Moving to Scandinavia
Planning a move to Scandinavia – to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland or Iceland? This overview page shows you what the region has in common and where the countries differ. Hartmann International has been organising international moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, our own fleet and reliable routes to the north.
Your move to Scandinavia – everything from a single source
Whether it is a city flat in Stockholm or Copenhagen, a house near Oslo or a summer cottage in Finland – we plan your move to Scandinavia from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle packing, transport, insurance and, on request, the complete relocation service from a single source. For your specific destination country you will find the matching country page further down.
- International private removals – flat, house, full service
- Company and employee relocations worldwide
- Sea, air and road freight incl. container loading
- Customs clearance & export/import documents
- Part-load shipments & storage in our own facilities
- Moving boxes, packing material & furniture dis-/assembly
- Disposal of items you no longer need
- AMÖ-, FIDI- & FAIM-certified international standards
One-stop move
From packing to customs clearance – one dedicated contact for your move abroad.
International expertise
Scandinavia is one of our established northern routes: by truck over the Öresund Bridge and on the Baltic ferries to Sweden, Denmark and Finland, by ship to Iceland – we know the routes to the north.
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to Scandinavia
Scandinavia is close yet diverse: Sweden, Denmark and Finland are part of the EU, while Norway and Iceland are outside it. This results in different routes and formalities – for both transport and customs. On this page we give you the overview; the details for your country are on the linked country pages.
From the first consultation to setting up your new home, we take care of everything: we plan your move, supply packing material and moving boxes, pack professionally, organise the transport to the north and reassemble your furniture at the destination – on request as transport only or as a complete full service with part load, storage and relocation service.
Transport routes to Scandinavia
We mainly need pure container sea freight within Scandinavia for Iceland: we ship your household goods there packed securely in a container. For the mainland and the large islands we use the Baltic ferries, on which the truck travels directly on board – so your goods stay on board without reloading.
Air freight is rarely necessary for nearby Scandinavia. It only makes sense for very urgent individual shipments – for example if a few important items need to be in Stockholm, Copenhagen or Oslo immediately. For Iceland, air freight can complement sea freight. We advise you whether the extra effort is worthwhile.
The truck is the backbone of almost all Scandinavian moves. To Denmark we go overland or via the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry; to Sweden over the Öresund Bridge or by the Rostock–Trelleborg ferry; to Norway via Denmark/Sweden or by the Kiel–Oslo ferry; to Finland we combine the road route with the Travemünde–Helsinki ferry. That way we reach Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki usually within a few days, depending on the departure and route.
Move stress-free with Hartmann International
Since 1856 we have accompanied you at every step – from the personal consultation through the binding fixed-price quote to furniture assembly at your destination. Your goods are covered by the statutory carrier liability; on request we arrange extended transport insurance at replacement value. We work with permanent, fairly paid staff and our own fleet instead of subcontractors.
With our relocation service we take the official paperwork off your hands – registration looks a little different in each Scandinavian country. We support you with, among other things, finding a home, residence registration and personal number, bank account, insurance and connecting electricity and internet. We also offer a straightforward private move or storage between moving out and in.
Your international move in 5 steps
Enquiry
Free of charge by form, e-mail or phone.
Consultation & survey
We record volume, transport route and customs requirements.
Fixed-price quote
Transparent & in writing, incl. transport and customs.
Transport
Packing, loading and shipping by sea, air or road.
Delivery & assembly
Delivery, unpacking and furniture assembly at the destination.
Customs & documents in Scandinavia – EU and non-EU
For customs, Scandinavia splits into two groups: Sweden, Denmark and Finland are part of the EU – the free movement of goods applies, there are no customs duties and the transport is possible without customs clearance. What matters here is mainly registering at your new residence and obtaining the relevant personal number.
Norway and Iceland are outside the EU: here a customs declaration with an inventory list is required. When you relocate your residence, your removal goods are usually exempt from duties, provided you meet the required proofs and deadlines. We handle the clearance and tell you in advance which documents to have ready.
What does a move to Scandinavia cost?
The cost depends mainly on the volume, the destination country and region (e.g. Copenhagen in the south of Denmark or northern Norway), the chosen route (bridge, Baltic ferry or sea freight to Iceland) and the services you choose. A useful lever is the part load: you share the loading space and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for international moves – especially as the routes differ markedly from country to country. After a short assessment – by phone, video or on site – you therefore receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs, including transport, packing as well as toll, ferry and, where applicable, customs costs.
Calculate your moving costs online
Use our online moving calculator to get a non-binding first estimate for your international move in just a few minutes – volume, distance and services step by step.
