The Gateway to the North: Driving to Norway by Campervan

Norway is the ultimate destination for slow-travel and nature immersion. But the journey from Central Europe requires thoughtful planning, especially when traveling with kids. Instead of a non-stop, two-day drive, this Driftly route prioritizes comfort, breaking the drive and using the efficient Danish ferries to cross the Skagerrak.

Part 1: The Ferry Decision - Speed vs. Scenery

The key to a successful Norwegian adventure is booking the right ferry for your destination. For campervans, the most practical routes depart from Hirtshals, Denmark.

Driftly Recommendation: For a Southern Norway loop hitting the iconic fjords, the Hirtshals $\rightarrow$ Kristiansand fast ferry is the best choice.

Part 2: The Approach Legs to Denmark

We recommend splitting the drive to Denmark into two legs to make it manageable, ideally aiming for a relaxed afternoon arrival at the ferry port. (Starting Point: Central Germany/Prague region assumed).

Leg 1: Central Europe to North Germany

• Drive Time: 5-7 hours (e.g., Prague/Munich to Hamburg/Flensburg area)

• Stopover Suggestion (Rating 4.4/5): Campingplatz Hamburg-Nord. Offers easy access to the motorway and a quick detour into Hamburg for the Miniatur Wunderland (a must-see for all ages).
  
  

Leg 2: North Germany to Hirtshals, Denmark

• Drive Time: 4-5 hours
  
  

The Essential Danish Stopover: Hirtshals

The North Sea coast around Hirtshals offers a perfect pre-ferry rest day.

Where to Stay: Hirtshals Camping

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Child-Friendliness 8.5/10)

• Why kids love it: The site is situated right on a long, sandy North Sea beach. It offers direct beach access, a large playground, and the famous Hirtshals Lighthouse nearby. It's perfectly positioned minutes from the ferry terminal, eliminating any morning stress.
  
  

Kid-Friendly Activities in Hirtshals (Rating 4.2+)

• North Sea Oceanarium (Rating 4.5/5): One of the largest aquariums in Europe, featuring fascinating ocean sunfish and seal feeding shows. A perfect backup plan for a rainy day.

• Bunkers and Beaches: The area is dotted with WWII bunkers the kids can explore (safely!), offering a fun history lesson combined with beach time.

Part 3: The Southern Norway Adventure Loop

Arriving in Kristiansand, you are perfectly positioned to start the iconic Western Fjords loop. We recommend a slow, manageable itinerary focused on key scenic routes (often signposted as National Tourist Routes).

Norway Leg 1: Kristiansand to Lysefjord Area (Stavanger)

• Drive Time: $\sim$ 4-5 hours (plus ferries)

• Route Map: View Norway Leg 1 on Google Maps

• Destination Focus: Stavanger and the Lysefjord region.

• Must-Do Hike: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). This is a serious hike (4-5 hours round trip), but older children handle it well. The reward is spectacular.

• Campsite (Rating 4.3/5): Mosvangen Camping, close to Stavanger, with good city transport links.

Norway Leg 2: Stavanger to Bergen

• Drive Time: $\sim$ 5 hours (requires multiple short car ferries)

• Route Map: View Norway Leg 2 on Google Maps

• Destination Focus: The historic capital of the fjords.

• Must-Do Activity: Take the Fløibanen Funicular up Mount Fløyen in Bergen. At the top, there is a massive, famous playground, a troll forest, and breathtaking views over the city's colourful Bryggen wharf.

• Campsite (Rating 4.2/5): Lone Camping (near Bergen) offers lakeside pitches and family facilities.

Norway Leg 3: Bergen to Flåm & Sognefjord

• Drive Time: 3-4 hours

• Destination Focus: The heart of the majestic fjords.

• Must-Do Adventure: The Flåmsbana Railway (Flåm Railway). Though touristy, this one-hour train journey up the mountain is an engineering marvel and provides incredible views without any hiking effort—perfect for younger kids.

• Campsite (Rating 4.4/5): Flåm Camping & Youth Hostel, ideally located right on the fjord with stunning views.

Essential Norwegian Campervan Tips

• Tolls and AutoPASS: Norway uses automatic toll collection. Your license plate will be photographed. DO NOT WORRY about stopping to pay. You will be sent an invoice weeks later for all tolls and ferry costs (you must pay on board some ferries).

• Allemannsretten (Right to Roam): This fantastic law allows you to wild camp freely for up to two nights in non-cultivated land, as long as you are at least 150m from the nearest inhabited house/cabin. Always leave no trace.

• Roads and Ferries: Distances may look short, but roads are narrow and speed limits are low. Factor in time for frequent car ferries (especially around Bergen and the fjords)—these are frequent, and you simply drive onto the ship and pay onboard with a card.