Ferry to Norway from The Netherlands (or UK)
Norway is a popular holiday destination and used to be easily accessible from the UK with direct connections such as the Newcastle-Bergen-Stavanger ferry; this route doesn't exist anymore, so now many UK travelers first travel to the Netherlands and then have to travel via Germany or Denmark to Norway.
There has been a ferry from the Netherlands to Norway from 2021 to 2023 but this was shortlived and moved to Emden, just across the border in Germany, now being the Emden-Kristiansand ferry. This ferry sailing takes you from Germany to Norway in just 18 hours; what a comfortable start to your trip.
Further in this guide, you can find the ferry map for the Netherlands to Norway and more information about this crossing.
You may also like:
Map with the ferry routes from Netherlands to Norway via Germany or Denmark
As the only direct crossing from the Netherlands to Norway ceased to exist and move to Germany. Your best option is to travel to Norway from Germany via either Kiel Oslo or Emden-Kristiansand, depending on where you need to be in Norway.
You could sail to Norway with the Emden Kristiansand ferry, drive up North to Oslo, for example, sail back by ferry on the Oslo-Kiel connection, and drive back to your point of departure.
Comparing your options can often save you a lot of money.
If you're travelling from the UK, you can also look at our ferry from the UK to Norway page to see all the routes you could choose from, as you first have to get in Holland before boarding the ferry.
Traveling to Norway from the Netherlands
- Drive to (A) Emden just across the border in Germany and take the ferry to Kristiansand; this is the most ‘logical' crossing.
- Your second option is to drive to Kiel (Germany) and take the ferry to Oslo. You then still have the opportunity to travel back from Norway on the other route.
- The last option you have -at least one that makes sense- is to drive to Hirtshals or Frederikshavn and take a ferry to Norway. Then you're somewhat shorter on board the ferry and have more alternatives to choose from regarding arrival cities.
- So, in short:
- (Emden, Germany) will get you in Kristiansand.
- (Kiel, DE) will get you in Oslo.
- (Hirtshals, DK) will get you in Bergen or Kristiansand.
Timetable, availability, and compare prices
Our online booking module makes it easy to find and book your desired ferry crossing. All you have to do is enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates. The system will show you the best routes and possible alternatives. You can then choose the ferry that best suits your needs and budget. Have a great trip!
Travel tip: Eemshaven-Kristiansand is the shortest drive
Depending on where you live, Eemshaven-Kristiansand is probably the shortest drive, for the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and France, for example. Combining two different routes, such as Eemshaven-Kristiansand and Kiel-Oslo, can save you a lot of money and give you a better travel / road-trip experience.
Also on this page
Ferry from The Netherlands to Norway
You can travel from the Netherlands to Norway with the alternative for the Eemshaven-Kristiansand ferry connection: the Emden-Kristiansand ferry, and start your vacation early. This ferry has all the luxury you need and is an enjoyable crossing for many.
This is also the biggest problem of this route: since this cruise ferry is so popular, you need to book far in advance; the popularity also has a lot to do with the fact that this is a relatively new crossing.
Netherlands to Norway via Germany, Emden
Emden-Kristiansand
This ferry started in June 2023, but the ferry company HNL went bankrupt in September 2023. This route connected Northwestern Germany with Kristiansand directly. A good alternative is the ferry to Kiel and Oslo.
Driving to Germany for the ferry to Norway
An interesting alternative route is the 20h ferry from Kiel to Oslo. The driving distance to Kiel is between 6 and 9 hours by car from anywhere in the Netherlands. This is a night crossing on the beautiful ship from Color Line. This is sometimes a cheaper alternative for the Emden-Kristiansand ferry.
You can also choose to combine this ferry with the Emden-Kristiansand ferry that you sail with one of the ferries to Norway and with the other route back. This can be especially handy when making a road or camper trip through Norway.
Germany ⇔ Norway
Emden-Kristiansand
This ferry started in June 2023, but the ferry company HNL went bankrupt in September 2023. This route connected Northwestern Germany with Kristiansand directly. A good alternative is the ferry to Kiel and Oslo.
Kiel-Oslo
The ferry from Kiel to Oslo connects Germany with Norway. The crossing is operated by Color Line and takes about 20 hours. The ferry offers a range of facilities and activities for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The price of a ticket may vary depending on the season and the type of package.
Driving to Denmark and the ferry from Denmark to Norway
The departure ports in northern Denmark are not just around the corner. Anyone taking a road trip to Scandinavia will undoubtedly benefit from one of these crossings or combining these routes with the ones mentioned earlier.
You can choose between various destinations depending on where the rest of your vacation or trip will take place. For example: Larvik, Kristiansand, Oslo, Langesund and Bergen.
The advantage of traveling from Denmark to Norway is mainly the short sailing time. These differ between 2 hours and 15 minutes and approximately 19 hours.
Denmark ⇔ Norway
Travel time by car to the ferries from the Netherlands
- From Rotterdam or Amsterdam to Emden: ± 3 hours
- From Rotterdam or Amsterdam to Kiel: ± 6 hours
- From Rotterdam or Amsterdam to Hirtshals ± 10 hours
The further you are prepared to drive yourself, the shorter and cheaper the crossing to Norway will probably be.
Frequently asked questions Ferry Netherlands to Norway
Not anymore, the ferry has moved ports to Emden, Germany. From there you can take the ferry to Kristiansand. You can bring your car or camper onboard this trip but be sure to book well in advance.
There was only one ferry connection from the Netherlands to Norway: the crossing from Eemshaven to Kristiansand. HNL operates it. But it has now moved to Emden in Germany, where it sails to Kristiansand.
From departure to arrival takes 18 hours on this route. You will leave in the afternoon (15.00) from Emden to Kristiansand, where you will arrive the next morning on 09.00
If you don't dislike a longer drive you can drive to Kiel, Kopenhagen, Langesund, or Hirtshals. You will be longer in the car but the crossing by ferry is a lot shorter.
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 will start around €225,- per person. Depending on when you travel and whether you bring a car camper, and what kind of cabin the total price can move to €500 for the crossing quickly.
On both crossings, you can take your dog along. Be sure to inform about 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!
