Published: 23.11.2025
The alarm went off today at 04:20 AM. A time when you only get up if you have to. And we had to. The ferry in Kristiansand doesn't wait. The plan for today was ambitious, perhaps even crazy: From Southern Norway back home to Berlin. In one day. Almost 1000 kilometers.
We chose the large, 'comfortable' ferry to Hirtshals instead of the fast catamaran. That was the right decision. Norway bid us farewell just as it welcomed us: With radiant sunshine and calm seas. We stood on deck, watching the coast slowly disappear over the horizon, and were simply grateful for these three weeks.
My tip for the ferry: Treat yourself to a seat reservation! The seats in the lounge are super comfortable, you have your peace, and the extra cost is nothing compared to the usual Norway expenses. It’s the perfect place to recharge before the long car journey.
The drive through Denmark was uneventful – in a positive way. Traffic flowed, everyone was relaxed. We didn’t take long breaks, as the destination was Berlin. But as soon as we crossed the German border, everything changed.
You wouldn’t believe how much you get used to Scandinavian serenity in three weeks. And how brutal the impact with German reality is. As soon as we were on the German autobahn, the culture shock hit. Suddenly it was back: The aggression. High beams, tailgating, speeding. I have to say it plainly: The behavior of many drivers here feels simply antisocial after the time in the North. You really wonder: Why is everyone so stressed here? Why this elbow mentality? It was – to put it mildly – disgusting. After the mutual consideration in Norway, the A7 felt like a battleground.
The last hours were a struggle against sleepiness and frustration about the traffic. I kept asking myself: Why are you putting yourself through this? Why not an overnight stop? Do you regret it yet?
But the magnet 'home' was stronger. At 11:00 PM, after almost 19 hours on our feet and 1000 kilometers of asphalt, we rolled into Berlin. Dead tired, heads full of images of fjords, reindeer, and tunnels, but happy. We made it. The road trip is over; we are back home.
Summary of the day:
Ferry: Booking a seat is worth it!
Weather: Sunshine for the farewell.
Culture shock: German highways are a psychological stress test after Norway (high beams & co.).
Statistics: Start 04:20 AM -> Arrival 11:00 PM. 1000 km.
Status: Survived. Happy. Home.
