Ferry to Iceland

A dream for many Icelandic enthusiasts: taking the own car to beautiful Iceland, no weight limits for the luggage and, if taking a van, always having an accommodation with you!

But what needs to be considered for the trip? We have summarized some information:

The ferry to Iceland departs from Hirtshals in northern Denmark and arrives at Seyðisfjörður, eastern Iceland. The crossing takes 2 – 2.5 days (depending on the length of stay on the Faroe Islands) and runs weekly between Iceland and Denmark.

The trip can be booked online via the website of Smyril Line, which is currently (so far as we know) the only provider of a trip via ferry to Iceland (https://www.smyrilline.de). The shipping company’s “Norröna” has been renovated in recent years and some areas have been completely rebuilt. You can now find new seating places on deck at the front of the ship with additional wind protection that invites you to linger. There is also a newly added lounge on the top deck, with many deep windows, which gives you a real “cruise feeling” due to the panorama view.

Concerning the cabins, you can choose between shared rooms or even suites with windows. When it comes to vehicles, there isn’t quite as much choice – the height and width of the vehicle determine the size category (small – medium – large) and accordingly also the cost of the crossing.

A breakfast buffet and two restaurants are provided for catering on board, which can be booked individually in advance or on the ferry.

3 hot tubs on deck with a view of the open sea ensure sufficient relaxation on the crossing and those who wish to exercise can use the fitness room below deck as well as the pool or even the sauna afterwards!

The process:

• It is recommended to arrive in Hirtshals 2 hours before departure.
• The first stop on the way to the ship is a control station, like a toll control. Upon presentation of a valid identity card and the travel confirmation (printed out or on mobile phone), you will receive the line number on which you then have to park your vehicle, as well as a sign with all important information (height category of the car, snake number), which you put on your rear-view mirror. The cabin card will also be handed out.
• After being sorted into the correct queue, pilots assist in entering the ferry in the correct order, according to the height and length of the vehicle.
• On deck, the cabins will be occupied as soon as the vehicles have been parked.

Now the vacation can begin!

• Depending on the season, a short (1 hour) or longer (approx. 7 hours) stay at the Farorer Islands takes place after approx. 1 day of the trip. During the longer stop, the ship can be left, and the harbor and the immediate vicinity can be discovered. During the one-hour stop, on the other hand, you stay on board.
• The cabins need to be left about 1.5 hours before arrival in Iceland so that they can be cleaned in time for the following guests.
• The remaining time until reaching Seyðisfjörður is then spent in the café, on deck or sitting on board, as appropriate.
• As soon as the parking decks are opened, the pilots coordinate an orderly exit from the parking deck and with leaving the ship, you are driving on Icelandic soil!
• There is still one “hurdle” to overcome: the tax and customs control in Iceland. This is where it pays off for those who have complied with the applicable import regulations, registered their vehicle for a long stay or even a permanent import and have adhered to other applicable rules.

From experience, we can summarize the following points that may be important to know beforehand:

• The cost of the crossing varies greatly depending on the time of year and it is advisable to book well in advance, as prices could increase just before the start of the journey if there is high demand.
• As the vehicles are left immediately after parking, it is advisable to have your fully packed luggage within reach.
• Vehicles are parked very close together – as you may not have access to the boot/all doors, it is advisable to stow all luggage in the front accessible area of ​​the car before arriving in Hirtshals.
• After departure, it is no longer possible to access the parking decks – so make sure you have all your important luggage with you before the ship departs.
• Important: Apply the handbrake!
• In principle, as much luggage as possible can be taken with you, provided that the applicable regulations are observed regarding the import of goods and alcohol/meat etc. (ADAC Webiste).
• Depending on the wind conditions, the swell can be clearly felt by “landlubbers” (especially after the Faroe Islands on the open Atlantic) (travel pills are not a bad idea in any case).

Summarized:

• Since the crossing takes 2 – 2.5 days (each way), a boat trip is worthwhile, if your vocational time is at least as long as the trip with the ferry.
• The costs vary depending on the size of the car and can at best cost as much as flights to Iceland, but they can also cost several thousand euros, also depending on the booked comfort (shared cabin/suite) and pre-booked meals.
• Anyways, for many travelers, a trip through Iceland with your own, beloved car cannot be replaced by any rental car in the world! 🙂

… You have already traveled to Iceland by ferry? – Share your experiences with the Icelandic horse community and send us an email to info@undra.net. We look forward to your message!