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Did you know that you can take a luxurious overnight ferry from Norway to Germany? That’s right! Skip the flight and catch a ferry from Oslo to Kiel any day of the week, departing at 14:00. Think of this route less like a ferry, and more like a mini cruise, as the crossing averages 20h.
Ticket prices begin at €315.00 and go up to €624.00. Passengers traveling between September and February also have a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights during the ferry journey! Secure your ferry tickets to Kiel right here on Ferryscanner.
Ferry companies from Oslo to Kiel
The Oslo to Kiel route is operated by Color Line. Check out this week's crossings to Germany below, sorted by price.
Oslo to Kiel ferry schedule
The ferry schedule and timetable for Oslo to Kiel in Germany runs consistently year-round, though the number of weekly crossings may vary by season. Here's an overview to help you plan your trip:
Can I take a ferry from Oslo to Kiel, Germany?
Yes, and it's unlike almost any other ferry crossing in Europe! Color Line operates two giant cruise ferries on this route, Color Fantasy and Color Magic, with daily departures at 14:00 from both cities and arrivals at 10:00 the following morning. It's the only direct route between Norway and Germany, and the 20-hour crossing feels every bit like a mini-cruise: eight restaurants, a spa, a casino, a two-deck nightclub, an Aqualand water zone, and a full theatrical show every evening.
How long is the ferry from Oslo, Norway to Kiel, Germany?
The crossing from Oslo to Kiel takes around 20 hours in total; approximately 332 nautical miles (614 km). The route passes through the Skagerrak and Kattegat straits before reaching the Baltic Sea, finishing at Kiel, a city that also sits at the eastern end of the famous Kiel Canal, the 98km waterway connecting the North Sea to the Baltic. Since Color Line is the only operator on this route, travel times are consistent year-round. That said, the Skagerrak can occasionally be choppy, so if you're prone to motion sickness, it's worth coming prepared.
When booking your Oslo to Kiel ferry on Ferryscanner, look for the recommended option. Our algorithm surfaces the most direct routes, best travel times, and e-ticket availability so you can spend less time comparing and more time packing!
What's the best ferry from Oslo to Kiel, Germany?
The two vessels that operate this route–Color Magic and Color Fantasy–are twin ships with no meaningful difference between them. You can expect the same great amenities and experience aboard either vessel you choose for your trip from Oslo to Kiel!
Is a day trip from Oslo to Kiel an option?
No, sadly a day trip from Oslo to Kiel in Germany isn’t possible, as the ferry takes 20h, and there’s no return ferry on the same day. We’d recommend you plan to stay overnight in Kiel. You can use our ferry search and booking system to check return trips and see the Kiel to Oslo ferry route for schedules and details.
Are there any night ferries from Oslo to Kiel, Germany?
Yes, all the ferries from Oslo to Kiel run overnight. Before you head to your cozy cabin, you can stay up and explore all the entertainment options the company offers. Grab dinner at one of the restaurants, unwind at the spa, browse the duty-free shops, catch a live show, or dance the night away at the onboard club. By the time you arrive, you'll feel like you've already had a mini holiday.
This summary for the Oslo to Kiel in Germany route is based on recent data and is updated regularly. However, schedules may vary depending on seasonal changes, ferry companies, and availability. For the most accurate and detailed ferry timetable, including routes, stops, and pricing, please check out our ferry search and booking system.
Ferry prices, offers and discounts from Oslo to Kiel
Peak season (June to September) tends to see higher demand and higher fares, so if you're travelling in summer, booking early is the best way to lock in a good rate. Outside peak season, you'll generally find more availability and better prices.
Ferry ticket prices from Oslo, Norway to Kiel, Germany range from €315.00 to €624.00 for foot passengers with vehicles coming in at around €321.93 on average. Cabins and premium options cost extra, and prices vary depending on the type of cabin, the season, and how far in advance you book One thing to keep in mind: this route requires passengers to have a cabin, so there's no foot-passenger-only option in the traditional sense — your ticket will always include accommodation. That's actually good news, because it means you're already covered for the night.
Ferry Offers
There are some worthwhile discounts to know about on the Oslo to Kiel route. Children between 4 and 15 travel at 50% off, and kids under 3 sail completely free. During school holiday periods, up to 2 children aged 4–15 can even travel free of charge when sharing a cabin with 2 adults. It's one of the most family-friendly ferry routes in Europe. Any valid offers are automatically applied when you book through Ferryscanner for your trip to Kiel, Germany, so there's no need to hunt for codes. To stay on top of the latest deals, follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.
