Ferries to Bergen

Hirtshals - Stavanger

Another option from Hirtshals is the route to Stavanger, also operated by Fjord Line. Depending on the timetable, the crossing takes between 10 and 12 hours. Stavanger lies south of Bergen and is reached via the E39 in around 5 hours. The stretch between Stavanger and Bergen is highly scenic, running along the fjords via several ferries or tunnels. This is a good alternative if you'd rather drive part of the way through Norway yourself while also spending some time in Stavanger.

Hirtshals - Kristiansand

Color Line and Fjord Line both run crossings from Hirtshals to Kristiansand. The crossing is relatively short, usually taking between 2 and 3 hours. From Kristiansand, you drive north-west on the E39 to Bergen - though this is a longer drive of around 7-8 hours, sometimes including further short ferry hops along the coast. This route is popular if you want to explore southern Norway rather than head straight for Bergen.

Hirtshals - Larvik

Color Line also sails from Hirtshals to Larvik. The crossing takes about 3.5 hours. From Larvik, the E18 runs north-west to Oslo and on towards Bergen (via the E16 or E134). Driving time from Larvik to Bergen is around 7-9 hours. If you'd like to visit Oslo, this is a good place to break the journey before continuing at a relaxed pace through the spectacular fjord landscape towards Bergen.

Ferry from Kiel

From Kiel on Germany's Baltic coast there are two convenient ferry connections that don't go directly to Bergen but do carry you much further north overnight.

Kiel - Oslo

The well-known Kiel - Oslo route (Color Line) takes around 20 hours. These ferries are cruise-ship standard, with restaurants, shops, a theatre, a swimming pool and very comfortable cabins on board. After arriving in Oslo, Bergen is reached via the E16 (around 460 km), a road that runs straight through Norway's mountains. Along the way you pass Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord, and it's well worth allowing plenty of time for stops. The drive itself is a scenic highlight and takes around 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and weather.

Kiel - Göteborg

Stena Line operates the Kiel - Göteborg route, with a crossing time of around 14 to 15 hours. Göteborg lies in southern Sweden and is only about 3 hours from Oslo via the E6. This route is usually noticeably cheaper than sailing to Oslo.

Ferry to southern Sweden

For anyone travelling in stages via Sweden, with a few stops along the way, the ferries to southern Sweden (Malmö and Trelleborg) are a good alternative. From there the E6 runs along Sweden's west coast to Göteborg, then on to Oslo and Bergen.

Travemünde - Malmö

Finnlines runs several sailings a day from Travemünde to Malmö. The crossing takes between 9 and 10 hours and is available both by day and overnight. The onward journey to Bergen via Göteborg and Oslo takes around 13 hours.

Travemünde - Trelleborg

TT-Line connects Travemünde with Trelleborg, usually overnight or by day in around 7 to 9 hours. Trelleborg lies at Sweden's southern tip, close to Malmö. The onward journey to Bergen via Göteborg and Oslo takes 13.5 hours - only marginally longer than from Malmö.

Rostock - Trelleborg

If you're travelling from eastern Germany, Stena Line and TT-Line sail from Rostock to Trelleborg. At 6-8 hours, this is the shortest direct connection from Germany to Sweden.

Via Copenhagen and the Öresund Bridge

If you'd like to see as much Scandinavian scenery as possible by car, or you're travelling at a time when the direct ferries don't fit your schedule, the route via Denmark and Sweden is a good option.

Ferry + Öresund Bridge

To reach Copenhagen, take the ferry either from Rostock to Gedser (Scandlines) or from Puttgarden to Rødby (Scandlines). From there, follow the E47/E55 to Copenhagen and continue over the Öresund Bridge to Malmö.

Reaching Bergen without a ferry

You can also reach Bergen entirely without a ferry crossing. From Germany, drive via Flensburg into Denmark and follow the E45 motorway north. Just past Kolding, you cross the Little Belt onto the island of Funen, then continue over the Great Belt Bridge to Copenhagen. From there, the route continues via Malmö and Göteborg to Oslo and on to Bergen.