip routes.
This route is ideal if you’re travelling with a vehicle. Making it one of the best car ferry to Norway options for families, campervans, and motorbikes. From Kristiansand, you can easily continue towards Oslo or explore Norway’s southern coastline.
Hirtshals → Bergen
Ferries From Hirtshals to Bergen
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The Hirtshals to Bergen ferry is one of the best ferry routes to Norway for travellers heading directly into the fjords. This longer crossing takes you straight to Norway’s west coast, avoiding long inland drives and placing you close to some of the country’s most scenic landscapes.
It’s a great option for those planning a Norway ferry holiday focused on fjords and coastal driving, particularly if you’re travelling with a car and want to maximise your time in western Norway.
Hirtshals → Stavanger
Ferries From Hirtshals to Stavanger
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The Hirtshals to Stavanger ferry is another excellent Denmark to Norway ferry route, particularly for travellers interested in outdoor adventure and fjord exploration. Stavanger is the gateway to Lysefjord and iconic hikes like Pulpit Rock, making this a strong option for active travellers.
This route is well suited to those taking a ferry to Norway with a car, allowing easy access to scenic drives and hiking areas immediately after arrival.
Hirtshals → Larvik
Ferries From Hirtshals to Larvik
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The Hirtshals to Larvik ferry is one of the quickest crossings between Denmark and Norway and a practical option for travellers heading towards Oslo and eastern Norway. It’s often chosen by those looking for a faster, more direct route into Norway without the longer crossing times of western routes.
This is a reliable car ferry to Norway option and works well for travellers planning to drive further inland or combine Norway with Sweden.
Copenhagen → Oslo
Ferries From Copenhagen to Oslo
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Prices from £0
The Copenhagen to Oslo ferry offers a different experience, combining transport with an overnight cruise-style journey. It’s one of the most direct ways to reach Norway’s capital and is ideal for travellers who prefer not to drive long distances through Europe.
This route is particularly popular for city breaks and is a convenient option if you’re travelling without a vehicle, although cars are also welcome onboard.
Frederikshavn → Oslo
Ferries From Frederikshavn to Oslo
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Prices from £0
The Frederikshavn to Oslo ferry is another overnight option connecting Denmark and Norway, offering a balance between convenience and comfort. It’s a good alternative to Copenhagen departures and works well for travellers already positioned in northern Denmark.
Like other routes, it supports vehicles, making it suitable for those planning a Norway road trip or travelling with a car.
Which is the best route?
The best ferry route to Norway depends on how you’re travelling, your destination, and whether you’re bringing a vehicle.
Best ferry route to Norway for speed
If you’re looking for the fastest way to reach Norway, the Hirtshals to Kristiansand ferry is the quickest option. It’s ideal for travellers driving from the UK via the Netherlands and Denmark, offering fast access to southern Norway and onward routes to Oslo.
Best ferry route to Norway for fjords
For travellers focused on scenery, the best option is the Hirtshals to Bergen ferry or Hirtshals to Stavanger ferry. These routes arrive directly on Norway’s west coast, placing you close to the country’s most famous fjords without long inland drives.
Best ferry route to Norway with a car
If you’re taking a car ferry to Norway, all Hirtshals routes are strong options, but Kristiansand and Larvik are the most practical for road trips. The Hirtshals to Larvik ferry is particularly useful for accessing eastern Norway and continuing towards Sweden.
Best ferry route to Oslo
The most direct way to reach Norway’s capital is the Copenhagen to Oslo ferry, which offers an overnight journey combining travel and accommodation. This route is ideal for city breaks or travellers who prefer not to drive long distances.
Best ferry route from the UK to Norway
There are no direct ferries, so the best route is:
followed by a drive to Denmark and a ferry to Norway from Hirtshals.
This is the most flexible and popular option for travellers bringing a vehicle.
Best value ferry to Norway
For the best balance of price and convenience, the Hirtshals to Kristiansand ferry is often the cheapest option, especially when booked in advance. It’s widely considered the best value Denmark to Norway ferry for UK travellers.
