Stavanger to Norwich Road Trip Guide: Ferry, Fjords & English Countryside

The Stavanger to Norwich journey is one of the most distinctive in Europe, combining a scenic drive through Norway's rugged southwest with a North Sea ferry crossing and a final leg through the rolling English countryside. The route includes the E39 highway from Stavanger to Kristiansand, a 3.5-hour ferry across the North Sea to Hirtshals, Denmark, then a drive through Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands to catch the ferry from Hoek van Holland to Harwich, England, followed by a 2-hour drive to Norwich. Total driving time (excluding ferries) is about 12-14 hours, but factoring in waits and crossings, plan for at least 24 hours of travel.

One fascinating detail: the E39 between Stavanger and Kristiansand includes the longest underwater tunnel in the world, the Ryfast tunnel system, which plunges 292 meters below sea level. This engineering marvel cuts 40 minutes off the journey compared to the old ferry route.

Planning your fuel stops and ferry bookings is critical. In Norway, petrol stations are spaced every 30-50 km on the E39; in Denmark and Germany, every 10-20 km. Diesel is prevalent; electric charging stations are common in all countries, but require specific RFID cards for some networks. Toll roads exist in Norway (e.g., the Ryfast tunnel costs about €50) and in England (e.g., Dartford Crossing). Consider an electronic tag for Norwegian tolls.

For more on finding hidden gems and efficient stops, check this guide.

• Ferry booking: Color Line (Kristiansand-Hirtshals) and Stena Line (Hoek van Holland-Harwich). Book weeks ahead in summer.
• Fuel costs: Norway ~€2.10/L, Denmark ~€1.70/L, Germany ~€1.60/L, UK ~€1.80/L. Fill up in Germany for best price.
• Vignettes: No vignette needed in Norway or Denmark; Germany requires a vignette (Umwelt sticker) for low-emission zones, about €7. UK has congestion charges but not along this route.

The Norwegian leg offers fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. The most striking is the Lysefjord, accessible via a detour from Stavanger. The Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is a 4-hour round hike; for a shorter stop, view the fjord from the ferry or a scenic viewpoint near Oanes. Along the E39, consider the 18th-century ironworks at Eidsfoss, a hidden glimpse into Norway's industrial past.

Denmark's flat, arable landscape contrasts sharply: vast fields of wheat and wind turbines. A detour to Rold Skov, Denmark's largest forest, is rewarding. Germany's E45 is efficient but monotonous; consider a break at the Wadden Sea National Park (UNESCO), where vast mudflats form a unique ecosystem. In England, the Norfolk Broads (UNESCO candidate) offer marshlands and waterways perfect for a breather before Norwich.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites near route: Bryggen (Bergen, extra 3 hours from Stavanger); Wadden Sea (Denmark/Germany); Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City (England, far detour). Most accessible: Urnes Stave Church (Norway, 4-hour drive from Stavanger).
• Local commerce: In Stavanger, visit the fish market for fresh seafood; in Denmark, stop at a Brugsen supermarket for local cheese; in Germany, buy Haribo gummy bears cheaply; in England, pick up Norfolk lavender from farm shops near Norwich.

Road quality is excellent throughout, with well-maintained highways and clear signage. In Norway, watch for narrow tunnels and ferry ramps; in Denmark and Germany, beware of speeding cameras. In England, tight country lanes near Norwich require caution. Keep a High-Vis vest (required in France, but not in these countries, but advisable). Emergency numbers: 112 throughout EU and UK; 110 in Germany for police.

For families, the coast around Hirtshals features a sandy beach; Skallerup Klit Feriecenter is a large children's activity park near the port. In Germany, the Hansa-Park amusement park is near the E45, but the most convenient stop is a Legoland Billund detour (extra 2 hours). On the English side, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is child-friendly and near the A47.

Pets: Most Scandinavian ferries allow dogs in designated areas (Color Line has kennels and indoor pet lounges). UK ferries require pets to stay in the car on the vehicle deck, except some lines with pet-friendly cabins. Ensure pet passport/rabies vaccination is up-to-date for EU entry. Service stations in all countries have grassy areas for walks.

Fatigue management: The monotony of the E45 in Germany can cause drowsiness. Plan for a stop every 2 hours. The rest area 'Achtum' (near Hildesheim) has a playground and restaurant. The Danmarks Brugsen near Ribe offers quiet tables. For an overnight stay midway, consider the town of Flensburg, Germany, where the hotel 'Hotel am Fjord' has secure parking. Alternatively, the ferry itself provides a rest break—book a cabin on the night crossing from Hoek van Holland.

• Hidden off-route spots: The abandoned radar station on the coast near Hirtshals (Mårups Plantage). In Germany, the 13th-century Ebstorf Abbey with its world map. In England, the village of Wymondham with a 900-year-old priory.
• Climatic conditions: Norway's west coast is rainy; bring waterproofs. Denmark and Germany are temperate; fog common near coasts. The UK is unpredictable; plan for sudden showers even in summer. Best months: May-September for daylight and mild weather.