The crossing from Norway to Germany

Arrival in KielKielView from the cabinPromenade on the ferryCoffee and cake on the ferryFram MuseumOslo Harbor

You have to “read” the pictures from bottom to top—that’s the correct order.
We had wonderful weather when we set sail.

Great photos! Blue skies in Norway—gray skies in Germany. Doesn’t that make saying goodbye a little harder? How long does the ferry ride from Oslo to Kiel take?

Hi ruthk, it’s an overnight trip. You leave Oslo at 2:00 p.m. and arrive in Kiel at 10:00 a.m.
You’ll need a cabin since you’ll be spending the night on board. It’s the large ferry, the Color Line. The Stena Line is the smaller one.

Wow, Andrea, great photos! I’m so glad you took the time to share your memories of the crossing with us. It makes us all feel like we’re there just a tiny bit.

I never would have thought the promenade on the ferry was sooo big. It looks just like a real shopping mall. Still, you must have had a very strange feeling on this trip back to Germany. It inevitably brings to mind the time you set out when you emigrated from Germany to Norway.

But since your return was a conscious decision—one you thought long and hard about—the joy will eventually outweigh everything else. Everything in life has its time. And no one can take your memories away from you. Only beautiful new ones can be added.

Warm regards, Ina

Hi Andrea,

You’re showing us some great photos here—thanks for that.
Were you able to sleep on the ferry? I’m sure there was a mix of excitement and wistfulness.

The promenade really is a mile long. You’re sure to find everything you need there (or don’t need…wink).

Even if Kiel didn’t welcome you with perfect weather, it must have been a great feeling to be back on home soil.

Best regards
Marlies

Marlies, Ina, ruthk; yes, that’s right. There was a bit of tension, and when we arrived in Kiel, we couldn’t quite believe that we were back on German soil. We couldn’t help but jump for joy. We made it. The weight of the last few days just fell away.

On this big ferry, you need a cabin. After all, you’re traveling overnight.
I spent my last few kroner on a wonderful perfume. I saved a small amount of kroner as a souvenir.

So we’re turning a new page in our lives. Despite some initial disasters, there’s nothing better than being back home with parents, children, and relatives.

I’m glad I got to share those last moments with you.

Thank you again, Andrea, for sharing this with us.
I’m also amazed by the sheer size of a ferry like this.

@Monika
The ferries are 223.75 m long and 35 m wide. The Fantasy can accommodate up to 2,600 passengers, and the Magic can accommodate 2,800 passengers.

The Color Line can hold 2,315 passengers—that’s the one we took across. It’s truly massive.
The very first time I traveled on the Color Line, I really felt like I was on the Titanic or in a shopping mall. It was an overwhelming experience. I had just started working at the hotel when the anniversary cruise was organized through work. The food there was like at a gala dinner—small bites, multiple courses—and yet you still ended up feeling full.
I still think back on that experience often. There was even a show and cocktails; everything was reserved just for us. That was in early 2013.

Thanks for the measurements, you two. It’s truly massive and hard to imagine unless you’ve seen and experienced it for yourself.