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Driving a camper van from Germany to Norway

Greetings to all.
We plan to drive from north Germany to Oslo in August with a camper van.
I never drove in that area and I can see from the maps application that I can drive without using the ferry from Denmark to Sweden. My question is if there is anything I need to be aware of, while driving this route.

Posted by
32767 posts

just for others who may want to see this question, you have put Germany to Norway in the Sweden Forum which is sort of the other way if you take the ferry, if you hadn't noticed...

Posted by
8 posts

Indeed the trip is from Germany to Norway, but the tricky part of the trip is between Denmark and Sweden.
Actually the longest part of the trip is in Sweden.

Posted by
6396 posts

I'm not sure I'd say it's tricky between Denmark and Sweden. Take the bridge or one of the ferries. The problematic part is north of Gothenburg where the main road to Oslo was destroyed by a landslide a few months ago (images, scroll down a bit), hopefully it is fixed by August but I would not count on it.

Otherwise it's not that complicated, make sure you know the rules and follow them. And watch out for animals.

Posted by
8 posts

Between the bridge and the ferry, what would you suggest to choose? My camper van is 7m long.

Posted by
137 posts

There are congestion tax in Gothenburg (and toll roads in Norway). I think both can be paid here: https://www.epass24.com/
The bridge between Denmark and Sweden can be paid at a toll booth or paid online before you go.

Posted by
6396 posts

That is very much a matter of personal preference. The ferries have the advantage of breaking up the journey and giving you a bit of rest, and there are also overnight ferries you can use.

Posted by
7559 posts

Just asking, by "my camper van" you are talking about one you own or lease, not a rental? That may make a difference in route.

Posted by
8 posts

It is a rental. Please let me know what I should be aware of, because it's a rented one and I am not the owner.

Posted by
32767 posts

you'll need to check the exact terms and conditions of the rental - many do not permit taking the vehicle on a ferry or ferries.

You'll also need to check the need for an IDP - Germany requires a form in one of several formats, very easily met by IDP, so does France. I don't know about Denmark and further north into Norway, Sweden or Finland.

Posted by
7559 posts

In addition to checking if ferry travel is allowed, make sure they know the countries you are planning on. That may affect insurance required. I do not think any of the countries mentioned would be prohibited, but sometimes they do limit what countries you can enter with a rental (probably would not let you head to Ukraine for example right now).

Also if you were thinking of pickup in Germany and leaving the camper in Oslo, that may not be allowed, or will be prohibitively expensive.

Posted by
8 posts

Considering the distances and looking at the rental options, it looks a better option to stay between Sweden and Norway.
Ideally would be to rent the camper van in Stockholm and return in Bergen. I sent some emails to the rental companies and waiting for answers...

Posted by
125 posts

Let us know what they say. You'd be leaving it in another country, 1000 km from pickup.