Kiel – Oslo

Getting to the terminal in Kiel

The Color Line ferry departs from the Norwegenkai terminal in 24143 Kiel. By car, follow the A215 (from Hamburg) or the A210 (from Rendsburg) onto the B76, then follow the signs to Norwegenkai. The terminal sits centrally on the eastern shore of Kiel Fjord, so on foot you can reach it from Kiel central station in a few minutes.

Parking right at the terminal is possible, but it must be booked online in advance (Color Line explains the booking process on its travel information page) - there is no ticket machine on site. The car park is open on departure day from 10:00 to 13:45, so plan your arrival with enough time to spare.

Check-in and departure

The ferry departs daily at 14:00. If you are travelling with a vehicle, you must check in at least 120 minutes before departure; on foot, at least 60 minutes before. Since the terminal car park only stays open until 13:45, build in enough buffer if you are driving. To enter Norway, bring a valid national ID card or passport; children need their own identity document.

On board the Color Fantasy and Color Magic

The route is served by the sister ships Color Fantasy (built 2004) and Color Magic (2007), both 224 metres long, with 15 decks and room for more than 2,400 passengers. On board you will find several restaurants, from buffet to à la carte dining, bars with live music, a shopping promenade with duty-free, a spa and a fitness area. For the overnight crossing you book a cabin, ranging from an inside cabin to a suite.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship; you buy the access code at reception. On board you can pay in euros and Norwegian kroner; a cash machine by the casino entrance on deck 6 dispenses both currencies, so you do not need Norwegian cash or a Norwegian card for the crossing.

Vehicles, bikes and pets

You can bring cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles; book each vehicle with its full height and length, including any roof box, bike rack or tow bar. For motorhomes and caravans, the gas supply must be turned off before loading - details are in our Motorhome guide. The car deck is closed during the crossing, so bring anything you need with you on board. For safety reasons, electric cars may not be connected to an external power source.

Pets are welcome on regular crossings, but not on the two-day mini cruises. Check Norway's entry requirements for pets in advance; our Dogs & Pets guide sums up what to watch for.

Arrival in Oslo and onward travel

In Oslo the ferry docks at the Hjortnes terminal, just a few minutes west of Aker Brygge and the city centre. A shuttle bus runs in line with arrival and departure times between Oslo bus station and Hjortnes. Alternatively, take tram line 13 to Skillebekk and walk from there to the terminal. From the centre you can easily reach sights such as the Royal Palace, the Opera House or Vigeland Park on foot or by public transport.

Tickets and fares

Color Line bundles the crossing and cabin into its Car Saver package, covering up to four people in one car plus a standard inside cabin. If you want to stay flexible, choose the FLEX fare: it can be rebooked or cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund up to that point. Book the return crossing together with the outbound leg and you get 10% off the return fare, with an extra saving for Color Club members. Current fares for your travel date are shown in the booking window, and the price overview page gives you a general picture.

Also bookable as a mini cruise

Color Line also markets the Kiel - Oslo route as a mini cruise: an outbound and return crossing bundled with a cabin and a short visit to Oslo in between. For the details of how it works, see our Mini Cruise guide.