Stavanger to Arnhem Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Routes

The route from Stavanger (Norway) to Arnhem (Netherlands) crosses three countries and spans roughly 1,100 km. The quickest way involves the E39/E6 through Norway, then the E45/E20 through Denmark, followed by the A7/A28 in Germany and A12 in the Netherlands. Driving time is about 12–14 hours excluding ferry crossings and breaks.

A specific fact: The Stavanger–Arnhem corridor includes the world's longest road tunnel, the Lærdal Tunnel (24.5 km) on E16, but you'll bypass it if taking the E39 coastal route. Instead, you'll use multiple ferry crossings, including the Hirtshals–Kristiansand ferry, which cuts the drive by avoiding Copenhagen.

Route Overview Table

Fuel efficiently: Norway has higher petrol prices (€1.80/L) than Denmark (€1.65/L) and Germany (€1.50/L). Fill up before crossing borders. In the Netherlands, prices are around €1.70/L.

• Use the Circle K app for fuel discounts in Norway.
• In Germany, fuel up at Aral or Shell stations off the Autobahn.
• Tolls: Norway has electronic tolls (AutoPASS), but rental cars usually cover them. Denmark has bridge tolls (Storebælt ~€46).

Road quality is excellent throughout. Norwegian roads are narrow in fjord areas but well-maintained. Danish highways are smooth. German Autobahn has no speed limit on some sections (advisory 130 km/h). Dutch roads are well-marked and lit.

• Speed limits: Norway 80 km/h, Denmark 130 km/h, Germany unlimited (variable), Netherlands 100 km/h (daytime).
• Vignettes: No vignette required for Germany or Netherlands, but Switzerland if detoured (not needed).

For traffic updates, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities on Wayro.

Norway: The drive from Stavanger passes the Lysefjord with the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). After Kristiansand, the coast gives way to rolling hills. In Denmark, flat farmlands and wind turbines dominate. Germany's Schleswig-Holstein offers Baltic Sea beaches. The Netherlands presents polders and Rhine forests.

• Must-see: Ryfylke Tunnel (14.4 km) near Stavanger.
• Ferry crossings: Mortavika–Arsvågen (free), part of E39.

Local commerce: In Stavanger, buy Norwegian sweaters or canned fish. In Denmark, pick up LEGO in Billund (detour 30 min). German towns like Bremen have Christmas markets in winter. Arnhem's Saturday market is great for Dutch cheese and stroopwafels.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route: Bryggen in Bergen (detour 4 hours), but you can visit Urnes Stave Church near Sognefjord (adds 2 days). More accessible: Wadden Sea near Hamburg–Denmark (UNESCO since 2009). Stop at the Multimar Wattforum visitor centre in Tönning, Germany.

• Wadden Sea mudflat hiking requires a guide.
• Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde (detour 1 hour from route).

Infrastructure safety: Norway mandates daylight running lights and winter tires (Oct–Apr). Denmark and Germany require warning triangle and first aid kit. Speed cameras are common in Denmark and Netherlands; use apps like Flitsmeister.

• In Norway, watch for moose and reindeer crossings, especially at dawn.
• German Autobahn: motorcycles may overtake in same lane; keep right when not passing.

Family and child suitability: Break up the journey with Legoland Billund (Denmark) or the Egeskov Castle experience (Funen, detour 1 hour). In Germany, the Hamburg Miniatur Wunderland is perfect for kids. Arnhem's Burgers' Zoo is a highlight.

• Norway: Preikestolen BaseCamp has family-friendly hikes (3.8 km one way).
• Rest stops in Denmark: Motorway service centres with indoor play areas (e.g., Skanderborg Service).

Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels along the route accept pets (fee ~€15/night). In Norway, dogs must be on leash in national parks. Ferries allow pets in designated areas. Service stations in Germany have pet relief areas. Avoid driving through Low Emission Zones in German cities with older vehicles; register if required.

Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours. Notable rest zones: Norwegian 'rasteplasser' with picnic tables (e.g., Ruggesteinen). Danish 'rest areas' with free coffee. German 'Raststätte' have restaurants and showers. Use the 'Park4Night' app for free camper stops.

• Recommended: Stop at the Varde Rasteplads in Denmark for a playground and lake view.
• In Germany, the 'Autohof' chain offers affordable meals.

Hidden off-route spots: In Norway, visit the 'Magma Geopark' near Egersund (off E39). In Denmark, the 'Ribe VikingeCenter' (oldest town). Germany: the 'Altes Land' fruit region near Hamburg (cherry blossoms in spring). Netherlands: the 'Hoge Veluwe National Park' with free bikes near Arnhem.