Introduction: The E17, A7, E45, and E39 Corridor
Ghent's Belfry stands at 51.0543° N, 3.7249° E. Your destination, Kristiansand, lies at 58.1467° N, 7.9956° E. This route covers roughly 1,100 kilometers, crossing four countries and two major ferry crossings. The driving time without stops is about 12 hours, but planning for at least two days is recommended.
The journey uses the E17 from Ghent to Antwerp, then the A7/E22 through the Netherlands, switching to the E45 in Germany, and finally the E39 in Denmark. A ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand (3 hours 15 minutes) completes the trip.
Locally, drivers note the sudden transition from flat Dutch polders to the rolling hills of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The route's longest continuous stretch without services is between Flensburg and Kolding, about 80 km. Understanding these quirks makes the drive smoother.
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
Road quality is excellent overall. Motorways are well-lit and signed. In Germany, no speed limit on some sections, but average speeds around 130 km/h. Denmark has strict speed cameras (bøder up to €500).
Family and Child Suitability: Break the monotony at these child-friendly stops:
- Parc Paradisio (Belgium, near Ghent) – animal park for toddlers.
- Avonturenpark Hellendoorn (Netherlands, off A1) – theme park with water rides.
- Tierpark Vechta (Germany) – small zoo and petting corner.
- Kattegatcentret (Grenaa, Denmark) – aquarium with sharks, 20 min detour.
Pet-Friendly Framework: Most highway service stations accept dogs on leash (e.g., Tank & Rast in Germany). Several hotels like Scandic and Moxy welcome pets. In Denmark, rest areas have designated dog walking zones. Always carry a water bowl and poop bags.
Infrastructure Safety: Emergency telephones every 2 km on German autobahns. In Denmark, call 112. Note that the Danish road agency uses variable speed limits; slowdowns often due to wind gusts on bridges.
Fatigue Management: Best rest zones: Raststätte Eider (Germany, km 420 on E45) with a playground and café; Rasteplads Kongeåen (Denmark, between Kolding and Vejle) with a walking trail. Aim for a 20-minute break every 2 hours. Use the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide to plan unique pauses.
Hidden Off-Route Spots: Detour to the abandoned Nazi bunker at Tirpitz (Blåvand, Denmark) or the Moesgaard Museum (Aarhus, 30 min off route) for prehistoric bog bodies. For geology, the Kliff auf Sylt (Germany) – but requires a ferry to the island. Alternatives: the Råbjerg Mile migrating dune in Denmark (20 min detour from E39).
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
Leaving Ghent, the flat Flanders fields yield to the Dutch polders near Terneuzen. The A7 crosses the Afsluitdijk, a 32-km causeway with wind turbines and the Wadden Sea on either side.
Entering Germany near Leer, the landscape becomes the East Frisian Geest, with heathlands and small forests. Near Bremen, the Weser River valley offers scenic detours, such as the "German Fairy Tale Route" leading to Hamelin.
In Denmark, the E45 runs through Jutland's agricultural heartland, with views of the Little Belt and a brief glimpse of the Lillebælt Bridge. The final leg to Hirtshals is coastal, with dunes and the Skagerrak sea.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Wadden Sea (shared Netherlands/Germany/Denmark) is a UNESCO site. Visit the Wadden Sea Centre in Ribe (Denmark) for a tidal walk. Other sites include the Speicherstadt in Hamburg (detour) and the Jelling Runic Stones in Jelling (Denmark).
Local Commerce & Culture: In Ghent, try Cuberdon candies. In the Netherlands, stop at a kaasboerderij (cheese farm) for Edam. Germany boasts Rügenwalder sausage and Danish pølser at service stations. Breweries: Brouwerij Huyghe (E17 near Deinze) and Fur Bryghus in Denmark.
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
Fuel Strategy: Fuel prices vary. Belgium and the Netherlands are pricier (€1.60–1.80/L), while Germany (€1.50–1.70/L) and Denmark (€1.40–1.60/L) can be cheaper. Fill up in Germany before crossing to Denmark. Key fuel stations: Shell Adenau (Eifel) and Autohof Løgumkloster in Denmark.
- Tolls: No tolls on the Dutch A7; German sections are toll-free for cars. The Danish bridges (e.g., Storebælt) have tolls (€35 for a standard car). Book Storebælt online for a 10% discount.
- The Hirtshals–Kristiansand ferry: Book ahead especially in summer. Prices from €70–120 for a car + driver. Color Line and Fjord Line operate.
- Recommended overnight stops: Bremen (Germany) or Kolding (Denmark). Both offer mid-range hotels with secure parking.
Here is a summary table:
| Segment | Distance | Drive Time | Ferry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghent – Bremen | 450 km | 4.5 h | No |
| Bremen – Hirtshals | 450 km | 4.5 h | No |
| Hirtshals – Kristiansand | 110 km | 3.25 h | Yes |
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
Best stops Ghent to Kristiansand?
Top stops include the Wadden Sea UNESCO site, Bremen city center, the Lillebælt Bridge viewpoint, and the Hirtshals lighthouse before the ferry.
How long to drive Ghent to Kristiansand?
Without stops, about 12 hours plus 3.5 hours ferry, total 15.5 hours. Overnight recommended.
Is it worth driving Ghent to Kristiansand?
Yes, if you enjoy varied landscapes, cultural detours, and the convenience of your own car in Norway. The ferry also offers sea views.
Things to do between Ghent and Kristiansand?
Visit the historic city of Bremen (Germany), the Jelling Rune Stones (Denmark), and the Kattegatcentret aquarium (Grenaa).
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