Iceland Camper Road Trip - With the Norröna via the Faroe Islands to Iceland!
Iceland Camper Road Trip - With the Norröna via the Faroe Islands to Iceland!
Finally, the time has come. After long planning, countless research, and many discussions, our big Iceland adventure begins. Iceland has been at the top of our wish list for a long time, and now the day has come for us to set off.
Unlike many travelers, we are not flying to Iceland. We want to bring our own camper van, so we chose to cross with the Norröna of Smyril Line. From Hirtshals in Denmark, we will travel via the Faroe Islands to Seyðisfjörður in eastern Iceland.
Even the journey itself will be an experience we won't soon forget.
Table of Contents
- Departure from Hirtshals Ferry Port
- With the Norröna across the North Atlantic
- Life on Board the Norröna
- The Shetland Islands on the Horizon
- Tórshavn – Capital of the Faroe Islands
- Skansin – The Fortress above the Harbor
- Reyn & Tinganes – Historic Old Town
- Iceland in Sight!
- Entry into Seyðisfjörður
- Our Conclusion
Departure from Hirtshals Ferry Port
Hours before departure, the port of Hirtshals is bustling with activity. Camper vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and travelers from all over Europe are waiting to board the Norröna.
We are also there early. The anticipation is huge; after all, today marks the beginning of a journey we've been dreaming of for a long time. As the massive ferry lies before us, we realize for the first time how far the journey will actually take us.
After check-in, we roll our camper van onto the vehicle deck. The ferry slowly fills up, and you can feel the special atmosphere everywhere. Many travelers have the same destination as us: Iceland.
A short time later, the lines are cast off, and the Norröna slowly leaves the harbor. The coast of Denmark gets smaller and smaller and finally disappears on the horizon. The North Atlantic lies before us.
With the Norröna across the North Atlantic
We spend the first few hours at sea repeatedly on deck. The air is fresh, seagulls accompany the ship, and the sea initially shows its calm side.
It feels different from any other journey. No airport, no hectic rush, and no time pressure. Instead, the crossing decelerates from the very beginning.
With every kilometer north, the anticipation of what awaits us grows. We repeatedly stand at the railing and watch the sea. The vastness of the North Atlantic already impresses us.
In the evening, we wind down the day comfortably. We spend the first night at sea surprisingly peacefully and sleep much better than expected.
All our trips at a glance
On our interactive travel map, you will find pitches, sights, and highlights of our camper van trips through Europe.
Life on Board the Norröna
The next morning, we take the opportunity to explore the Norröna in more detail. The ship offers significantly more amenities than we originally expected.
Several restaurants cater to all tastes. From a large buffet restaurant to an à la carte restaurant, everything is available. There are also cafés, bars, and cozy lounges with sea views.
Various shops, an arcade for young and old, and a fitness area are also part of the facilities. If you wish, you can also use the wellness and pool area.
Time passes much faster than expected. At the same time, we repeatedly enjoy the view of the open sea.
The Shetland Islands on the Horizon
During the day, the Shetland Islands appear on the horizon. Memories of our Scotland trip immediately come to mind.
The view of the northernmost lighthouse in the United Kingdom is particularly impressive. The rugged landscape and steep coastlines perfectly match this remote region of the North.
As we stand on deck and enjoy the fresh sea air, we realize how far we are already from home.
Although the Shetland Islands are only a brief section of this journey, they remain a special highlight of the crossing.
Tórshavn – Capital of the Faroe Islands
Early the next morning, we reach the Faroe Islands. The Norröna docks in Tórshavn, and we have a few hours to explore the capital.
Tórshavn is one of Europe's smallest capitals and immediately charms us. The city feels calm, cozy, and incredibly authentic at the same time.
Strolling through the streets, we discover small shops, traditional houses, and always a view of the sea.
The atmosphere is unique. Although Tórshavn is a capital city, everything here feels much more relaxed than in most European cities.
Skansin – The Fortress above the Harbor
Our first stop is the historic Skansin fortress. The complex was built in 1580 and served to protect the city from pirate attacks.
Today, Skansin is one of the most famous sights of the Faroe Islands. From here, we enjoy a fantastic view over the harbor and the city.
Particularly impressive is the view of the Norröna, which waits in the harbor for its onward journey to Iceland.
We spend quite a while up here, enjoying the peace and quiet and the fantastic view.
Reyn & Tinganes – Historic Old Town
Afterward, we continue to the historic districts of Reyn and Tinganes. The black wooden houses with their traditional grass roofs are among the most famous motifs of the Faroe Islands.
Between the narrow alleys, you feel transported to another time. Many buildings date back to the Middle Ages and still shape the townscape today.
Tinganes in particular has a long history. The island parliament met here over 1,000 years ago. Even today, parts of the government are located on this historic peninsula.
The blend of history, tradition, and modern everyday life makes this place truly special.
Our personal travel equipment
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Iceland in Sight!
After our stay in the Faroe Islands, the Norröna continues its journey towards Iceland.
The next morning, we get up early. Outside, a moment awaits us that we have long been looking forward to.
The first snow-capped mountains of Iceland appear on the horizon. Waterfalls cascade down the slopes, and as if that weren't impressive enough, a beautiful rainbow greets us.
A moment of goosebumps. After all these years of dreaming, we finally see Iceland with our own eyes.
Entry into Seyðisfjörður
Slowly, the Norröna travels deep into Seyðisfjörður. High mountains rise on the left and right, and we discover waterfalls everywhere.
The landscape is overwhelming. The first few kilometers already show why Iceland is considered one of Europe's most spectacular travel destinations.
The closer we get to the harbor, the greater the anticipation. After several days at sea, the moment has finally arrived.
Shortly thereafter, we return to our camper van. The line of vehicles starts moving, and a little later, we leave the ferry.
Our Iceland camper road trip begins.
Our Conclusion
The journey to Iceland itself was an experience. The crossing with the Norröna, the Faroe Islands, and the first sighting of Iceland make this part of the trip truly special.
Tórshavn, Skansin, and the historic districts of Reyn and Tinganes captivated us. At the same time, our anticipation for everything that lies ahead is growing.
Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, and countless other adventures await us. But we'll tell you about those in the next parts of our Iceland series.
One thing we can say already: the journey has already been worthwhile.
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