How to Take the Ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand: The Complete Guide to Getting to Norway

Hi friends! Today I’m telling you how we took the ferry between Hirtshals, in Denmark, and Kristiansand, in Norway. This guide is here to give you a hand if you want to do this trip without any hassle—whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, as a family, or even with your dog, like us with Dodo! Going to Norway is truly an incredible experience, but you do need to choose your route well so everything goes as smoothly as possible. Come on, follow me—I’ll explain everything in detail so you’re ready to live an unforgettable adventure!

Choosing Your Route to Get to Norway

To get to Norway, you have two main options. The first is to go via Copenhagen, cross Sweden, then reach Norway by road. But let’s be honest: it’s long and tiring, especially if you’re travelling with kids or animals. Between the hours of driving, the necessary breaks, and the stress of long-distance driving, it can quickly become exhausting. The second option—much faster and saving you a lot of kilometres—is to take the ferry between Hirtshals and Kristiansand. Honestly, it’s super practical and lets you relax a bit during the crossing. You have time to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and arrive in Norway fresh and ready to go. We chose this option, and I really recommend it if you want to get to Norway without feeling worn out!

What’s more, the ferry crossing is a little adventure in itself. You leave from Hirtshals, a lovely Danish port, and cross the North Sea to Kristiansand, a charming Norwegian coastal town. The ferry gives you a taste of northern seascapes—endless sea views, birds flying over the boat, and that feel-good sense of freedom. It’s a unique experience that really sets the tone for the start of a Norway road trip.

Travelling with a Dog on the Ferry Between Hirtshals and Kristiansand: What You Need to Know

If you’re travelling with your dog, like us with Dodo, there are a few things to plan for. First, you absolutely need to have your dog vaccinated against rabies one month before departure. This vaccine is mandatory to enter Norway, so don’t skip it—otherwise you could end up stuck at the border. It’s really important to check that everything is in order, because Norwegian customs are quite strict about the conditions for bringing animals in.

On top of that, you need to deworm your dog—and not just any way: it has to be done by a vet, with an official stamp, otherwise it won’t get through customs. For us, it went smoothly, but do pay close attention to this. Also check what the ferry company requires for animals: some have slightly specific rules. Bring a leash, a travel crate if needed, and find out whether your dog can stay with you or has to stay in the car during the crossing. For example, with Colorline, our dog Dodo stayed in the car, but we saw other dogs on deck—so it’s possible to bring them along, but you really need to check in advance.

To make sure everything goes well, I recommend packing a small bag for your dog with the essentials: water, a bowl, treats, and a toy to reassure them. The crossing can be a bit stressful for animals, so it’s best to have something to keep them busy and comfortable. Dodo handled it pretty well, but every dog is different—so plan ahead as much as you can.

Arriving in Hirtshals and Boarding

Once you’re in Hirtshals, follow the signs for “Colorline Check-in Car”. We chose Colorline, which is very well-known and reliable for this crossing. There are other companies, but we preferred this one because it offers quite a few different departure times, making it easier to plan the trip. Plus, Colorline ferries are really comfortable and well equipped, so we knew we’d be well set up during the crossing.

When you arrive at the checkpoint, an agent will check your passports and tickets. Then you’ll be directed to a queue with the other vehicles while you wait to board. Once on board, you can park your car inside the ferry. For Dodo, we chose to leave him in the boot for the whole crossing. We saw other dogs on deck, so it’s possible, but we couldn’t find all the information about the procedure. If you want your dog to be with you, make sure you check in advance so you can book everything properly.

Boarding is fairly quick, and the staff are really friendly. They guide you as you park your car and make sure everything is in order before the crossing starts. Once parked, you can head up to the upper deck and enjoy the view. Honestly, it’s really nice to watch the port of Hirtshals drift away and feel that you’re finally on your way to Norway.

A Comfortable Crossing on the Ferry Between Hirtshals and Kristiansand

The ferry between Hirtshals and Kristiansand is huge—almost like a cruise ship. It carries trucks, campervans, and cars, so there’s plenty of space. Inside, you’ll find several decks with restaurants, shops, and even duty-free. Honestly, there’s everything you need to pass the time during the 3 to 3.5-hour crossing. And there are power outlets to charge your devices, so no worries about staying connected!

There are restaurants offering all kinds of dishes, from light bites to hearty meals. The onboard shops sell lots of things: souvenirs, beauty products, clothes, toys… If you have kids, there are even areas where they can play during the trip. With all that, time flies and you won’t be bored for a second. It’s a good chance to sit down, grab something to eat, or even do a bit of shopping. And honestly, it’s always nice to bring back a little souvenir from the crossing.

The ferry also has comfortable lounges where you can relax, read a book, or even take a quick nap. If you like taking photos, the outdoor deck is perfect for capturing shots of the sea and the surrounding scenery. It’s a really pleasant moment, and it’s a great way to kick off your trip to Norway.

Arriving in Norway: Customs Checks

About 20 to 30 minutes before arriving at the port of Kristiansand, they open the ferry doors so you can head back to the vehicles. Once you disembark, you’ll need to go through customs checks. For us, we had two checks: the first with a sniffer dog that inspected the inside of our vehicle, and the second for Dodo, where they checked his pet passport, his rabies vaccine, and the deworming treatment. It can feel a bit stressful, but as long as everything is in order, it’s quick and straightforward.

Quick reminder: the deworming treatment must be administered between 24 and 150 hours before arriving in Norway. For us, it was fine—we did it 24–48 hours before. Make sure you stick to this timeframe, otherwise you could run into trouble at customs. The officers are strict about it, but they’re also professional and friendly, so it all goes smoothly if you have the right paperwork. When you arrive in Kristiansand, you immediately feel welcomed by the beauty of the city. The customs officers are courteous, and once the formalities are done, you’re free to head off and explore Norway.

Booking Your Ferry Tickets

One important thing: you can’t book tickets on site in Hirtshals. You absolutely have to book online on the Colorline website. The price is around €149 for a car, two adults, and a dog. If you don’t have a dog, it’ll be a bit cheaper. Booking ahead also means you’re sure to get a spot—especially in high season, when ferries are often full. So plan several weeks in advance to avoid any hassles.

To book, go to Colorline’s official website. You can also see add-on options, like travelling in first class. Honestly, it’s a nice option if you’re travelling with little ones or if you want a bit more comfort. Booking online lets you compare options and choose what suits you best.

If you want to save a bit, keep an eye on promotions. Sometimes Colorline offers discounts, especially if you book well in advance or if you’re flexible with departure times. It’s worth checking regularly, because it can make a real difference to your travel budget.

How Do You Take the Ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand?

Taking the ferry between Hirtshals and Kristiansand is truly the best way to get to Norway quickly and without stress. The ship is well equipped, the crossing is comfortable, and there’s plenty to do. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a family, or with your dog, it’s a great option to start your Norway adventure. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip—and that you enjoy it as much as we did!

The ferry crossing is more than just a journey—it’s the start of the adventure. It’s a moment to relax and get mentally ready for what’s waiting on the other side. Norway means stunning landscapes, incredible roads, and unforgettable memories. When you arrive in Kristiansand, you’re immediately immersed in that unique atmosphere, and it’s exactly what you need to kick off an epic road trip.

If you have any questions, leave a comment or get in touch. I’m always here to help and share my travel tips. And if you’ve already done this crossing, share your experience—it could help other travellers! Have a great trip, friends, and see you soon for new adventures in Norway!

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