Caravan or motorhome on the ferry
Declaring length and height, gas, and which route suits you
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Camping guide
Caravan or motorhome on the ferry
Taking a caravan or motorhome on the boat saves days of driving, but booking works a little differently from a car alone. Here’s what to watch out for so you don’t get any surprises at check-in.
Researched by Arjan from Zuidlaren, so you don’t have to · Sources: ANWB, Statens vegvesen, Naturvårdsverket · updated 24 October 2026 · About this page
- Declare the total length and height, including a bike rack
- Follow the ferry company’s instructions on gas
- Compare routes from Germany and Denmark
Booking
📏 Declaring length and height correctly
Ferry companies charge vehicles by the dimensions of your rig. Measure the total length (car plus caravan, or motorhome) including any bike rack or box, and the height including any roof box. If it doesn’t match, the ferry company may charge extra or refuse to take you; the ferry company’s terms are what count.
On board
🔥 Gas during the crossing
Ferry companies have rules for gas bottles on board, for example that the valve must be closed during the crossing. Read those rules when booking and follow the crew’s instructions.
Whether you can have a Dutch gas bottle refilled or swapped in Scandinavia depends on the bottle type and the country. Ask the ANWB (the Dutch motoring club) or your campsite. (source: ANWB)
Crossings
🗺️ Which crossing?
From Kiel and Travemünde you sail to Norway, Sweden or Finland; from northern Denmark (Hirtshals, Frederikshavn) the crossing to Norway or Sweden is shorter. You’ll find all routes side by side under ferries.
On the road
🛣️ Touring Scandinavia with a caravan
In Norway some roads are narrow and steep, and mountain roads can be closed in spring and autumn. Check the current situation with Statens vegvesen. (source: Statens vegvesen)
Spending the night in a motorhome outside campsites: in Sweden, according to Naturvårdsverket, you may stay one night in a roadside car park; in Iceland it isn’t allowed outside campsites. (source: Naturvårdsverket, Umhverfisstofnun (Environment Agency of Iceland)) You can find motorhome spots through Park4Night, for example.
Quick to sort
✅ Sorted before you leave
Handy to sort out or look at straight away:
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to include the bike rack in the length?
Yes, declare the total length of your rig, including any bike rack or box. The ferry company’s terms are what count.
Can I spend the night anywhere in a motorhome?
No. In Sweden one night in a roadside car park is allowed (Naturvårdsverket); in Iceland not outside campsites (Umhverfisstofnun).
Accountability
📚 Sources
Every number and every rule on this page comes from a source. Here they all are in one place, checked on 24 October 2026. We only mention prices if the provider publishes them itself; otherwise we refer you to the official website.
View 5 sources
- anwb.nl: ANWB
- vegvesen.no: Statens vegvesen: traffic information
- naturvardsverket.se: Naturvårdsverket: husvagn, husbil och tältning
- ust.is: Umhverfisstofnun (Environment Agency of Iceland)
- park4night.com: Park4Night
💛 To be upfront: this page contains a few affiliate links, marked “Advertisement · affiliate link”. If you book through one, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. That’s how we keep this site running. We decide for ourselves what we recommend. Read the full disclaimer.