Introduction
Last summer I took the ferry from Kristiansand to Hirthals. I thought it would be a good moment to revisit the experience, as I’m looking at travel options to and from the European mainland. All in all, I very much liked the trip. The ferry is quick (2 hours 25 min) and comfortable. The lounge option is good value for money. Comfortable seats, and decent food.
Booking and Ticket Information
Booking the ferry was easy, and my ticket included:
- Lounge Seat for 1 Person with buffet, costing 251 NOK. Considering airport lounge access costs around 400 NOK these days, this lounge upgrade felt like good value.
- Car Reservation for a vehicle up to 1.95 meters high and 5 meters long.
- Total Cost: 1,623 NOK, which included the ticket, lounge access, and EU environmental surcharge.
Pricing Overall: I thought the pricing was good, especially given the convenience and comfort of bringing my car. Prices do vary significantly depending on the season, though, so it’s worth booking early for the best deals. And travel in the off-season if you can. Alternatively, I could have flown directly from Stavanger to Amsterdam for around 150 EUR, plus an additional 45 EUR for public transport to reach my final destination. Which for me means that taking the ferry is significantly cheaper when travelling with two.
Boarding and Check-In
For international routes, check-in is required 60 minutes before departure with a valid photo ID. Fjord Line’s process was smooth and efficient, with staff ready to guide vehicles onto the ferry. The ramps on the ferry are very steep, so this might be tricky when travelling with an older car. My rear tires were spinning when I had to do the ‘hill tests’ on the ferry ramp. And when I drove off, two cars bumped into each other behind me. So this might be something to take into account when travelling with an older (heavy) vehicle.
Onboard Experience
Lounge Seating: The lounge area was a worthwhile upgrade, offering a reserved table and a buffet. The chairs were really good. And the view cán be good if you get a place by the window. But most seats are in the middle. The 251 NOK upgrade feels well-spent, especially when compared to airport lounges. The picture below is from Fjordline, and the food was not by far as good as shown in the picture. It had less variety and was more mundane, but the quality was still good.
Duty-Free Shopping: Like most Scandinavian ferries, Fjord Line offers a duty-free shop. Given Norway’s high alcohol prices, the duty-free shop can be a good opportunity to stock up.
Scenic Views: Stepping out on the deck, you can take in the coastal scenery as the ferry sails from Kristiansand to Hirtshals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- You get a break from driving: Which is a big plus if you have to travel long afterwards.
- Good Lounge Value: The lounge seat upgrade provided a relaxing experience and a meal at a reasonable price.
- Duty-Free Shopping: Lower prices on select items, especially alcohol, compared to Norway.
- Scenic Views: Access to the deck offers great views of the Norwegian and Danish coasts.
Cons:
- Price Varies by Season: Ferry prices can fluctuate depending on the season, so planning ahead is essential to secure good rates.
- Food Costs: Dining onboard is convenient but can be pricey. Bringing snacks is a smart option.
- Check-In Requirements: Missing the check-in deadline or not having an ID could result in denied boarding without a refund. Waiting on the dock for an hour can also feel like waisting time.
Final Thoughts
The ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals offers a scenic and practical way to travel between Norway and Denmark, especially if you bring a vehicle. While ferry prices can vary, the ability to bring a car and avoid the extra cost of public transport made this trip worthwhile.
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