Update September 2026: the ferry from Eemshaven (and later Emden) to Kristiansand no longer sails. Holland Norway Lines went bankrupt in September 2023. To reach Kristiansand by ferry today, you sail from Hirtshals in northern Denmark. A new direct route from Eemshaven to Arendal is planned from 2028, but cannot be booked yet.
The Eemshaven route no longer exists
From 2022 until September 2023 a ferry sailed from the Netherlands to Kristiansand. That service has ended. Most travellers to southern Norway now choose Hirtshals – Kristiansand, a short crossing that runs all year.
Via Hirtshals to Kristiansand
You can book in three ways. The easiest is the search tool below, which shows sailings and fares for both ferry companies at once.
Travel time
From the northern Netherlands it is about an 8 to 9 hour drive to Hirtshals. The ferry then takes 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the ship. Leave early and you can be in Norway the same day.
To Kristiansand: choose Denmark, then Hirtshals – Kristiansand. To Oslo: choose Germany, then Kiel – Oslo.
How to book
- Through the search tool above. Check availability early, because the car deck fills up quickly in summer.
- Directly with Fjord Line, on the fast catamaran Fjord FSTR. Read more about Fjord Line on this route.
- Directly with Color Line, on the Color Line SuperSpeed 1. Read more about Color Line on this route.
Arriving in Kristiansand
The ferry terminal is right next to the centre of Kristiansand. You can be at your hotel within minutes, or drive straight on: the E18 heads east towards Arendal and Oslo, the E39 west towards Mandal and Stavanger, and the Rv9 north into Setesdal. The south coast, with its white wooden towns and skerries, is a great base for a holiday cottage.
Other ways to reach Norway
- Kiel – Oslo: an overnight cruise ferry that comes closest to the old Eemshaven experience. Less driving, and you sleep on board. More about ferries to Oslo.
- Hirtshals to Larvik, Stavanger or Bergen: handy if your holiday starts near Oslo or in western Norway rather than in the south.
- Via Denmark and Sweden: with a Scandlines combi ticket you drive to Norway without a long crossing.
All options are listed on our page with alternatives for the ferry to Norway.
Will there be a ferry from the Netherlands again?
Probably, but not to Kristiansand. Funding for a new, larger quay in Eemshaven has been secured, making a regular service between Eemshaven and Arendal possible from 2028. There is no ship, timetable or ticket sale yet. Read the latest in this article on the planned Eemshaven – Arendal ferry.
Arendal is about an hour’s drive east of Kristiansand, so for a holiday in southern Norway it makes little difference.
Looking back: the ferry from Eemshaven and Emden to Kristiansand
In 2022 Holland Norway Lines launched a direct service from Eemshaven to Kristiansand. It was the first ferry between the Netherlands and Norway in years, and the car deck was often fully booked in summer. Because of problems with the berth in Eemshaven, the company moved first to Cuxhaven and then to Emden. In September 2023 Holland Norway Lines went bankrupt and the service ended. The crossing took about 18 hours, three times a week, on the MS Romantika.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still a ferry from Eemshaven to Kristiansand?
No. The service stopped in September 2023. To reach Kristiansand by ferry, you now sail from Hirtshals in Denmark.
When will the Eemshaven – Arendal ferry start?
2028 is mentioned, but there is no final start date and you cannot book yet.
What is the fastest way to reach Kristiansand by car?
Drive to Hirtshals and take the ferry to Kristiansand. With an early start you can be in Norway within about 12 hours.
Check availability and fares
To Kristiansand: choose Denmark, then Hirtshals – Kristiansand. To Oslo: choose Germany, then Kiel – Oslo.
However you travel: have a great trip to Norway!