Compare all available ferry routes to Norway to find the best option for your journey.
Who runs them?
Several major ferry operators run routes between Denmark and Norway:
- Fjord Line – routes to Bergen, Stavanger, and Kristiansand
- Color Line – routes to Kristiansand and Larvik
- DFDS – overnight ferries from Copenhagen to Oslo
These operators offer a range of onboard experiences, from quick crossings to cruise-style overnight journeys.
Where do they go?
Key ferry ports in Norway include:
- Oslo – the capital and main international gateway
- Bergen – gateway to the fjords
- Stavanger – access to Lysefjord
- Kristiansand – southern Norway entry point
- Larvik – close to Oslo and eastern Norway
These ports are well connected to Norway’s road network, making onward travel easy.
What can I do there?
Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s capital and one of the easiest entry points into the country, especially if you arrive via the Copenhagen → Oslo ferry route or the Frederikshavn → Oslo ferry route. The city combines modern Scandinavian design with deep Viking history, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Norway. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Viking Ship Museum, and the waterfront Aker Brygge district.
Oslo works particularly well for travellers planning a multi-country Scandinavian trip, as it connects easily to Sweden and beyond. It’s also a strong starting point for a wider Norway road trip, especially if you’re travelling with a car and heading west towards fjords or north towards Trondheim.
For travellers looking for a balance of culture, accessibility, and onward travel connections, Oslo is one of the most practical and flexible destinations when travelling to Norway by ferry.
Bergen
Bergen is widely considered the gateway to the Norwegian fjords and is one of the most scenic places to arrive in Norway, particularly via the Hirtshals to Bergen ferry. Located on Norway’s west coast, Bergen gives direct access to iconic fjord regions including Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.
The city itself is known for Bryggen Wharf, colourful harbour buildings, mountain viewpoints, and easy access to fjord cruises and outdoor activities. Bergen is especially suited to travellers bringing a car, as it allows you to immediately begin a fjord-focused road trip without long inland drives.
If your trip is centred around scenery, nature, and coastal landscapes, Bergen is one of the best destinations in Norway. It’s particularly popular for travellers planning a Norway ferry holiday that prioritises fjords and scenic driving routes.
Stavanger
Stavanger is a top destination for outdoor adventure and one of the best bases for exploring Norway’s dramatic fjord landscapes. Arriving via the Hirtshals to Stavanger ferry places you close to some of the country’s most famous natural attractions, including Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Lysefjord.
The city itself blends a charming old town with modern energy, but the real draw is its proximity to hiking routes, fjord viewpoints, and coastal scenery. Stavanger is ideal for active travellers, couples, and anyone looking to experience Norway’s landscapes up close.
For those planning a Norway road trip with a focus on hiking and fjords, Stavanger is one of the strongest arrival points. It also works well as part of a wider west coast itinerary alongside Bergen and surrounding fjord regions.
Trondheim
Trondheim offers a different side of Norway, combining history, culture, and a more relaxed pace of travel. Located further north, it’s often included in longer Norway itineraries and is best suited to travellers planning an extended road trip through the country.
The city is known for Nidaros Cathedral, colourful waterfront warehouses, and a strong cultural scene. While it’s not directly served by major international ferry routes, Trondheim is easily reached by continuing north from arrival points such as Kristiansand or Oslo.
Trondheim is ideal for travellers looking to go beyond the typical tourist routes and explore more of Norway’s interior and northern regions. It fits particularly well into longer Norway road trips and can be combined with journeys towards northern Norway for a more in-depth travel experience.
What should I know?
- Book ferry routes early during summer
- Driving distances in Norway are longer than they appear
- Ferries can be affected by weather in winter
- Consider overnight routes to save on accommodation
- Fuel and tolls can be expensive
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Norway by ferry, you may have a few questions about routes, travel times, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferry travel to Norway.