UK to Norway by Boat: How to Get to Norway Without Flying

Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays

There’s no regular direct passenger ferry from the UK to Norway today, but you can still travel from the UK to Norway by boat: take a ferry to the Netherlands, continue to Denmark or Germany, and sail to Norway from there – or join a fjord cruise from a UK port. Here’s how to plan it.

Key facts at a glance

  • There is no regular direct UK–Norway passenger ferry at present.
  • Route via Newcastle–Amsterdam or Harwich–Hook of Holland, then onward to Denmark or Germany.
  • Ferries to Norway sail from Hirtshals, Frederikshavn and Kiel.
  • No-fly fjord cruises leave from Southampton, Newcastle and other UK ports.
  • Inside Norway, the coastal voyage links ports from Bergen to the Arctic.

Is there a ferry from the UK to Norway?

Not directly, at the moment. The old Newcastle–Bergen ferry ended years ago. But travelling from the UK to Norway by boat is still very doable using a chain of ferries and trains, and it’s a beautiful journey through the North Sea and Skagerrak.

UK to Norway by boat – ship crossing the North Sea
Ferries and fjord cruises cross the North Sea to Norway.

Ferry routes to Norway via Europe

StepItinéraireDurée habituelle
1. UK to the continentNewcastle – Amsterdam or Harwich – Hook of HollandOvernight
2. OverlandTrain or drive to northern Denmark or KielSeveral hours
3a. Denmark to NorwayHirtshals – Kristiansand, Larvik, Stavanger or BergenA few hours to overnight
3b. Denmark to OsloFrederikshavn – OsloOvernight
3c. Germany to OsloKiel – OsloAbout 20 hours, overnight

Operators and schedules change by season, so check the latest timetables. With a car, this route is ideal for a fjord road trip.

No-fly fjord cruises from UK ports

If you’d rather sail all the way, many cruise lines run Norwegian fjord itineraries from Southampton, Dover, Newcastle, Tilbury and other UK ports, usually 5–12 nights. It’s the simplest flight-free way to see the fjords. Read cruises without flying for the options.

UK to Norway by boat infographic – routes
Getting from the UK to Norway by sea.

Exploring Norway’s coast by ship

Once in Norway, ships are part of everyday life. The famous coastal voyage links Bergen with Kirkenes near the Russian border, calling at dozens of ports and carrying passengers, cars and freight. Local express boats and car ferries connect fjord villages and islands. Container feeder ships also serve Norwegian ports – see Trajets de cargos en mer Baltique.

Tip: For the northern lights, travel north of the Arctic Circle between late September and March. For the midnight sun, go from late May to July.

When to go

  • Summer (June–August): long days, calm-ish seas, busiest ferries.
  • Spring and autumn: quieter, cheaper, changeable weather.
  • Winter: northern lights in the Arctic, short days and possible storms in the North Sea.

Foire aux questions

Is there a direct ferry from the UK to Norway?

Not at present. Travellers usually go via the Netherlands and Denmark or Germany.

How do I get to Norway without flying?

Take a ferry to the Netherlands, travel on to Denmark or Kiel, then take a ferry to Norway – or join a fjord cruise from a UK port.

Can I take my car to Norway by ferry?

Yes, all the main ferries to Norway from Denmark and Germany carry cars.

Do cruises to Norway leave from the UK?

Yes. Many fjord cruises sail from Southampton, Newcastle, Dover and other UK ports.

What is the Norwegian coastal voyage?

A ship service linking Bergen with northern Norway, carrying passengers, cars and freight between many ports.

Sail north on a cargo ship

Ask us about feeder and freighter voyages into Scandinavia and the Baltic.

Ask about Scandinavia →

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Suivez-moi

Steve Joury

Conseiller en voyages Cargo chez Cargoholidays
Passionné par le voyage lent et la mer. Steve connaît la plupart des routes maritimes et des procédures pour découvrir notre beau monde depuis la mer sur un porte-conteneurs. Il a participé à la plupart des voyages, de 7 jours en cargo à 140 jours à bord.
Steve Joury
Suivez-moi
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