Short answer: a yacht delivery to Norway usually crosses the Skagerrak from Denmark or Sweden into the Oslofjord or to the southern coast around Kristiansand, or comes across the North Sea from Scotland or the Shetlands to the west coast. The best season is May to September. Norway is in Schengen but not in the EU, so a yacht moving into Norway leaves the EU customs area — a visiting yacht can use Norwegian waters tax-free, while a yacht bought by a Norwegian resident must be imported.
Norway has one of the longest and most beautiful coastlines in Europe, a strong boating culture and a large market for both sailing and motor yachts. Many Norwegian owners buy yachts in Sweden, Denmark, Germany or the Mediterranean and need them brought home — and many yachts leave Norway each year for the south. With our Scandinavian background, Norwegian waters are home ground for us.
Routes to Norway
Across the Skagerrak from Denmark
The most common route. From Skagen or Hirtshals at the northern tip of Denmark to Kristiansand is around 70–80 nautical miles; to the Oslofjord it is around 100–120. It is usually a day or a night at sea. The Skagerrak can build a short, steep sea in strong westerlies, so the crossing is timed with the forecast.
Along the Swedish west coast
From Gothenburg, the route follows the sheltered Bohuslän archipelago north to Strömstad and crosses into the Oslofjord. This is a good option for yachts coming from the Baltic or through the Göta Canal. Read our Baltic and Scandinavia guide.
Across the North Sea to the west coast
Yachts heading for Bergen, Stavanger or the fjords sometimes cross directly from Scotland or the Shetlands — Lerwick to Bergen is around 180 nautical miles. This is an open-sea passage and needs a good weather window.
From the Mediterranean or Germany
Yachts coming from further south usually reach Denmark through the Kiel Canal or around Skagen, then cross the Skagerrak. Our Scandinavia–Mediterranean guide covers the full route in the other direction.
Sailing along the Norwegian coast
Inside the skerries, the Norwegian coast offers long stretches of sheltered water, but the open sections — such as around Lindesnes in the far south and the Stad peninsula on the west coast — can be rough, with steep seas where the current meets the wind. Tidal streams are generally weak in the south, but the water is cold all year and the days are very short in winter. We plan deliveries for May to September and use the sheltered inner leads where possible.
Customs: visiting yachts and imports
- Visiting yachts: a foreign yacht used privately by a person who does not live in Norway can usually be used in Norwegian waters without paying tax, and does not need to report to customs on arrival if the conditions are met.
- Norwegian residents: a foreign-registered yacht may not be used by someone permanently resident in Norway. A yacht bought abroad by a Norwegian resident must be declared to Norwegian Customs and imported, and Norwegian VAT is normally due.
- Leaving a yacht in Norway: foreign owners who want to store a yacht in Norway for a longer period may need to apply to Norwegian Customs.
- Alcohol and tobacco: Norway has strict duty-free allowances, which also apply to stores on board.
- Leaving Norway for the EU: the yacht re-enters the EU customs area at her first EU port, and her VAT status must be documented.
Our guide to buying a yacht abroad and bringing her home covers the steps for a purchase.
Skipper qualifications
Foreign-flagged yachts follow the rules of their flag state for the skipper’s qualifications, and the ICC is widely accepted in Norway. Norway also has strict rules on alcohol for anyone in charge of a boat — another reason to leave the delivery to a professional crew.
Yacht delivery to Norway with Nordic Crew Worldwide
Our Scandinavian captains know the Skagerrak, the Oslofjord and the Norwegian coast well. We deliver sailing yachts, motor yachts and catamarans to and from Norway, plan the crossing around the forecast and help you with the customs paperwork for an import. All deliveries are covered by our own professional skipper insurance. Request a quote for a delivery to or from Norway — or read about our services på norsk.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sail a yacht from Denmark to Norway?
From Skagen or Hirtshals to Kristiansand is around 70–80 nautical miles and to the Oslofjord around 100–120 — usually a day or a night at sea.
Does a foreign yacht have to clear customs in Norway?
A yacht used privately by a non-resident usually does not have to report on arrival if the conditions are met. A yacht imported by a Norwegian resident must be declared.
Do Norwegians pay VAT on a yacht bought abroad?
Normally yes. A yacht bought abroad by a Norwegian resident must be imported, and Norwegian VAT is normally due on import.
When is the best time for a yacht delivery to Norway?
May to September. Outside this period the days are short, the water is cold and autumn gales are frequent.