Antwerp to Kristiansand Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The E19 highway from Antwerp to Kristiansand passes through the world's longest underwater road tunnel, the 14.5 km Bømlafjord Tunnel in Norway, completed in 2000 at a cost of 3.8 billion NOK. This route crosses three countries and involves two ferry crossings, offering a unique blend of urban density and pristine fjord landscape.

The total distance is approximately 1,100 km, with a driving time of 14–16 hours excluding ferry crossings and breaks. Most drivers split the journey into two days, with the prime stop being Hamburg or the Danish islands. The route includes the A1/E34 from Antwerp to Eindhoven, then E45 through Germany and Denmark, and finally E39 along Norway's west coast.

Fuel stations are abundant along German and Danish motorways, but become sparse in southern Norway, especially between Stavanger and Kristiansand. Plan to refuel in Hirtshals before boarding the ferry, as Norwegian fuel prices are 20-30% higher. The E39 in Norway has tolls; a standard car pays around 200 NOK per toll point. An AutoPASS transponder is recommended for seamless payment.

• Motorway vignettes: Not required in Germany, Denmark, or Norway (toll roads in Norway).
• Ferry booking: Reserve Color Line ferry Hirtshals–Kristiansand in advance, especially in summer. Prices start at €50 for a car and driver.
• Alternative ferry: Larvik–Hirtshals (shorter crossing) but adds 2h driving north.

The best stops Antwerp to Kristiansand include the charming town of Bremen (UNESCO town hall), the Danish island of Funen (Hans Christian Andersen's house), and the Norwegian coastal village of Mandal with its white wooden houses. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.

The route traverses three distinct biomes: the flat agricultural lands of Flanders, the rolling hills of Denmark, and the rugged fjord landscape of Norway. The transition occurs just after crossing the Great Belt Bridge (18 km suspension bridge) – here the landscape turns from pastoral to boreal.

Things to do between Antwerp and Kristiansand include visiting the Wadden Sea UNESCO site (Germany), the LEGO House in Billund (Denmark), and the Preikestolen cliff near Stavanger (Norway). Each offers a unique perspective on local culture and history.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bremen Town Hall and Roland statue (2004), Wadden Sea (2009), and the Royal Danish Castles (Kronborg in Helsingør).
• Natural highlights: Møns Klint (Denmark), white chalk cliffs; Lysefjord (Norway), deep fjord with 600m vertical walls.
• Local commerce: Farm shops selling Danish “smørrebrød” ingredients; Norwegian salmon smoking houses near Kristiansand.

German autobahns have sections without speed limits, but the recommended speed is 130 km/h. In Norway, the speed limit is 80 km/h on most rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. Expect narrow roads with sharp turns south of Stavanger. Use the “Rasthof” rest stops in Germany every 2 hours to combat fatigue.

• Family and child suitability: Most rest stops have clean toilets and playgrounds. The Danish “Rasteplads” often include picnic tables and open fields. The ferry has a kids' playroom.
• Pet-friendly framework: Dogs allowed on ferry (must be in car or in kennel area). Many German rest stops have designated dog walking areas.
• Fatigue management: Plan stops at towns like Odense (Denmark) or Arendal (Norway) for longer breaks.

Is it worth driving Antwerp to Kristiansand? Yes, if you enjoy changing landscapes and the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path sites. The journey is as rewarding as the destination, especially with stops at hidden gems like the “Windmills of Kinderdijk” (a slight detour) or the “Råbjerg Mile” moving sand dune in Denmark.