The Norrona docks in Seydisfjordur, making it a natural entry point for Eastfjords tours before continuing deeper into the country. As the only passenger and car ferry linking Iceland with mainland Europe, the Norrona offers a practical way to bring your own vehicle while also enjoying a relaxed pace of travel.
Within Iceland, domestic ferries play an important role in connecting regions. The Baldur route connects the ferry from Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords, while the return ferry from the Westfjords to Snaefellsnes saves hours of driving time.
These crossings are often combined with Snaefellsnes tours or longer Westfjords tours, opening access to some of Iceland’s most scenic and remote areas. Taking the ferry also adds a welcome break to long drives, with coastal views and small island stops along the way.
Key Takeaways
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The Norrona ferry is run by Smyril Line and sails from Denmark via the Faroe Islands to Seydisfjordur in East Iceland.
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The Herjolfur ferry runs between Landeyjahofn and the Westman Islands, using Thorlakshofn as a backup port in bad weather.
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The Baldur ferry links Stykkisholmur and Brjanslaekur with a stop at Flatey Island.
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The Grimsey ferry, called Saefari, sails from Dalvik to Grimsey Island, the only part of Iceland inside the Arctic Circle.
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The Norrona has cabins, restaurants, shops, and lounges, while domestic ferries usually only have seating areas and cafes.
International Ferry to Iceland From Denmark
The Norrona ferry, run by Smyril Line, is the only passenger and car ferry to Iceland that connects the country with mainland Europe. Smyril Line is a Faroese company that has been sailing these North Atlantic routes for decades, linking Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland.
The ferry is a popular choice for travelers who want to visit the Faroe Islands or enjoy a slower, scenic journey at sea. It is also favored by people who want to bring a car to Iceland, since it allows you to travel with your own vehicle or camper.
Norrona Ferry Schedule and Routes
The Denmark to Iceland ferry starts in Hirtshals and stops in Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. From there, the ship continues across the North Atlantic to Seydisfjordur, a small town in Iceland’s Eastfjords. The trip takes about two to three days and is comfortable, with cabins, restaurants, and lounges on board.
The ferry sails all year between Denmark and the Faroe Islands, usually once a week. In summer, there are often two weekly departures. Direct sailings to Iceland are seasonal, usually running from spring to autumn, and are always subject to the official Iceland ferry schedule.
Norrona Ferry Cabins, Food, and Facilities
The Norrona ferry has different cabins, dining options, and facilities to make the two to three-day trip comfortable.
Cabins on the Norrona Ferry
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Shared room with bunk beds: The most affordable option, where you stay in a room with other travelers.
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Inside cabin: A private cabin without a window, offering privacy at a lower cost.
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Outside cabin: A private cabin with a window and sea view, priced higher than inside cabins.
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Suite: A larger cabin with extra space and more comfort.
Food and Dining
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Buffet restaurant: An all-you-can-eat option with hot and cold dishes.
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Sit-down restaurant: A full-service restaurant with table service.
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Cafes and bars: Spots for snacks, small meals, coffee, and drinks.
Onboard Facilities
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A small swimming pool and fitness area.
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A cinema with films during the trip.
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A children’s play area.
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A shop selling snacks, travel items, and duty-free goods.
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Lounges and deck areas for relaxing and enjoying the sea views.
Bringing a Car or Camper on the Norrona Ferry
One of the biggest advantages of the Norrona ferry is that it allows you to bring a car to Iceland. This makes it popular with road trippers who want to explore Iceland or the Faroe Islands with their own vehicle instead of renting.
The ferry can carry cars, motorcycles, campervans, and larger vehicles. When booking, you enter the type and size of your vehicle so that the right space is reserved. Prices increase with the size of the vehicle, and traveling with a camper usually costs more than bringing a standard car.
If you are traveling in the summer, it is very important to book early. Vehicle spaces are limited, and they often sell out months in advance.
Prices for the Denmark to Iceland Ferry
The prices below are rough estimates and can change with the season, cabin type, and whether you bring a vehicle. Use them as a guide before checking the official booking system for exact fares, so you know what to expect when planning your trip.
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Basic bunk bed in a shared cabin: The cheapest option, costing about 130 USD one way, where you share the room with other travelers.
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Inside cabin: A private cabin with its own bathroom but no window. Prices usually start around 200 USD to 300 USD one way, and can be more if you travel with a car or book in summer.
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Outside cabin: Similar to an inside cabin, but with a window so you get natural light and sea views. It costs more than an inside cabin.
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Suite: The most spacious and comfortable choice, with a separate living area. This is the most expensive option, and the price changes a lot depending on the season.
