Iceland Camper Road Trip - With the Norröna via the Faroe Islands to Iceland!
Iceland Camper Road Trip - To Iceland via the Faroe Islands with the Norröna!
Finally, the time has come. After extensive planning, countless hours of research, and many discussions, our grand Iceland adventure begins. Iceland has been at the top of our wish list for a long time, and now the day has arrived 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 the Norröna ferry by 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
- Crossing the North Atlantic with the Norröna
- 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!
- Entering 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 also arrive early. The anticipation is immense, as today marks the beginning of a journey we've long dreamed of. As the massive ferry lies before us, we realize for the first time just how far this journey will truly take us.
After check-in, we drive our camper van onto the vehicle deck. The ferry slowly fills up, and a special atmosphere is palpable everywhere. Many travelers share the same destination as us: Iceland.
A short time later, the ropes are cast off, and the Norröna slowly leaves the harbor. The coast of Denmark grows smaller and eventually disappears over the horizon. Before us lies the North Atlantic.
Crossing the North Atlantic with the Norröna
We spend the first few hours at sea 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 hustle, and no time pressure. Instead, the crossing immediately encourages deceleration.
With every kilometer north, our anticipation for 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 journeys at a glance
On our interactive travel map, you'll find pitches, sights, and highlights of our campervan trips through Europe.
Life on board the Norröna
The next morning, we take the opportunity to explore the Norröna more closely. The ship offers many more amenities than we initially expected.
Several restaurants cater to our culinary needs. 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 all ages, and a fitness area are also part of the facilities. For those who wish, a wellness and pool area can also be used.
Time passes much faster than expected. At the same time, we constantly enjoy the view of the open sea.
The Shetland Islands on the Horizon
Later in the day, the Shetland Islands appear on the horizon. Immediately, memories of our trip to Scotland resurface.
The view of the northernmost lighthouse in the United Kingdom is particularly impressive. The rugged landscape and steep coastlines fit perfectly with this remote region of the North.
As we stand on deck, enjoying the fresh sea air, we realize how far we have already traveled from home.
Although the Shetland Islands are only a brief segment 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 captivates us. The city feels calm, cozy, and incredibly authentic at the same time.
Walking through the streets, we discover small shops, traditional houses, and constant views 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 leads us to the historic fortress Skansin. The complex was built in 1580 and served to protect the city from pirate attacks.
Today, Skansin is one of the most famous landmarks of the Faroe Islands. From here, we enjoy a fantastic view over the harbor and the city.
The view of the Norröna, waiting in the harbor for its onward journey to Iceland, is particularly impressive.
We spend quite some time up here, enjoying the tranquility and the fantastic views.
Reyn & Tinganes – Historic Old Town
Afterward, we head to the historic districts of Reyn and Tinganes. The black wooden houses with their traditional turf roofs are among the most famous motifs of the Faroe Islands.
Walking through the narrow streets, 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's parliament met here over 1,000 years ago. Parts of the government are still located on this historic peninsula today.
The blend of history, tradition, and modern everyday life makes this place truly special.
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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 wake up early. Outside, a moment we've long awaited awaits us.
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 full of goosebumps. After all these years of dreaming, we finally see Iceland with our own eyes.
Entering Seyðisfjörður
The Norröna slowly sails deep into Seyðisfjörður. High mountains rise to 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 afterward, 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
Even the journey to Iceland was an experience in itself. 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, the anticipation for all that lies ahead grows.
Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, and countless other adventures await us. But we'll tell you all about those in the next parts of our Iceland series.
One thing we can say for sure: the journey has already been worth it.
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