Bergen to Hirtshals Ferry Guide
The classic overnight crossing between Norway and Denmark aboard Fjord Line's LNG-powered cruise ferries. 16.5-hour journey from Bergen Skoltegrunnskaien to Hirtshals Færgehavn with cabins, buffet and à la carte dining — bypassing a full day's drive through Sweden.
Crossing Time
16 hours 30 minutes (overnight)
Daily Departures
3-5 per week
Operators
Fjord Line
Distance
330 nautical miles (610 km)
The Bergen-Hirtshals Experience
The Bergen to Hirtshals crossing is one of the most practical overnight ferry routes in Northern Europe. By boarding in Bergen in the evening, travellers wake up in northern Denmark the next morning — completely bypassing the long drive through Sweden that any overland alternative requires. Fjord Line operates the route with MS Bergensfjord and MS Stavangerfjord, two modern LNG-powered cruise ferries that rank among the most environmentally friendly vessels in European short-sea shipping. Onboard there are full cabin categories, a Grand Buffet, à la carte restaurant, sundeck, kids' play area and a bar — everything needed for a comfortable overnight North Sea passage. The ships also make a stop in Stavanger, where additional passengers and vehicles board before the crossing heads south toward Denmark.
Ferry Operator
Fjord Line
Route Operator- 3-5 weekly departures (seasonal)
- MS Bergensfjord and MS Stavangerfjord
- LNG-powered — among Europe's most eco-friendly ferries
- Cabins from inside economy to ocean suites
- Grand Buffet, à la carte and bar
- Stavanger stop en route
Best for: Road trips between Norway and continental Europe, overnight transit, travellers with vehicles
Visit Fjord LineTerminal Information
Bergen Skoltegrunnskaien (Norway)
Departure Port
Address & Location
Skoltegrunnskaien, 5835 Bergen, Norway
Transport Connections
- City bus routes stop at Nøstegaten, 10 min walk
- Bergen city centre: 15 min walk or 5 min by taxi
- Bergen Airport (Flesland): 30 min by Bybanen light rail + taxi
- Paid parking adjacent to the terminal
Check-in Requirements
- Vehicle passengers: 90 minutes before departure
- Foot passengers: 60 minutes before departure
- Cabin allocation confirmed at check-in
Terminal Facilities
- Check-in desks and waiting area
- Café facilities nearby
- Taxi rank outside terminal
- Vehicle loading lanes
Hirtshals Færgehavn (Denmark)
Arrival Port
Address & Location
Havnepladsen 1, 9850 Hirtshals, Denmark
Transport Connections
- Hirtshalsbanen train: direct to Hjørring (30 min) with onward connections
- Bus routes to Hjørring and Aalborg
- Direct taxi rank outside the ferry terminal
- E39/E45 motorway access within 10 min
Onward Travel
- Hjørring: 30 min by train
- Aalborg: 1 hour by car
- Aarhus: 2h 30m by car
- Copenhagen: 5 hours by car
Port Facilities
- Tourist information desk
- Car rental services
- Cafés and shops
- Free WiFi
- Currency exchange
Booking Optimisation Tips
Best Booking Times
- • Summer cabins: 8-12 weeks ahead
- • Shoulder season: 4-6 weeks ahead
- • Winter crossings: 2-4 weeks ahead
- • Watch Fjord Line's early-bird promotions
Money-Saving Tips
- • Midweek sailings are 20-30% cheaper than Friday/Saturday
- • Inside cabins save up to 35% over outside cabins
- • Book vehicle space early — capacity fills before cabins
- • Check Fjord Line's Club membership for loyalty discounts
Peak Season Tips
- • Norwegian summer holidays (late June to mid-August) push prices up
- • Easter week is one of the busiest periods
- • Book vehicles at least 10 weeks ahead for July
- • Outside cabins and suites sell out first in peak season
Practical Travel Information
Documentation Required
Identification
- • Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
- • Children need their own travel document
- • Non-EU/EEA passengers should check visa requirements
Vehicle Travel
- • Valid driving licence
- • Vehicle registration documents
- • Green Card insurance recommended
- • Norway and Denmark both drive on the right
Onboard Information
Crossing Comfort
- • Overnight cabins on every sailing
- • Grand Buffet and à la carte restaurant
- • Bar and sundeck
- • Stabilisers fitted — North Sea crossings are generally comfortable
Family Facilities
- • Children's play area onboard
- • Family cabins available
- • Kids' menu in restaurants
- • Pet cabins for travelling with animals
Rent a Car in Hirtshals
Pick up a rental car near Hirtshals port and explore northern Jutland or continue south toward Copenhagen at your own pace.
Europcar
5 min from portLargest European network with convenient pickup near Hirtshals port
Sixt
10 min from portPremium fleet with modern vehicles available near the port
Hertz
8 min from portGlobal provider with a wide range of vehicles in northern Denmark
Budget
5 min from portBudget-friendly rentals with competitive rates in Hirtshals