There is one way to reach Iceland by ferry: the Smyril Line's Norröna, sailing from Hirtshals in northern Denmark, calling at the Faroe Islands, and terminating at Seyðisfjörður on Iceland's east coast. It is a serious open-ocean voyage rather than a quick hop, and for travellers wanting to bring a car, avoid flying, or turn the journey itself into part of the trip, it's a genuinely rewarding way to arrive.
Why take a ferry to Iceland at all
Flights from Europe to Reykjavík are short, frequent and often inexpensive, so the ferry is not the faster or cheaper option — it's the option for travellers who want to bring their own vehicle, prefer not to fly, or want to build in a stop at the Faroe Islands along the way. Since Iceland's public transport outside Reykjavík is limited, arriving with a car already gives you far more freedom to explore the Ring Road and F-roads without the cost and hassle of a long-term rental.
The route and how long it takes
The Norröna departs Hirtshals and sails to Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands first, a crossing of around 34–36 hours. Onward from Tórshavn to Seyðisfjörður is a further 16–18 hours. Combined, Denmark to Iceland is the best part of two days at sea, plus however long you choose to break the journey in the Faroes — many travellers do, since the stopover is included in the route and the islands are worth a detour in their own right. See the ferries to the Faroe Islands guide for full detail on that leg, cabins and what the crossing itself is like.
The Iceland extension of the route is seasonal — it typically runs through spring, summer and early autumn, and is reduced or suspended over winter. If your trip depends on reaching Iceland by sea, check the Smyril Line's current published schedule well before booking anything else, since the exact season varies from year to year.
Cabins and the voyage itself
With well over 48 hours between Denmark and Iceland including the Faroes stop, where you sleep matters. The Norröna offers cabins ranging from simple inside berths to more comfortable outside cabins with sea views, as well as cheaper reclining seats and basic couchette-style options favoured by backpackers and cyclists on a budget. On board there are restaurants, a cafeteria, a bar, and duty-free shopping, since both the Faroe Islands and, for this purpose, the ferry itself sit outside standard EU tax arrangements for part of the journey.
Rough seas are normal: this route crosses genuinely open North Atlantic water, and swell of several metres is unremarkable, especially outside high summer. Bring seasickness remedies and take them before symptoms start — an inside cabin is worth the extra cost if you're prone to it.
Taking a car to Iceland
Bringing a vehicle is one of the main reasons people choose the ferry over flying. The Norröna's vehicle decks carry cars, campervans and motorcycles, and having your own transport in Iceland removes the need for an expensive local rental — useful if you're planning a long stay or continuing on to explore the Faroes as well. Vehicle spaces should be booked well ahead of summer sailings, as they sell out faster than passenger berths. If it's your first time bringing a car on a long ferry crossing, the Viamo guide to taking a car on a ferry covers check-in procedure and what happens on the car deck.
Once in Iceland, note that many of the country's most scenic routes — the F-roads across the highlands in particular — require a 4x4 and are only open in summer. Check driving in Iceland before planning a route that depends on them, and see our guide to Iceland's Ring Road if you're planning to circle the whole island once you've arrived by ferry.
Fares and booking
Fares vary substantially by cabin grade, whether you bring a vehicle, and season — summer sailings cost noticeably more than shoulder-season crossings. Because the Norröna is the only ship on this route and departures are roughly weekly, popular summer sailings can sell out months ahead, particularly for cabins and vehicle space. If a specific outbound or return date matters — for a flight connection, a festival, or simply annual leave — book as early as the Smyril Line opens the season's schedule.
Getting to Hirtshals and arriving in Seyðisfjörður
Hirtshals is at the northern tip of Denmark's Jutland peninsula, reachable by train via Aalborg (itself around three hours from Copenhagen) or by road along the E45 motorway — see driving in Denmark for tolls and bridge crossings if you're arriving by car from further afield. Seyðisfjörður, at the Iceland end, is a small town on the east coast connected by road to Egilsstaðir and the Ring Road, but it is remote — allow a full day to reach Reykjavík by car if that's your onward plan, since it's a genuine cross-country drive rather than a short transfer.
Combining Denmark, the Faroes and Iceland in one trip
Because the Norröna calls at Tórshavn en route, this is one of the very few ways to combine mainland Europe, the Faroe Islands and Iceland into a single overland-and-sea itinerary without flying at all. A typical pattern is: drive or train to Hirtshals, sail to the Faroes and spend a few days, rejoin the ship to Iceland, tour by car, then fly home from Reykjavík or sail back the way you came. It suits slow travellers more than anyone on a tight schedule, given the time the sea legs alone consume.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct ferry from mainland Europe to Iceland?
Not a direct one — the Smyril Line's Norröna sails from Hirtshals in Denmark to Iceland via a stop in the Faroe Islands. There is no ferry that skips the Faroes call.
How long does the ferry to Iceland take?
Hirtshals to Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) takes around 34–36 hours, and Tórshavn to Seyðisfjörður a further 16–18 hours, so allow roughly two days at sea in total, plus any time you spend ashore in the Faroes.
Does the ferry to Iceland run all year?
The Iceland extension is seasonal, typically operating from spring through early autumn, and is reduced or not offered over winter. Always check the Smyril Line's current schedule, since the exact season varies year to year.
Can I bring my car on the ferry to Iceland?
Yes. The Norröna carries cars, campervans and motorcycles, and many travellers choose the ferry specifically to have their own vehicle in Iceland. Book vehicle space well ahead of summer sailings.
Sources and further reading:
- Timetables, cabins and fares: Smyril Line (smyrilline.com).
- The Faroe Islands leg in detail: Viamo guide to ferries to the Faroe Islands.
- Driving once in Iceland: Viamo guide to driving in Iceland.
- Vehicle ferry logistics: taking a car on a ferry.