Map showing the ferry route from Hirtshals (Denmark) to Kristiansand (Norway) for the motorcycle tour
Route: We take the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand and continue to our first overnight stop.
Difficulty: Fully paved roads
Distance: 35 km
Fully packed BMW GS motorcycle ready for the journey to Norway with camping gear

Travelling from Hirtshals in Denmark to Kristiansand in Norway is one of the most popular ferry routes between the two countries, mainly operated across the Skagerrak strait. The journey is typically made by modern ferries such as those run by Color Line, and takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the vessel and weather conditions. It is a comfortable and scenic crossing, often used by both tourists and people travelling with cars.

Regarding entry into Norway, both Denmark and Norway are part of the Schengen Area, which means there are normally no routine passport controls at the border. However, passengers should still carry a valid passport or national ID card, as spot checks can occur. Customs regulations may apply for goods such as alcohol, tobacco, or large amounts of cash, so it is important to be aware of Norwegian import limits.

Upon arrival in Kristiansand, travellers will find a well-connected port close to the city centre, making it easy to continue onward by car, bus, or train. The route is not only a practical entry point into Norway but also a scenic introduction to the southern Norwegian coastline.

Motorcycles secured on the ferry deck during crossing from Denmark to Norway
It is advisable to book the ferry in advance. The crossing takes about 3.5 hours. Bring extra straps to secure your motorcycle, as the ship’s own straps are often insufficient. Boarding and disembarking is straightforward. Fuel and supplies are cheaper in Denmark, so it is worth shopping before boarding.
Motorcycle queue for boarding the ferry to Norway, showing dedicated lane for bikes
We are not the only ones heading to Norway, but we have our own dedicated motorcycle lane for boarding.
Scenic countryside near Kristiansand with lakes and green landscapes in Southern Norway
It doesn’t take long to leave Kristiansand. The first impressions are excellent—everything is much greener than in Germany. We ride past small lakes toward our first campsite, about 30 km away. The campsite is located directly by the sea and even has a swimming pool. In summer, many tourists come here to swim.
Camping setup with tent, table and chairs at a coastal campsite in Norway
We set up our table and tent. In summer, you can even swim in the sea here; earlier in the season, the campsite’s swimming pool is available instead.
Motorcycle tour continuing on a sunny day through green Norwegian countryside
A new day begins with perfect weather, and we continue our journey north.
Scenic Norwegian road during motorcycle tour heading deeper into the fjord region
 

 

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E-book cover: Motorcycle tours in Southern Norway 11 Motorcycle Tours in Southern Norway (E-book)

This guide is also available as a digital e-book (PDF format) for smartphone, tablet, PC, or laptop.

Included: 1 e-book and GPS data download (GPX files) for navigation apps.


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GPS navigation data for motorcycle tours

GPS Data:
Included with the e-book for navigation systems such as Garmin, TomTom, BMW Navigator, and GPX-compatible smartphone apps.

 

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