Choose your ferry from Oslo to Kiel
Boarding your ferry from Oslo to Kiel, Germany
Display the text below this line, respect the markdowns. A smooth boarding starts with good timing. The ferry departs daily at 14:00, arriving at your destination at 10:00 the next morning, so here's what to keep in mind before you go:
Arrive on time: If you're travelling without a vehicle, aim to arrive at the port at least 60 minutes before departure. Travelling with a car? Give yourself 120 minutes — check-in for vehicles takes a little longer.
What you'll need at check-in: Bring a valid ID and your booking number. Since this is an international route connecting Norway and Germany, we strongly recommend travelling with a passport — some places in Norway only accept passports as valid ID, so a national ID card may not always be enough.
Money on board: The ships accept both EUR and NOK for any onboard purchases, so no need to worry about exchanging currency before you sail.
Get these sorted in advance and all that's left to do is step on board, find your cabin, and let the journey begin.
Traveling from Oslo to Kiel on foot
Whether you're walking on or bringing a vehicle, this route has you covered. Both ships accommodate foot passengers and vehicles, and getting around on board is easy. There are lifts that connect every deck, all common areas are wheelchair accessible, and most guests with reduced mobility can travel unaccompanied without any issues.
Foot passengers should arrive at least 60 minutes before departure, while those travelling with a vehicle need to allow at least 120 minutes for check-in. If you're parking on the car deck, please remember to deactivate your vehicle's alarm system before leaving it as the noise can cause stress to animals being transported on the same deck.
For extra peace of mind, you can add a Flexi Cancellation or SMS Notification package during the booking process, a small addition that can save you a lot of stress down the line!
Can I take a car on the ferry from Oslo to Kiel?
Yes, you can take your car on the Oslo to Kiel, Germany route. Both Color Fantasy and Color Magic have large car decks, with capacity for up to 750 and 550 vehicles respectively, so finding space for yours is rarely an issue (but not impossible!). Vehicle transport starts from €46.80, with the final price depending on vehicle type and time of year.
- FANTASY- Color Line
- MAGIC- Color Line
The cost of transporting a vehicle starts at €46.80 and depends on the vehicle type and time of year, essentially. A few things to keep in mind before you board: all vehicles must be booked by height and length; loose fuel cans are not permitted on board; and access to the car deck is locked during the crossing, so take everything you need with you when you leave your vehicle. Smoking on the car deck is strictly prohibited.
Motorcycles and bicycles
Traveling on two wheels? Both Color Fantasy and Color Magic welcome motorcycles and bicycles on the Oslo to Kiel, Germany route. Rates for motorcycles are tailored by vehicle type, and bicycles are often carried free of charge (any applicable costs will be shown at checkout).
Other vehicles
Minibuses, campervans, motorhomes, and vans are all accepted on ferries from Oslo to Kiel, Germany. If you're bringing a campervan or motorhome, make sure the main gas supply is closed before boarding and remains closed throughout the crossing. All vehicles must be booked according to their overall height and length, and loose fuel cans are not permitted on board.
Luggage on board
Color Line is generous when it comes to luggage. Foot passengers can bring up to 50kg on board, and if you're traveling with a vehicle, whatever fits in the car comes with you.
- FANTASY, MAGIC: Up to 50kg per passenger.
Both Color Fantasy and Color Magic have designated luggage storage areas, so there's no need to haul everything to your cabin for the crossing. When you store your bags, make sure they're clearly labelled and placed in the area indicated by the crew. That said, keep the essentials close to hand: medication, travel documents, and valuables should stay with you rather than disappearing into the hold for 20 hours. If you're traveling with oversized items or an unusually heavy load, it's worth contacting our customer support team before you travel to confirm everything is in order.
Cabins onboard
Cabins are required for your overnight trip from Oslo to Kiel. All cabins on both Color Fantasy and Color Magic sit above the car deck and come with a private bathroom and TV, so even the entry-level option is a comfortable one.
Standard inside cabins are the most affordable choice and do not have windows, while ocean view and promenade view cabins add a bit of natural light and scenery. Color Class cabins are more spacious than standard, and include breakfast served in the à la carte restaurant, a minibar, and Wi-Fi. At the top end, Color Suites come with a private seating area, free spa access, VIP lounge entry, early boarding from 11:00, and breakfast with panoramic views in the Observation Club on Deck 15. The Owner's Suite is the flagship option, with a separate bedroom, living area, and large ocean-facing windows.