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
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Meals: Food is not included in the ticket price. You can buy meal packages when booking or pay separately at the buffet, restaurant, or cafes.
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Upgrades: Choosing an outside cabin or a suite increases the total cost.
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Vehicles: Bringing larger vehicles, such as campers or vans, costs more than a standard car.
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Pets: Traveling with a dog or other pet requires an extra fee.
Seasonal Pricing
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Spring and autumn: Prices are lower because demand is lighter.
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Summer (June–August): Fares are highest during these months, and tickets often sell out.
How To Book the Norrona Ferry
Booking the Norrona ferry is simple, but planning ahead is important, especially if you want to bring a car to Iceland or are traveling in summer when cabins sell out quickly. You can book directly through Smyril Line’s official website, where you choose your route, dates, and cabin type.
Here are the key steps to follow:
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Choose your route and dates: Select Denmark–Faroe Islands, Denmark–Iceland, or both. Make sure the dates work with your travel plans.
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Add passengers and vehicles: Enter the number of travelers and, if needed, add your car, camper, motorcycle, or bicycle.
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Select your cabin: Options include inside cabins (no window, cheapest), outside cabins (with a window and sea view), or shared bunk cabins (budget option).
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Add extras if needed: There are meals, Wi-Fi, or packages that include hotels or tours.
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Confirm and pay: Enter traveler details, add a vehicle if you’re bringing one, and complete payment. Save your booking confirmation for check-in at Hirtshals.
Tip: Outside cabins and vehicle spaces often sell out months before departure. If you are traveling in peak summer, book as early as possible. A good rule is to reserve at least 3 to 6 months ahead. For the most up-to-date schedules, cabin options, and prices, it is best to check the Smyril Line website before booking.
What To Expect at Each Port
The journey on the Norrona ferry includes three ports: Hirtshals in Denmark, Torshavn in the Faroe Islands, and Seydisfjordur in Iceland. Each stop has its own character: the busy port town in Denmark, the colorful harbor in the Faroes, and the dramatic fjord setting in East Iceland.
Knowing how each port works helps both drivers and foot passengers get the most out of the trip.
Hirtshals, Denmark
If you are driving, check in with your vehicle documents and follow the staff instructions to board. Drivers are guided into the correct lanes before entering the car deck. During the trip, vehicles stay locked, and passengers cannot return to them until arrival.
If you are a foot passenger, check in separately and board the ship on foot. Staff will direct you to luggage storage if needed before you head to your cabin or seat.
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Most sailings include a stop in Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Drivers can disembark if their ticket includes a layover long enough to explore by car. Roads are well-maintained, and fuel stations are available in town.
Foot passengers can also easily explore. The ferry terminal is close to the city center, where you can walk to shops, cafes, and the old harbor area. Check your sailing schedule in advance, as not every stop allows enough time to leave the port.
Seydisfjordur, Iceland
On arrival in Seydisfjordur, drivers exit directly onto the road. The town is small, with colorful wooden houses and a few basic services such as a grocery store, cafes, and a single gas station. It is mainly known as the gateway port for the ferry to Iceland.
The road out of Seydisfjordur is the Fjardaraheidi Pass, a steep mountain route that links the port to Egilsstadir, the main service town in East Iceland. Egilsstadir has several gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants, and it is where most travelers stock up before continuing their journey.
Outside of Egilsstadir, fuel stations in East Iceland are limited and often far apart, so it is a good idea to fill your tank before setting out. The drive over Fjardaraheidi usually takes less than an hour, but the road is steep and often foggy, and snow is possible outside of summer. Make sure your vehicle is prepared for mountain driving.
For foot passengers, there are local buses that run between Seydisfjordur and Egilsstadir. From Egilsstadir, longer bus routes connect to other parts of Iceland. Rental cars and taxis are also available in Egilsstadir if you want more flexibility.
- See also the Ultimate Guide to Driving in Iceland and Towns to Visit in the Eastfjords
- Discover the Best Places to Visit in East Iceland and the Ultimate Guide to the Eastfjords
Beyond the Norrona: Domestic Ferries in Iceland
In addition to the international ferry to Iceland, several Icelandic domestic ferries connect towns, islands, and remote hiking areas. These ferries can save you time on long drives, give you access to hard-to-reach places, or offer a scenic trip at sea. Below are the main ferry routes in Iceland that travelers should know.
