Stavanger to Dordrecht: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Stavanger to Dordrecht spans roughly 1,200 kilometers, crossing Norway, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. A unique geographic quirk: the E39 highway from Stavanger to Kristiansand includes seven ferry crossings, making it one of Europe's most ferry-intensive road segments.

The drive typically takes 14-16 hours of pure driving time, excluding ferries and stops. Many travelers wonder how long to drive Stavanger to Dordrecht and is it worth driving Stavanger to Dordrecht; the answer depends on your appetite for remarkable scenery and cultural immersion.

The main highways are E39, E20, and A1. From Stavanger, follow E39 south through ferry crossings at Lauvvik–Oanes, Arsvågen–Mortavika, and Halhjem–Sandvikvåg. After Kristiansand, take E18 to Oslo, then E6 to Svinesund bridge into Sweden. Continue on E20 across the Øresund Bridge to Denmark, then E45 to Hamburg. From Hamburg, A1 takes you directly to Dordrecht.

• Estimated driving time: 14-16 hours without stops.
• Ferry costs: about €100-150 for a standard car.
• Tolls: Norway has many tolls; order AutoPASS for discounts.
• Fuel prices vary: Norway ~€2.0/L, Germany ~€1.7/L, Netherlands ~€1.8/L.
• Best fuel stops: tank in Sweden or Germany for savings.

Norwegian roads are well-maintained but sinuous; winter tires are mandatory from November to March. In Germany, beware of unlimited Autobahn speeds. Family-friendly stops include Legoland Billund (Denmark) and Efteling amusement park (Netherlands). For child breaks, the ferry rides alone are an adventure.

• Fatigue management: plan a stop every 2 hours. Use rest areas like Raststätte Dammer Berge on A1.
• Pet-friendly: most Norwegian ferries accept pets in designated areas; Dutch hotels often welcome dogs.
• Safety: emergency numbers 112 (EU) and 110 (German police).
• Hidden off-route spot: the island of Hvar (not recommended, too far). Instead, try Hirtshals' aquarium in Denmark.

For more on finding unexpected gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Norway's fjords dominate the first leg: Lysefjord near Stavanger and the dramatic cliffs of Preikestolen. The E39 winds through coastal heathlands and past glacial lakes. In Denmark, flat farmlands and windmills replace mountains. Germany's Lüneburg Heath offers purple blooms in August. The Netherlands' polders and canals complete the transition.

Local commerce along the route includes farm shops selling smoked salmon in Norway, Danish bakeries with wienerbrød, and German Christmas markets (seasonal). For best stops Stavanger to Dordrecht, consider a detour to Odense (Hans Christian Andersen's house) or Bremen's Schnoor quarter.