Brussels to Kristiansand Road Trip Guide: Epic Nordic Journey

In 1658, the Treaty of Roskilde saw Norway's southern coast shift from Danish to Swedish control—a border that now marks the end of your 900 km drive from Brussels to Kristiansand.

This road trip crosses Belgium, Germany, and Denmark before crossing the Øresund Bridge and winding through southern Sweden, with the final leg a ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand.

Key highways include the A1/E19 through Belgium, the A1/E35 in Germany, the E45 through Denmark, and the E39 in Norway. The drive takes approximately 10–12 hours excluding ferries, but plan for 2–3 days to enjoy stops.

Our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities helps you avoid the monotony of highways.

From the rolling Ardennes to the Danish coast, landscapes shift dramatically. In Germany, the Lüneburg Heath blooms purple in August.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route: the historic centre of Lübeck (Germany) with its brick Gothic architecture, and the Wadden Sea (Denmark) where you can walk on the seabed at low tide.

Natural attractions: the Møns Klint chalk cliffs in Denmark and the Norwegian fjords near Kristiansand are must-sees.

• Lübeck: visit the Holstentor gate and marzipan shops
• Wadden Sea: guided mudflat hiking in Ribe
• Møns Klint: 128-metre white cliffs, perfect for a photo stop

Local commerce: roadside farm stands in Denmark sell fresh strawberries and wooden trolls. In Sweden, stop at a Konditori for cinnamon buns. The Kristiansand Fish Market offers fresh seafood.

The A1/E19 from Brussels to the German border is well-maintained but congested near Antwerp. Use the E34 to bypass if needed.

In Germany, the A1/E35 is notorious for construction zones. Expect average speeds of 90 km/h in sections. Service stations like Raststätte Kölner Ring offer clean restrooms.

Fuel costs: Gasoline in Belgium (€1.80/L), Germany (€1.75/L), Denmark (€1.90/L). Fill up in Germany for savings. Tolls: Belgium has tolls on some tunnels (€5); Germany has none; Denmark uses the Storebælt bridge toll (€40).

• Total fuel cost: approx. €150 for the drive
• Tolls and ferries: add €80 for the Hirtshals-Kristiansand ferry
• Ferry booking: Color Line or Fjord Line, book ahead for vehicle space

For how long to drive Brussels to Kristiansand: allow 12 hours of pure driving plus ferry wait times. Is it worth driving? Yes, for the flexibility to explore the many things to do between Brussels and Kristiansand.

Infrastructure safety: roads are excellent with emergency phones every 2 km on German autobahns. In Denmark, the E45 has many speed cameras. Norway’s E39 has narrow bridges.

Family and child suitability: stop at Legoland Billund in Denmark, just off the E45. Also, the Dyreparken Zoo in Kristiansand is a hit with kids.

Pet-friendly framework: most German rest stops have designated pet exercise areas. The ferry to Kristiansand allows pets in cars, but with a surcharge (€20).

• Rest zones every 50 km: Raststätte Eller (A1, Germany) has a playground
• Fatigue management: Café København near Kolding offers quiet lounges

Hidden off-route spots: the abandoned Cold War bunker on Rømø beach (Denmark) is a 10 min detour from E45. And in Sweden, the Kungsbacka Torg market sells antiques.