Stavanger to Spa: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Norway's E39 highway connects Stavanger to the ferry at Hirtshals, Denmark, after which the route continues south through Germany and Belgium to Spa. The entire drive spans approximately 1,200 km and takes around 14–16 hours excluding breaks and overnight stops.

Did you know that the E39 crosses the Lysefjord via a ferry? This narrow 42 km fjord is one of Norway's deepest, plunging 500 meters in places. The ferry ride from Stavanger to Hirtshals transforms a simple highway into a maritime adventure.

The route is well-maintained but presents unique challenges. Norway's E39 includes narrow sections and ferry crossings; plan around ferry schedules to avoid long waits. In Germany, the Autobahn has no speed limit on many stretches, but average speeds of 130–150 km/h are common.

For families, consider a stop at Legoland Billund (Denmark, near the A7) or the Phantasialand theme park near Cologne, Germany. Both offer child-friendly breaks from driving.

• Recommended rest zones: E39: the Kvinesdal rest area (playground, clean toilets). A7: the Ellerau service area near Hamburg (Kaiser's food court, fuel). A1: the Eifel rest area with panoramic views.
• Fatigue management: alternate drivers every 2 hours, use caffeine wisely, and always stop at service areas for 15-minute breaks. The Norwegian ferries are a natural rest period.
• Pet-friendly: most ferries accept pets in kennels. German rest stops have designated dog areas. Belgium's service areas are generally pet-friendly.

For hidden gems off the route, such as the remote Jostedalsbreen glacier or the medieval town of Tongeren, consult this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Norway's section offers dramatic fjords and mountains. The E39 passes close to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) viewpoint, a 604-meter cliff overlooking Lysefjord. Further south, the rugged coastline near Egersund features white sand beaches like Ogna.

• In Denmark, the landscape flattens to farmland and coastal dunes. Stop at Skagen, Denmark's northernmost point, where the North and Baltic seas meet in a spectacular surf.
• Germany's Schleswig-Holstein region is a patchwork of thatched-roof villages and wind turbines. The Lüneburg Heath (Heidschnuckenweg) is a blooming wonderland in August.
• Belgium's Ardennes bring rolling hills and dense forests. Spa lies within the High Fens nature reserve, known for peat bogs and hiking trails.
• Local commerce: buy fresh seafood in Norway (smoked salmon in Stavanger), Danish pastries in Ribe (oldest town), and Belgian chocolate in Spa.

The Stavanger-to-Spa drive splits into two main phases: the Norwegian/E39 leg ending at the Hirtshals ferry, and the continental drive south through Denmark, Germany, and Belgium.

• Stavanger to Hirtshals: take E39 south, passing Sandnes and Egersund. The ferry departure is from Kristiansand (2.5 hours from Stavanger) or direct from Stavanger (seasonal). Book the Color Line ferry in advance, especially in summer.
• After Hirtshals, follow E45 south through Denmark. Cross the German border at the A7 motorway. Continue on A7 to Hamburg, then switch to A1 towards Bremen, Cologne, and eventually A44/Utrecht direction to Spa in Belgium.
• Total fuel cost: approximately €150–€200 depending on vehicle. Toll roads in Belgium (via Tollticket) and Germany (no toll for cars).