Baldur Ferry (Stykkisholmur - Flatey - Brjanslaekur)
The Baldur Ferry in Iceland connects Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Brjanslaekur in the southern Westfjords. It is one of the main travel links between the two regions, cutting the journey to about half the time of the 5 to 6-hour drive around Breidafjordur Bay.
Stykkisholmur is a fishing town with a colorful harbor, seafood restaurants, and small shops where you can stock up before the journey. Brjanslaekur is a tiny port with only basic services, but it sits close to natural hot springs like Hellulaug and makes a convenient entry point to the Westfjords.
On the way, the ferry stops at Flatey Island, a car-free island with traditional cottages and abundant birdlife. Only a handful of people live here in summer, and most visitors come for the quiet atmosphere and seabird colonies.
Key Details for Travelers
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Travel time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes without a Flatey stop.
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Operation schedule: Runs year-round, but summer has more departures and higher demand.
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Cars: You can bring your car, though many leave it behind and enjoy a stop on Flatey.
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Price: Around 55 USD per adult one way; cars start at about 65 USD.
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Facilities: Indoor seating, toilets, and a small cafe.
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Booking: Tickets can be booked online through Ferjuleidir.
- Discover Snaefellsnes' Best Cafes & the Top Things To Do in Snaefellsnes
- Check out the Ultimate Guide to the Westfjords
Herjolfur Ferry to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
The Herjolfur Ferry connects Landeyjahofn, a small port on Iceland’s South Coast, with Heimaey, the main island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). It is the most common way for travelers to reach the islands and makes the trip much quicker than by air or longer sea routes.
At Landeyjahofn, the ferry terminal has parking, a waiting area, and basic facilities. The port is easy to reach from Iceland’s South Coast, and on arrival at Heimaey, the ferry docks right in the main town, putting shops and services within walking distance.
Heimaey has plenty to see once you step off the ferry. Highlights include the Eldheimar Museum, which tells the story of the 1973 volcanic eruption, and the chance to hike up Eldfell Volcano for sweeping views of the island.
In summer, the cliffs just outside town are home to puffin colonies, making the island one of the best places in Iceland for bird-watching.
Key Details for Travelers
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Travel time: It takes about 35–40 minutes.
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Operation schedule: Operates year-round, though sailings may switch from Landeyjahofn to Thorlakshofn in winter or rough seas (takes about 2 hours, more expensive).
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Cars: You can bring a car, but many travelers prefer to explore Heimaey on foot or by tour.
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Price: Around 20 USD per adult one way; cars from about 40 USD.
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Facilities: Indoor seating, restrooms, and a small cafe.
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Booking: Tickets are available online at Herjolfur's official website.
- Discover the Top Things To Do in Vestmannaeyjar & the Best Westman Islands Tours
- Learn more about the Birds in Iceland
Saefari Ferry (Dalvik - Grimsey)
The Grimsey ferry, called Saefari, runs from Dalvik on Iceland’s North Coast to Grimsey Island, the only place in Iceland where you can cross the Arctic Circle. With no road access, the ferry is the main way to reach the island. The only alternative is a short flight from Akureyri, which takes about 30 minutes but is more expensive.
Before boarding, most travelers pass through Dalvik, a small fishing town with parking, shops, and restaurants where you can prepare for the trip. On arrival at Grimsey, the ferry docks at the island’s main harbor, where you’ll find a few guesthouses and cafes.
What makes Grimsey so special is its position right on the Arctic Circle line. Visitors often walk to the Arctic Circle monument, a stone sphere called Orbis et Globus, to take photos with “one foot in the Arctic and one in Iceland.” The marker is adjusted over time because the Arctic Circle itself slowly shifts northward each year.
The island is also known for its bird cliffs, where puffins nest in summer, and for its quiet, remote atmosphere. Hiking trails loop around the island, giving wide views of the sea, seabird colonies, and the endless northern horizon.
Key Details for Travelers
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Travel time: It takes about 3 hours each way.
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Operation schedule: Operates year-round, though sailings depend on weather, and seas can be rough in winter.
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Cars: No car transport; the island is small enough to explore on foot.
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Price: Around 35 USD per adult, one way.
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Facilities: There are basic seating and restrooms on board.
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Booking: Tickets can be booked online through the Vegagerdin.
- See also the Top Islands in Iceland
Local Tips for Ferry Travel to Iceland
Taking a ferry to Iceland is a special way to see the country’s landscapes and reach its islands. A little planning makes the trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some Iceland ferry tips to keep in mind:
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Book early: The Norrona ferry and popular domestic routes can sell out in summer (May to September). Spaces for cars and the best cabins often go months in advance.
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Check the schedule: Ferry times change by season and weather. Always look at the operator’s website before you travel.
