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Travel Guide: Take the Ferry to Norway

Writer's picture: Carlos CunhaCarlos Cunha

Hey barefoot walkers!


First of all, I hope your travels are going well!


If you're thinking about taking the ferry to Norway, you're in the right place. I'll guide you step by step on how to do it and share some tips to make your experience more comfortable and cheaper.


One of the biggest advantages of traveling to Norway by car or caravan is that you can bring food and other essential goods, helping you avoid the country’s high prices.


The cheapest place to buy ferry tickets is OpenFerry (which also has a mobile app). You simply select your departure port, Hirtshals, in our case and your destination, which for us was Kristiansand.


There are usually two companies operating these routes, and we traveled with Fjord Line. If you're taking a car or caravan, you'll need to enter your vehicle details when booking, but to be honest, they never checked ours. It seemed like there wasn't much control over vehicle dimensions.


Once you've booked your trip and the departure day arrives, all you need is your passport and reservation number. Sometimes they ask for one, sometimes the other, so it's best to have both handy.


After check-in, you'll receive a paper with a handwritten number to place on your rearview mirror, this indicates the line where you have to wait. My advice? Arrive about 40 minutes early. That’s plenty of time, as trucks board first (which takes a while), and only then do cars start loading.


Boarding is super easy, just follow the operators’ instructions. There’s no point in rushing, as the process is orderly, and you'll only move forward when it’s your turn.


Once you've parked inside the ferry, head up to the main deck, where you'll find a restaurant, bar, and seating areas. Right by the stairs, there are eight red chairs with a window in front, these are the best spots on the ferry, but they’re usually occupied, so try your luck! Of course, if you’ve booked a cabin, your bed will be even more comfortable… just saying.


I strongly recommend bringing your own food. There are food options on board, but everything is ridiculously expensive.


About half an hour before arrival, passengers are allowed to return to their vehicles. Personally, I don't see the point in rushing down, as you’ll just end up waiting in your car. The exit process is organized, so it doesn’t matter who boarded first, you’ll only leave when it’s your turn.


Once outside, Norwegian authorities will check your passport and vehicle documents. After that, you’re officially in Norway, WELCOME!



To give you an idea of costs: we traveled in December, and for two people plus a car, the total was just 60 euros.


All this information is based on my personal experience.


Follow the blog and send a message if you have any questions.


Don´t forget:

Walk barefoot. (when possible)


Carlos


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