Prefer a personal touch? Request a free quote ›
Good to know about your international move
Container sizes
A 20-foot container holds about 30 m³ (roughly a 2–3-room flat), a 40-foot container about 60 m³ (a whole house).
Part-loads save money
With a part-load you share the cargo space with other shipments and pay only your share – ideal for smaller volumes and some flexibility on timing.
Plan ahead
Plan your move ideally 2–3 months in advance, or 3–6 months for overseas – for customs applications and sailing/flight schedules.
Insurance
Every transport is covered by carrier liability; for international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value.
Import restrictions
Not everything may be imported – certain foods, plants, medicines or weapons are restricted. We tell you in advance what can go on the inventory list.
Pets & vehicles
Cars, motorcycles and pets can come along too – pet transport is handled by specialised partners; we tell you which documents are required.
Tip: our moving checklist helps with planning. Transit times depend on destination and transport route – mainland Europe usually a few days, overseas several weeks; we state the exact timeframe in your quote.
Our reference projects
Real international moves, real results – a selection of our international and European projects.
Full-service move from Frankfurt to Vitrolles
Mehr erfahren ›
Move from China to Herzebrock-Clarholz
Mehr erfahren ›
Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in Scandinavia you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on the right country and route, on customs and scheduling, and coordinate everything from a single source.
Move well prepared – with our checklist
Keep every step in view: our free moving checklist guides you from planning to move-in through all the key to-dos – deadlines, re-registration, no-parking zones and packing.
Request your free quote now
Ready for your move to Scandinavia? We will get back to you promptly with a fair fixed-price quote – by phone on +49 5251 87500-0 or directly via our form.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries does Scandinavia cover – and what is this page for?
This overview page covers the region: Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland as well as Iceland. It gives you the overview of routes, customs and process. For your specific destination country you will find dedicated, detailed pages – for example moving to Sweden (/en/private-removals/relocation-in-europe/moving-to-sweden/) or moving to Denmark (/en/private-removals/relocation-in-europe/moving-to-denmark/).
Which Scandinavian countries are in the EU and which are not?
Sweden, Denmark and Finland are part of the EU – the free movement of goods applies with no customs. Norway and Iceland are outside the EU; there a customs declaration with an inventory list is required. Removal goods are usually exempt from duties when you relocate your residence, provided the proofs and deadlines are met.
Are there customs duties for a move to Scandinavia?
That depends on the destination country. For Sweden, Denmark and Finland (EU) there are no customs duties. For Norway and Iceland (non-EU) a customs declaration is required; your removal goods usually remain exempt from duties when relocating your residence. We handle the customs clearance and advise you on the necessary proofs.
Which ferries does a move to Scandinavia use?
Depending on the destination we use the Baltic ferries: Puttgarden–Rødby and the Öresund Bridge to Denmark/Sweden, Rostock–Trelleborg to Sweden, Kiel–Oslo to Norway and Travemünde–Helsinki to Finland. The truck travels directly on board, so your goods are not reloaded. To Iceland we go by container sea freight.
How long does a move to Scandinavia take?
To Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland your goods usually arrive by truck and ferry within a few days, depending on the departure and route. For Iceland the sea crossing is added, so allow one to several weeks depending on the route. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
How does a move to Iceland work?
We reach Iceland by sea freight: we pack your household goods securely, load them in a 20- or 40-foot container and organise the shipping and delivery to your door. As Iceland is outside the EU, we also handle the customs declaration with an inventory list.
Can I also transport only part (part load) to Scandinavia?
Yes. With a part load you share the loading space with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option if you are flexible on timing. On the established northern routes a part load can often be bundled well.
Are my belongings insured on the way to Scandinavia?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. For international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request – this applies to the road route as well as to the sea freight to Iceland.
Do you also handle the official paperwork in Scandinavia?
With our relocation service we support you with finding a home, residence registration and personal number, bank account, insurance as well as electricity and internet. Registration looks a little different in each country – we clarify the details to match your destination country.
How do I recognise a reputable company for Scandinavian moves?
By certifications such as AMÖ, FIDI and FAIM, a transparent written fixed-price quote, in-house staff and adequate insurance cover. Hartmann International has been operating since 1856 and is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews.
What our customers say
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„After our practice relocated a year ago and that went excellently too, I have now also moved privately with Hartmann.”
Hartmann International is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews on ProvenExpert.
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regionally, across Europe and worldwide
From Paderborn we organise your move to Scandinavia, throughout Europe and worldwide.