Germany
Photo: Krister Brandser / Wikimedia Commons- 8
- Routes
- 7
- Ports
- 7h 22m
- Avg crossing
- 3
- Vessels
- 1990
- Founded
Color Line is Germany's mini-cruise to Norway, founded in 1990 and based in Oslo, Norway. It operates 8 ferry routes serving 7 ports in Germany. Its fleet includes Color Hybrid, SuperSpeed 1, SuperSpeed 2. Across its network, crossings average about 7h 22m.
Live board
Color Line departures today
Filtered to sailings that operate on today's date — open a departure for its full timetable.
Timetables
Which routes does Color Line operate?
8 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hirtshals → Kristiansand | 3h 14m | 3 / wk | 1 | Denmark |
| Hirtshals → Larvik | 3h 40m | 3 / wk | 1 | Denmark |
| Sandefjord → Strömstad | 2h 30m | 2 / wk | 1 | Norway |
| Strömstad → Sandefjord | 2h 30m | 2 / wk | 1 | Sweden |
| Kristiansand → Hirtshals | 3h 15m | 2 / wk | 1 | Norway |
| Larvik → Hirtshals | 3h 45m | 2 / wk | 1 | Norway |
| Kiel → Oslo | 20h | 1 / wk | 1 | Germany |
| Oslo → Kiel | 20h | 1 / wk | 1 | Norway |
Hirtshals2 routes
Kiel1 route
Kristiansand1 route
Larvik1 route
Oslo1 route
Sandefjord1 route
Strömstad1 route
Network
Where does Color Line sail?
Color Line sails to 7 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Cabins and suites
- Restaurants and bars
- Tax-free shopping
- Entertainment
- Kiel–Oslo: ~20 hours, one daily departure each way, year-round
- Operated by resort-style cruise-ferries Color Fantasy & Color Magic
- Germany's only scheduled Norway ferry link
- Marketed as a mini-cruise with extensive onboard shopping and dining
Fleet
Color Line fleet
3 vessels seen in our schedules.
- Color Hybrid
- SuperSpeed 1
- SuperSpeed 2
About
About Color Line
Color Line is Norway's largest ferry operator and runs Germany's only scheduled ferry link to Norway: the Kiel–Oslo route. The crossing takes roughly 20 hours, with a daily departure from Kiel — typically early afternoon — arriving in Oslo the following morning. It is operated by the large cruise-ferries Color Fantasy and Color Magic, designed as floating resorts with shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment.
Because of the long overnight duration and the ships' extensive facilities, the Kiel–Oslo route is marketed as much as a mini-cruise as a transport link, while still carrying cars and freight. It provides the main direct sea gateway between northern Germany and the Norwegian capital, sailing year-round with one crossing per day in each direction.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Color Line founded?
Color Line was founded in 1990, and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
Where does Color Line sail?
Color Line operates 8 ferry routes and serves 7 ports in Germany, including Hirtshals, Kiel, Kristiansand, Larvik, Oslo, Sandefjord, Strömstad.
What ships does Color Line operate?
Color Line's fleet seen in our schedules includes Color Hybrid, SuperSpeed 1, SuperSpeed 2.
What facilities are available on Color Line ferries?
Color Line ferries typically offer Cabins and suites, Restaurants and bars, Tax-free shopping, Entertainment. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Color Line ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Color Line departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Color Line.
How do I find Color Line ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Color Line route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Color Line before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 20, 2026.
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