Special cabins from Oslo to Kiel
Connecting cabins, wheelchair-accessible rooms, allergy-friendly cabins, and baby cots for infants are also available. The best cabins sell out early, so it's worth booking ahead, especially in summer.
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes, you can bring your pet on the ferry from Oslo to Kiel, but each ferry company may have its own rules. General guidelines:
- Dogs can travel either in your car or in one of the onboard kennels on the car deck, where food and water bowls are provided. Cats and other small pets must remain in the vehicle throughout the crossing. Pets are not permitted in cabins or common areas at any point during the journey.
- If your dog is in the kennel, you can visit during set visiting hours (17:00, 20:30, and 07:15). Please note that space in the kennel is limited.
- Since this is an international crossing between Germany and Norway, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must carry their own travel documents. We recommend consulting a vet well in advance to make sure all requirements are met before you travel.
If you’re unsure, check the ferry company’s page on our website or contact our support team for help.
Traveling from Oslo to Kiel, Germany: Tips for the ferry crossing that feels like a cruise
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Traveling from Oslo to Kiel is one of the most unique ways to go from Norway to Germany.
Unlike shorter ferry routes, this crossing takes around 20 hours, sailing overnight through the North Sea and along the Norwegian coast. While the route is generally stable, weather conditions can occasionally affect the journey, particularly in autumn and winter. Delays are rare but possible, so a little flexibility is always recommended.
As this is an international route between Norway and Germany, your travel documents will be checked at boarding. We strongly recommend traveling with a passport — some places in Norway do not accept national ID cards as valid identification, so it's not worth the risk.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, make sure your car insurance covers international travel. It's also worth checking that your vehicle documentation is in order before you set off, as both Norwegian and German authorities may request it.
Finally, on board both Color Magic and Color Fantasy, payments are accepted in EUR and NOK. There's no need to worry about currency before you sail — just bring either and you're covered for everything from dinner to duty-free shopping.
Visit our blog for more tips and ideas to make the most of your trip to Kiel, Germany.
Finding your way to the Oslo ferry port
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On the day of your trip, please arrive at the Port of Oslo at least 60 minutes before departure if you're travelling on foot, or 120 minutes if you're bringing a vehicle especially during busy periods like summer weekends and public holidays.
The terminal is located in the Filipstad neighbourhood (Filipstadveien 25), easily reachable by public transport. Bus lines 30, 31 and 42 stop nearby, and the closest metro stops are Filipstad and Skillebekk. If you're driving into Oslo from other cities, the terminal is well signposted from both the E6 and E18 motorways — follow signs for Hjortnes or the ferry terminal once you're in the city. Paid parking is available on site, though spaces fill up quickly in peak season.
For travellers arriving in Kiel, the terminal at Norwegenkai is just a 10-minute walk from the Central Railway Station, with the bus station right beside it. Short and long-term parking is available at the terminal, with a covered long-term garage a short walk away.
Once at either port, follow the signs and staff instructions to your check-in area, and remember that this is an international crossing — have your passport and booking number ready before you arrive!
Discovering Kiel, Germany
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Stepping off the ferry in Kiel at 10:00 in the morning, you're already in the right place to start exploring. The terminal is right next to the city centre, so there's no time wasted getting there.
Kiel is a maritime city sitting on a 17-kilometre fjord, and everything about it reflects that — from its naval history to its laid-back waterfront culture. Here are a few highlights worth your time:
Kiellinie promenade: A 3.5 km waterfront walk lined with restaurants, cafés and boat houses, with views of the fjord and Kiel's iconic goliath cranes. The perfect way to stretch your legs after the crossing.
Kiel Maritime Museum: Housed in a historic fish auction hall, it tells the story of the city's seafaring past through fishing boats, nautical instruments, and maritime paintings.
The Kiel Canal: The busiest artificial waterway on the planet, connecting the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. You can watch enormous ships pass through from the banks — surprisingly mesmerising.
Kiel Week: If you're visiting in late June, the city hosts one of the world's largest sailing regattas, drawing millions of visitors with live music, food markets, tall ships, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Local food tip: Kiel's traditional delicacy is smoked sprats — a type of small herring, caught and smoked locally. Worth trying at one of the harbour restaurants before you head on.
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Explore the ferries operating between Oslo, Norway and Kiel, Germany.
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