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Watch the weather: Iceland’s weather changes fast, and strong winds or rough seas can cancel trips. Check updates on the ferry website and forecasts at vedur.is before you go.
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Arrive early: Give yourself extra time, especially if you are taking a car. Check-in and boarding can take longer than expected.
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Bring seasickness medicine: Even short ferry routes in Iceland can be bumpy. If you get motion sick, take medicine or bring a remedy.
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Pack smart: Wear layers because it can get cold at sea. Bring a camera, binoculars, snacks, books, or movies for longer trips, and don’t forget any personal medicines.
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Know the rules for cars: If you want to bring a car to Iceland, check the size limits and have your papers ready. Spaces for vehicles are limited, so book early.
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Stay flexible: Domestic ferries, especially to the Westman Islands and Grimsey Island, can be delayed or canceled. Plan your trip with some extra time in case you need to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferries to Iceland
If you’re planning a trip by ferry to Iceland, you probably have some practical questions about routes, schedules, and what to expect on board. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions travelers ask, covering both the Norrona ferry from Denmark and the main domestic ferry routes in Iceland.
Can you go to Iceland by ferry?
Yes. The Norrona ferry, operated by Smyril Line, is the only passenger and car ferry that connects Iceland with mainland Europe. It departs from Hirtshals, Denmark, stops in Torshavn, the Faroe Islands, and ends in Seydisfjordur, East Iceland.
How long is the Denmark to Iceland ferry?
The full journey from Denmark to Iceland, including the stop in the Faroe Islands, takes about two to three days. The sailing from Torshavn to Seydisfjordur alone is 15 to 18 hours.
When is the best time to take the Norrona ferry to Iceland?
The best time to take the Norrona ferry to Iceland is summer (June to August). During this period, sailings are more frequent (up to twice weekly) and the North Atlantic seas are generally calmer, making the crossing smoother.
Is food available on board the Norrona ferry?
Yes. The Norrona has buffet and a la carte restaurants, cafes, and a cafeteria with options for different budgets.
Are there Wi-Fi and power outlets on Norrona?
Yes. The Norrona has Wi-Fi (available for a fee) and power outlets in cabins and common areas, making it easy to stay connected during the trip.
What ferries run in Iceland?
Iceland has several domestic ferries:
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Herjolfur Ferry: Year-round between Landeyjahofn (or Thorlakshofn in bad weather) and the Westman Islands.
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Baldur Ferry: Summer sailings between Stykkisholmur and Brjanslaekur in the Westfjords, stopping at Flatey Island.
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Grimsey Ferry (Saefari): Between Dalvik and Grimsey Island, inside the Arctic Circle.
Are there cabins on domestic ferries?
Some, but not all. The Herjolfur ferry to the Westman Islands has cabins with beds and bathrooms, while others, like the Baldur and Saefari (Grimsey ferry), are day crossings only with seats, lounges, and cafes.
Can I bring my car or campervan on the ferry to Iceland?
Yes. On the Norrona, you can bring cars, motorcycles, campervans, or caravans. Domestic ferries like Herjolfur and Baldur also carry cars, but vehicles cannot be unloaded on Flatey Island.
Can I bring pets on ferries to or within Iceland?
Yes, but with restrictions. On the Norrona, pets must stay in kennels or designated pet cabins. On most domestic ferries, small pets are allowed but usually must remain in carriers or vehicles during the crossing. Always check the rules with the operator before booking.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled or the port changes?
If bad weather cancels a sailing or changes the departure port (for example, the Westman Islands ferry sometimes moves from Landeyjahofn to Thorlakshofn), operators usually rebook passengers on the next available trip or give a refund. Always build extra time into your itinerary.
Do I need to book domestic ferries in advance?
Yes, especially in summer or if you’re traveling with a car. Routes like Herjolfur (Westman Islands) and Baldur (to Flatey and the Westfjords) often sell out. For smaller ferries such as Saefari (Grimsey), advance booking is also wise since sailings are limited.
Start Your Adventure With a Ferry to Iceland
Taking a ferry to Iceland is a special way to begin your journey. The trip gives you time to unwind, enjoy wide ocean views, and arrive with a sense of adventure before you even set foot on land.
With the right planning, your crossing can be smooth and memorable. The Norrona ferry from Denmark lets you bring your own car or camper, while domestic ferries connect you to places like the Westman Islands and Grimsey Island, offering experiences many travelers miss.
Are you planning to travel by ferry to Iceland, or have you already tried one of these routes? Share your experience and tips in the comments below.
