Stavanger to Schwerin Road Trip: A Detailed Guide

The Stavanger to Schwerin road trip is a 1,200-kilometer adventure that begins at Norway's fjord-lined southwest coast and ends at the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's lake district. This route requires two ferry crossings: Stavanger to Hirtshals, Denmark (via Fjord Line or Color Line, 11 hours overnight), and then Puttgarden to Rødby, Denmark (45 minutes). The drive itself is around 10 hours excluding ferries, but counting them it spans about 14 hours of travel.

Few travelers realize that the E39 highway between Stavanger and Kristiansand runs through some of Norway's most dramatic coastal scenery, including the iconic Lysefjord with the Preikestolen cliff. The route from Stavanger to Schwerin crosses three countries and transitions from rugged fjords to flat Danish farmlands and finally to German forested lakelands. The best stops Stavanger to Schwerin include the charming town of Ribe in Denmark, the UNESCO site of Lübeck, and the historic city of Schwerin itself.

For those wondering how long to drive Stavanger to Schwerin, the pure driving time is approximately 10 hours, but factoring in ferries, border crossings, and rest stops, plan for a full two days with an overnight in Denmark. Is it worth driving Stavanger to Schwerin? Absolutely—it's one of the few routes that combines fjords, Viking history, and German Renaissance architecture in a single trip. To find the best hidden gems along the way, use our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route showcases three distinct natural landscapes. Starting in Stavanger, the fjords of Lysefjord and Boknafjord dominate, with steep cliffs and deep blue water. The E39 passes through the rugged interior of Rogaland with heather-covered hills. As you approach Kristiansand, the landscape softens into pine forests and sandy beaches.

Denmark offers flat agricultural land, but the Wadden Sea along the west coast is a UNESCO site with tidal flats and birdlife. The island of Lolland (where Rødby is) is low-lying with dairy farms and wind turbines. In Germany, the region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is characterized by hundreds of lakes, rolling hills, and beech forests. Schwerin itself is built around a lake and has a beautiful castle on an island.

• Lysefjord: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) viewpoint – 1 hour detour from Stavanger
• Wadden Sea: National Park – best in summer for seal colonies
• Lübeck: UNESCO old town with brick Gothic architecture
• Schwerin Castle: Renaissance palace on Lake Schwerin

Local commerce along the route reflects each region. In Norway, roadside kiosks sell smoked salmon and wool sweaters. Danish markets offer fresh butter, pastries, and design items. German towns have small breweries, honey farms, and pottery. A must-stop is the Ribe Farmers' Market on Saturdays. In Schwerin, the Schwerin Market Square has local crafts and regional food like Mecklenburg fish soup.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Wadden Sea (Denmark) and Lübeck's old town (Germany). The Viking Heritage in Ribe (Denmark) is not UNESCO but worth a visit. For a hidden gem, the island of Fehmarn in Germany has a marine center and great beaches.

The journey from Stavanger to Schwerin involves multiple road types. In Norway, the E39 is a two-lane highway with many tunnels and ferries; speed limits are 80 km/h typical. Denmark's E45/E20 are well-paved motorways with 130 km/h limits. Germany's A1 and A24 are autobahn sections with no speed limit in places but recommended 130 km/h.

Fuel costs vary significantly: Norway has the highest (around 20 NOK/liter), Denmark is moderate (15 DKK/liter), and Germany is cheapest (1.8 EUR/liter). Plan to fill up in Germany if possible. Tolls: Norway has tolls on E39 (billed via AutoPASS), Denmark has none on this route, Germany has none for cars. Ferries can be booked online; prices from 300-800 NOK per crossing.

• Stavanger to Kristiansand: 3 tunnels, 1 ferry (Lavik-Oppedal, included in E39)
• Kristiansand–Hirtshals: Fjord Line overnight ferry (cabins recommended)
• Hirtshals to Puttgarden: E45/E20, 350 km, 1 toll (Storebælt Bridge, 275 DKK one-way)
• Puttgarden–Rødby: Scandlines ferry (25 EUR)
• Rødby to Schwerin: A1/A24, 200 km, no tolls

Border crossings are Schengen, so no passport control but random checks possible. Ensure your vehicle has a valid vignette for Norway (toll pass) and a UK sticker if from UK. The route is well signposted; use GPS but note that some Norwegian ferries require schedule awareness. For accommodation, book a cabin on the overnight ferry; in Denmark, consider staying in Ribe or Kolding. Schwerin offers many hotels near the lake.

Things to do between Stavanger and Schwerin include visiting the Legoland Billund in Denmark, the Wadden Sea National Park, and the old town of Lübeck. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, stop at the medieval town of Wismar before Schwerin.

Road quality is generally excellent throughout: Norway's E39 is well-maintained but has many narrow tunnels and sections with blind corners; drive with headlights on. Denmark's highways are wide and smooth. German autobahns are asphault-perfect but watch for sudden speed limit changes. Speed cameras are frequent in Norway and Denmark; Germany uses radar on construction zones.

Fatigue management is critical given the long ferry rides and driving time. The overnight ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals allows sleep. In Denmark, take breaks at service centers along the E45, which have cafés and clean restrooms. The recommended maximum driving per day is 500 km; break this route into two days with an overnight in the Kolding area or trip to Ribe.

• Rest stops: Norwegian 'rasteplass' are scenic but basic (toilets only)
• Danish 'servicestationer' have shops, fuel, and fast food
• German 'Raststätte' offer restaurants and showers
• Family-friendly: Legoland Billund (Denmark) is a 30-min detour near Kolding
• Pet-friendly: Most ferries accept dogs; German hotels often allow pets

For family suitability, the route offers many kid-friendly attractions. The Legoland in Billund is a top pick; also the Djurs Sommerland in Denmark. In Germany, the Hansa-Park near Sierksdorf is a large amusement park. For a quieter time, the beach at Warnemünde (near Rostock) is sandy and shallow. Child restraint laws: Norway requires rear-facing until age 4; Denmark and Germany require booster seats until 135 cm.

Pet-friendly framework: Dogs on the ferry need a reservation and must be kept in a crate in the car; some cabins allow pets. In Denmark and Germany, many hotels accept dogs for a small fee. Norway has strict quarantine-free entry for pets from EU/EEA but requires microchip and rabies vaccination. Be mindful of heat in summer; never leave pets in a car.

Hidden off-route spots include the Glücksburg Castle near the Danish border, the white cliffs of Møn (if you take a detour), and the Schwerin Lake for a boat trip. For fatigue management, consider the 'power nap' service at German rest stops (some have nap pods).