Color Line
Color Line is Norway's largest ferry company, operating the direct crossing from Kiel to Oslo as well as the fast connections from Hirtshals. Here is what you need to know about the company.
About Color Line
About Color Line
Color Line is Norway's largest ferry company for international passenger and freight traffic, and one of the leading short-sea shipping operators in Europe. The company employs around 2,300 full-time equivalents across four countries and is the only Norwegian shipping company running permanent international passenger services under the Norwegian flag.
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Oslo, Norway |
| Passengers | approx. 4 million a year |
| Employees | approx. 2,300 |
| Fleet | 5 ships |
| Routes | 4 main routes |
From coastal shipping to an international network
The company's roots go back to 1872, when the steamship company Kristiansand ran a ferry connection between Kristiansand and Frederikshavn in Denmark. Another historic line linked Newcastle and Bergen from 1890. In 1961, Jahre Line opened the first scheduled service between Oslo and Kiel.
Color Line itself was formed in October 1990 through the merger of two shipping companies, Jahre Line and Norway Line, both part of the Kosmos group. Two months later, the company took over the ferry operations of Fred. Olsen Lines, considerably strengthening its position. Further acquisitions of Larvik Line and Scandi Line followed in the second half of the 1990s.
Color Line's routes to Norway
The current fleet consists of five ships serving four routes between Norway, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. The cruise ferries Color Fantasy (built 2004) and Color Magic (built 2007) sail daily between Kiel and Oslo and rank among the largest cruise ferries in the world with a car deck.
On the short crossings from Hirtshals in Denmark to Kristiansand and Larvik, the high-speed ferries SuperSpeed 1 and SuperSpeed 2 (both built 2007) are in service. Since 2019, the hybrid ship Color Hybrid has also connected Sandefjord and Strömstad. For your trip to Norway, the overnight
crossing and the fast connections from Hirtshals are the most relevant.
FAQ Color Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about Color Line and its ferry routes to Norway
Which ferry routes does Color Line run to Norway?+
For the crossing to Norway, Color Line operates the overnight ferry Kiel - Oslo, plus the connections Hirtshals - Kristiansand and Hirtshals - Larvik from Denmark. There is also the short crossing Sandefjord - Strömstad between Norway and Sweden.
When was Color Line founded?+
Color Line was formed in October 1990 through the merger of the shipping companies Jahre Line and Norway Line. Its roots go back further still, to 1872, when a steamship company first connected Kristiansand with Frederikshavn.
How big is Color Line?+
Color Line is Norway's largest ferry company for international passenger and freight traffic. Around 2,300 full-time employees, a fleet of five ships and four main routes carry roughly 4 million passengers a year. It is the only Norwegian shipping company operating permanent international passenger services under the Norwegian flag.
Can I bring a car or motorhome?+
Yes. On every route you can bring a car, motorhome, caravan, motorcycle or bicycle. On the overnight Kiel - Oslo ferry, the ships have space for up to 750 vehicles. Full details are in our guide Travelling to Norway by motorhome.
Where can I find the timetable and prices?+
You will find current departure times in the timetable. Prices depend on travel dates, cabin and vehicle, and are calculated during booking on the relevant route page.