Last November, we set off for a long weekend in Copenhagen and took the opportunity to embark on a cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo with DFDS. More than just an overnight journey of about twelve hours, it is also, and above all, a delightful cruise aboard a comfortable ferry that boasts numerous amenities to ensure a wonderful experience.
Onboard the DFDS ferry
In Copenhagen, it’s 4:00 PM, and the cruise ship is departing from the capital’s port, sailing away from the Danish coast towards the North, heading for Oslo as the sunset unfolds. We take advantage of the departure and the landscapes unfolding from the upper deck. Now we’re off, ready to explore this sea giant. Before embarking on this mini-cruise, we expected a simple ferry crossing with outdated cabins, a self-service restaurant, and perhaps a small bar… Well, it turns out you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover! It’s indeed a true cruise ship where you can relax and enjoy all the onboard entertainment and quality services!
The ferry has over 600 cabins on different levels, ranging from standard (90€) to high-end cabins (400€), catering to all budgets. You can savor delicious meals in the six onboard restaurants, offering a wide variety of specialties in a modern and elegant setting. Excellent service and top-quality dishes with beautiful presentation.
After dinner, there are numerous alternatives to extend the evening. Whether you want entertainment, fun, a party, or just relaxation, there’s something for everyone. You can have a beer at the Irish pub while listening to musicians, attend a concert in the performance hall, let loose on the dance floor of the discotheque, shop in a large duty-free store, relax in one of the heated pools in the Bubble Zone, try your luck at the casino, or even have a car race in a video game simulator! There’s truly something for everyone.
The arrival in Oslo
Early in the morning, we perceive the dawn’s light through the cabin, and even before having breakfast, we rush to the upper deck to admire the Norwegian coastline (the fjords) at high speed. We revel in the breathtaking landscapes unfolding before our eyes—the calm sea, the multicolored forests in this autumnal period, and the charming fishermen’s houses. What a spectacle!
We then savor a hearty breakfast, with a wide selection of sweet and savory options, including a variety of fruit juices, yogurts, cereals, bread, and more—a feast that energizes us for the exciting day ahead exploring Oslo.
A little over an hour later, we finally arrive at the port of Oslo, and the light fog gives way to a clear sky. The ferry port is only about a fifteen-minute walk from the city center of Oslo. Once in the city, we head to reserve spots for a 2-hour sea excursion in the Oslo fjord aboard an old sailboat with the company FJORD SIGHTSEEING. The fare is 269 NOK, or 28€ per person, and departures are at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. Great, we have our tickets for the 1:00 PM departure, leaving us the entire morning to enjoy the capital and explore its main highlights.
We begin with a visit to the famous Nobel Peace Center, a powerful and intense experience. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the numerous laureates and their work. We then stroll along the port at Aker Brygge, a lively and friendly district with many bar and restaurant terraces, as well as beautiful modern buildings, some with an industrial style. It’s the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere!
Next, we head to the grand boulevard Karl Johans Gate, the central artery of the city, lined with numerous shops and colorful buildings. We traverse the small green park of Spikersuppa and then make our way to the Royal Palace, strolling through its gardens. Knowing that it’s impossible to see everything in Oslo in just one day, there’s no need to rush. We make the most of it, taking our time to enjoy the city to the fullest!
It’s almost 1:00 PM, and we head back to the pier where the beautiful sailboat awaits to explore the Oslo fjord and its islands. Two relaxing hours pass by as we sail past the Oslo Opera House, renowned for its bold and contemporary architecture. We venture away from the city to admire the stunning landscapes and observe the charming colorful fishermen’s houses—a postcard-worthy setting. Undoubtedly, it’s the best activity in Oslo, highly recommended!
And there it is, already 4:00 PM, and it’s time to board the DFDS ferry for the return journey to Copenhagen, with the overnight crossing ahead. Once again, we savor the beautiful sunset, with memories filling our minds and a slight disappointment at not having stayed longer.
Travel suggestion / itinerary
We recommend exploring Copenhagen for 4 days, taking the DFDS ferry to Oslo, and continuing the adventure in Norway by traveling to Bergen, for example, either by train or by exploring more remote areas. Finally, you can return to France from Oslo Airport.