Stavanger to Damme Road Trip Guide: Norway to Belgium

The E39 highway from Stavanger sweeps past the Lysefjord before diving into a tunnel network that includes the 14.4-kilometer Ryfast tunnel system, one of the world's longest undersea road tunnels. This engineering marvel connects Stavanger to the town of Tau, cutting travel time by 40 minutes. Your journey will cross three international borders, traverse the Storebælt Bridge (the longest in Europe at 18 kilometers), and transition from Scandinavian fjords to Belgian flatlands.

Whether you ask "how long to drive Stavanger to Damme" or "is it worth driving Stavanger to Damme", the answer is: approximately 12-14 hours of pure driving (excluding ferries and breaks), but plan 2-3 days to absorb the highlights. For tips on discovering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this route delivers.

The fastest route from Stavanger to Damme (population 11,000) follows the E39 south to Kristiansand, then the ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals (Denmark). The 3.5-hour ferry ride is mandatory and costs around €150 for a car. Book ahead in summer. From Hirtshals, take E45 through Denmark, cross the Storebælt Bridge (toll ~€50), continue on A7 through Germany, and then E17/E403 into Belgium.

Fuel stops are plentiful: every 30-50 km on German Autobahns. Tolls: Denmark and Germany have no toll roads (except Storebælt and Øresund bridges), Belgium has toll-free highways. Norway has tolls on some bridges and tunnels (automatic billing via AutoPASS). Total toll/ferry cost: ~€200-250.

• Ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals: 3.5 h, book at Fjord Line or Color Line.
• Storebælt Bridge toll: pay online or at booth.
• Fuel: Norway diesel ~€2/L, Denmark ~€1.6/L, Germany ~€1.5/L, Belgium ~€1.6/L.

Currency: Norway uses Norwegian Krone (NOK); Denmark, Danish Krone (DKK); Germany and Belgium, Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted. For the best exchange, use cards with no foreign fees.

Norwegian roads are narrow with many tunnels; use daytime running lights. Danish highways are well-maintained; watch for cyclists. German Autobahns have no speed limit on some segments, but heavy traffic near Hamburg. Belgian roads are good but busy around Ghent. Rest zones: every 50 km on German Autobahns have restrooms and fast food. Norwegian rest areas are fewer (every 80 km) but scenic.

Family-friendly stops:

• Kongsgård Vestlandet (near Stavanger) – outdoor museum and playground.
• Wadden Sea Center (Ribe, Denmark) – interactive exhibits and seal safari.
• Hansapark (Sierksdorf, Germany) – amusement park near Lübeck.
• Bruges – chocolate workshop for kids and boat ride.

Pet-friendly framework: Norway and Germany require pets to have microchip, rabies vaccine, and EU pet passport. Most ferries accept pets (some in kennels). Hotels: Scandic and Best Western chains allow pets (€20-30 extra). Designated dog walking areas at rest stops in Germany (marked with signs).

Fatigue management: The long ferry ride from Kristiansand to Hirtshals is an ideal break (sleep in a cabin). Driving time should be limited to 4-5 hours per day. Alternate drivers if possible. Caffeine stops: Swedish-style coffee shops (fik) found in Denmark's rest stops.

Hidden off-route spots:

• Mandal (Norway) – wooden church and coastal path, 30 km detour from E39.
• Skælskør (Denmark) – charming harbor town, detour east of Slagelse.
• Büsum (Germany) – seal sanctuary (Seehundstation), 20 km west of E45.
• Damme's own windmill – De Nieuwe Molen, a working windmill from 1894.

The route begins in Norway's fjord country: the E39 hugs the coast with views of Pulpit Rock and Lysefjord. After the ferry, Denmark offers flat farmlands and the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea (accessible from Esbjerg). In Germany, explore the Hanseatic city of Lübeck (UNESCO) and the fairy-tale town of Bremen. Belgium rewards you with Bruges, a UNESCO medieval gem, before reaching Damme, a quaint canal-side town.

Natural highlights: the Lysefjord viewpoint at Øygardstølen (parking fee 150 NOK), the Wadden Sea mudflats, and the heathlands of Lüneburg Heath (Germany). For the best stops Stavanger to Damme, consider detouring to the Ems Dollart Region (Germany/Netherlands border).

• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike: 4 hours round trip, start from Jørpeland.
• Wadden Sea National Park: guided mudflat hiking tours from Tønder.
• Lüneburg Heath: purple heather blooms in August-September.

Local commerce along the route: in Norway, buy wool sweaters (lusekofte) at Stavanger's Øvre Holmegate street. In Denmark, try licorice (lakrids) and floral porcelain. Germany offers Autobahn rest stops with local bratwurst and beer. Belgium: chocolate shops in Bruges and Damme's book market (Damme is known as a book town).