Guide
Travelling to Norway with a motorhome
All ferries to Norway carry motorhomes - what matters for vehicle dimensions, booking and time on board.
- All Norway routes carry motorhomes and caravans
- Price depends on vehicle length and height - measuring exactly pays off
- Direct ferry from Kiel or fast crossings from Hirtshals
Taking your motorhome on the ferry
Table of Contents
Taking your motorhome on the ferry
All ferries to Norway are car ferries and carry motorhomes, caravans and vehicle combinations. Which route pays off depends on whether you'd rather save the long drive through Denmark or prefer a short crossing.
| Route | Travel style | Especially important when booking |
|---|---|---|
| Kiel - Oslo | overnight ferry | full dimensions, cabin, early check-in deadline |
| Copenhagen - Oslo | overnight ferry | vehicle category, cabin, terminal in Nordhavn |
| Hirtshals - Kristiansand | fast day ferry | operator/ship, height and full length, seasonal Fjord FSTR |
| Hirtshals - Larvik | day ferry | vehicle height and full length |
| Hirtshals - Stavanger/Bergen | overnight ferry | cabin, vehicle dimensions, correct destination port |
Direct from Germany
The overnight ferry
with Color Line is the only direct connection from Germany. The ships Color Fantasy and Color Magic hold up to 750 vehicles, and a cabin is included for the overnight crossing. If you book the return journey together, you get at least ten per cent off the vehicle ticket for the way back.
Via Denmark from Hirtshals
From the Danish town of Hirtshals, crossings to southern Norway are shorter. The day ferry
with Color Line gets you to Larvik in 3 hours 45 minutes. On
, the operator and ship differ: the Fjord FSTR runs seasonally in 2 hours 25 minutes, Color Line's SuperSpeed 1 in 3 hours 15 minutes. For the west, Fjord Line's overnight route runs direct to Stavanger and on to Bergen.
Getting the vehicle dimensions right
The ferry price for a motorhome depends on its length and, for taller vehicles, also its height. Operators work with fixed length categories, so even a few centimetres over a threshold can push you into the next price band.
Note the length and height of the vehicle as it will travel, plus the total length of any combination. Bike rack, roof box, awning, tow bar and any towed vehicle all count towards the booking size. Only compare prices using the same dimensions, otherwise you're comparing different vehicle classes.
On board
During the crossing, the vehicle decks are closed, so you can't get to your motorhome. Take everything you'll need on the journey up to the passenger decks beforehand: travel documents, valuables, medication and, on the overnight ferries, wash things and a change of clothes. Turn off the gas supply before loading and follow the operator's current dangerous-goods and gas rules.
Check-in and loading
Allow more time than with a car: tall or long vehicles are often directed into their own lanes. Have your booking reference and ID ready and follow your operator's signage at the terminal. The specific check-in deadline is shown on the route page and in your booking confirmation; it varies by operator and departure.
Check the current total price
For a camper, it's not just vehicle length and height that affect the price. On overnight ferries, cabin, occupancy and fare option also come into play. The price overview shows how to compare the same trip configuration; the current final amount is shown during booking for the route.
FAQ motorhome
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about travelling with a motorhome on the ferry to Norway
Which ferries to Norway carry motorhomes?+
The Norway routes compared here are served by car ferries. Kiel - Oslo sails directly from Germany. From Hirtshals there are day ferries to Larvik and Kristiansand, as well as the overnight route to Stavanger and Bergen. Copenhagen - Oslo also carries motorhomes.
How is the price for the motorhome calculated?+
The price depends on the vehicle's length and, for taller motorhomes, also its height. Operators tier fares by length category, so even a few centimetres over a threshold can push you into the next, more expensive band.
So measure your motorhome exactly before booking, including bike rack, roof fittings and tow bar. On Hirtshals - Larvik, for example, there's a camper saver package up to 5 metres in length and 2.55 metres in height; longer or taller vehicles can be booked for a surcharge.
Do I need to book a cabin with a motorhome?+
On the overnight ferries Kiel - Oslo and Hirtshals - Bergen, yes, a cabin is part of the booking. Staying overnight in your own motorhome on the vehicle deck isn't possible, since the decks are closed for safety reasons during the crossing. On the short day crossings from Hirtshals, you don't need a cabin.
Can I bring my pet in the motorhome?+
If a dog or cat is travelling with you, stricter entry rules apply since Norway isn't an EU country. What to check is explained in the guide Travelling to Norway with a dog. During the crossing, your pet doesn't stay alone in the motorhome on the closed vehicle deck, but in a pet cabin or the on-board kennel.