Why is there no direct ferry service to Norway? And how can you get there instead?

Norway is a stunning holiday destination, perfect for exploring by car or campervan. The natural beauty is breathtaking, the roads are well-maintained, and the sense of freedom you experience along the way is unparalleled. But how do you get there with your own vehicle?

In reality, Norway isn’t even that far away. From Aberdeen in Scotland, it’s about 500 kilometres (310 miles) in a straight line to Stavanger – a distance that should be easily covered by ferry. Yet, since 2008, there has been no direct ferry service between the United Kingdom and Norway.

That year, DFDS discontinued the popular Newcastle–Bergen–Stavanger route. Since then, several attempts have been made to revive the connection. In 2022, there was even a plan to relaunch the ferry, with a proposed start in 2026. Unfortunately, that project now appears to be on hold: the official website is offline, suggesting that a restart is unlikely anytime soon.

Why do such initiatives tend to fail? There are a few obvious reasons:

1. Seasonal demand – While there is strong interest during the summer months, demand in the off-season is often too low to sustain operations.

2. Competition from budget airlines – With low-cost carriers flying between the UK and Norway daily, many travellers opt for speed and convenience.

So how can you get to Norway with your own vehicle?

Fortunately, there are excellent alternatives for reaching Norway with your car or camper:

• Via France: Take a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, then drive through Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany to Denmark. From Hirtshals in northern Denmark, ferries depart daily to various Norwegian cities such as Kristiansand, Bergen, and Stavanger.

• Via the Netherlands: You can also take a longer ferry crossing, for example from Newcastle to IJmuiden (near Amsterdam), or from Harwich to the Hook of Holland. From there, it’s a scenic road trip northwards. Interestingly, there are plans for a new ferry route between Eemshaven (in the Dutch province of Groningen) and Arendal in Norway. This connection is expected to launch around 2027 and would offer a direct route from the Netherlands to southern Norway.

The journey as part of the experience

Even without a direct ferry between the UK and Norway, the detour via mainland Europe gives travellers the chance to turn the trip itself into something meaningful. Those driving to Norway with their own vehicle will discover the joy of travelling slowly – where the journey is not merely functional, but an essential part of the experience.

A perfect example is the cruise ferry between Kiel and Oslo, which sails daily and offers far more than just transportation. On board, you'll find comfortable cabins, restaurants, shops, entertainment, and even a wellness centre. The crossing takes around 20 hours, giving passengers the opportunity to truly unwind while they approach Norway via the dramatic Oslofjord – an unforgettable arrival.