Faroe Islands and Iceland ferry travel is one of the most underrated ways to reach the Nordic Paradise. Instead of flying, taking the ferry allows you to discover and experience dramatic coastlines, remote islands, and the raw beauty of the North Atlantic long before you even arrive in Iceland.
Traveling to the Faroes and Iceland by Smyril Line – It’s not for everyone, and it won’t fit every travel story, but I want to share the whole experience because many people still don’t know about this option — or how impressive and high-quality it can be while saving a lot of money
Hopefully, it inspires you to consider it.
Bonus — I’ll share a big secret at the end on how to save even more money in Iceland if you’re traveling with a van. Everyone knows Iceland is expensive, right? So how do you make it cheaper? I’ll tell you my story, but keep in mind that some parts might not fit your style entirely.
This is the adventurous and budget-friendly option if you have the time. Why do I say that? Because getting there takes quite a while.
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Why the Ferry? Why This Way of Traveling
There’s only one Danish/Faroese company that operates the ferry route to Iceland, with a stopover in the Faroe Islands. They actually sail to Iceland only in summer; for the rest of the year, they go only as far as the Faroes. The company is called Smyril Line, and it departs exclusively from Hirtshals in Denmark. There are no other ferries on this route — not from Norway, not from the UK, nowhere else.
Why should you choose this way of traveling?
First, because instead of paying a fortune to rent a van or car — plus the additional items you might need and all the insurances — you get to take your own van, car, and personal stuff to the most epic and diverse part of the world and not depend on specific conditions. You can even do most of your grocery shopping in a less pricey country (just make sure you know what you’re allowed to bring).
And second, the arrival experience is unbeatable. It takes quite a lot to get there but after a long journey, the reward feels beyond expectations.
Now here comes the hard part. This trip might look expensive in the beginning, which is why you should do your own math to see if it’s for you or not.
The ferry ticket is the biggest expense, and it depends on the vehicle you’re bringing, the period you’re traveling, and how early you book. I can tell you that booking at least 4–5 months in advance will significantly lower the price. The bigger your van or car, the higher the cost — obviously it matters.
“But we don’t own a van, what’s the point of traveling by Smyril Line ferry?"
Look, in 2023 we had a VW Touran — a normal car — which we temporarily converted into a camper. We built a box and a foldable bed using cheap materials from Bauhaus and Hornbach, and it was still worth bringing our own car and camping in it. We had no heater, no refrigerator and very little space, but we made it work.
It’s basically the same as renting a Caddy there: you get nothing else except if you pay even more and you have to buy all your groceries in Iceland. With our own car and setup, we brought everything we could (and were allowed to) from mainland Europe and only bought essentials like bread, milk, and eggs from Icelandic supermarkets whenever we needed them.
If you have a similar car, a longer vehicle like a caravan/break, or even a coupe that fits you in — just buy an inflatable mattress on Amazon or Ebay and make it comfortable. You can still bring more of what you need than if you rented and had to buy everything in Iceland. If it wasn’t the Touran, I would’ve done the trip with my old little Opel, and it would still have been worth it.
Now, if you’re planning to stay in hotels, then obviously this isn’t worth it. Renting a normal car just for transport is cheaper and far less stressful.
Now our experience looked like this:
Instead of renting a van for 2,500 euros in Iceland for just one week, We paid the same amount to bring our own vehicle with Smyril Line and spend almost a month there — plus a visit to the Faroe Islands, which are such a remote, untouched destination that will absolutely blow your mind. On top of that, we brought most of our important groceries from Germany, all our personal travel gear, and we got the insane experience of arriving in both Iceland and the Faroes from the sea.
For us, the whole experience — 3 weeks in Iceland, 3 days in the Faroes — was a total of 4,000 euros for 2 people, with our own stuff and comfort. That was the case both in 2023 (when we stayed only 2 weeks in Iceland + 3 days in the Faroes) and in 2025, when everything was even more expensive.
Pretty decent, considering most people spend around that amount for only 7-10 days per person, without the Faroes. Also, people usually know that eating hotdogs and sandwiches in the car is something on a daily basis. Nothing wrong with that, but it definitely adds to the body & mind budget discomfort when energy is very important in such a country. You really need it for exploring and not feel drained every minute. You could be eating a hot meal you made yourself or something healthier — something other than noodles, right?
We were out there eating homemade burgers, salmon and chicken curry while people went straight to sleep to save money, because groceries are THAT expensive. And don’t even get me started on eating out — it’s always above 100 euros.
This is not judgmental! Anything is better than not seeing Iceland at all and especially since it’s not forever — I’m just trying to point out that no matter how you choose to do this trip, there’s always some kind of discomfort. Either you spend longer on the road & at the destination and get more out of it while spending less, or you take the short, easy route but pay a lot more and stay less. Both are okay, but both are uncomfortable and hard in their own way. Choose your hard, right?
So yes… this is where you really start to save money. A trip to Iceland by plane costs you the flights, the hotels or the van rental, plus all the extra things you need like sleeping bags, gear, and insurance that doesn’t even cover everything. Then you’ve got the luggage fees, because all your winter and cold-weather layers are bulky and you absolutely need your hiking gear.
And what if you get wet? (You will.) You don’t have time to wash and dry your clothes in a hotel sink, right? And this is something people tend to completely forget about.
Bringing your own car or van means you get to bring more jackets, pants, or hiking shoes, besides having extra time and flexibility. Then there’s the hotel situation, which keeps you very rigid when it comes to visiting places. The tourist spots are usually far from one another, and you either have to book multiple hotels — which are rare along the Ring Road and extremely expensive — or drive insane distances back and forth.
And even then, you’re probably not going to sleep in a hotel with the kind of views you get when you camp out in nature — those spots beat everything.
If you go during summer and you haven’t planned at least 6 months in advance, it’s very hard to find anything under 200 euros… if you even find something at all.
The third option – bringing your tent, sleeping bags and necessary gear to sleep outside. With or without car. I’ve really seen people on simple bikes or motorcycle, with a big backpack and that’s all. That’s how they explore it on a tiny budget.
So there you have it. Multiple ways to do it using this ferry, for almost any type of adventure traveler.
This allows you to be free and decide spontaneously where to stay longer or where it’s not worth staying. ZERO regrets.
Your itinerary is the most important thing when it comes to Iceland, because you usually want to see as much as possible in this beautiful country — and time DOES matter, a lot.
Now, what else besides hotels, car, freedom, and groceries?
It’s the relief of not owing anyone an explanation for making a mess in your own car or van. You don’t have to panic about feeling uncomfortable sleeping in a bed used by who-knows-how-many people, or using gear after someone else.
And the REAL most important thing: you know your own car. You know you’re safe, and you know it probably won’t break down in the middle of the road because it wasn’t abused by dozens of people who don’t care — or by a rental company that “promises” they’ll help if something goes wrong.
Trust me, there’s a 50/50 chance they actually won’t. I’ve seen it so many times: big rental companies ignoring people stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or something that broke on the car, and they end up wasting hours trying to fix it themselves because nobody comes. So no — booking a “respectable” company does not guarantee you zero responsibility and zero stress. You might just end up losing time because you got a trash van.
I’m not saying nothing can happen to your own car — things happen anywhere. That’s why I strongly recommend getting road assistance insurance that includes Iceland way before your trip. Think about everything, including possible costs for damage or transport back to your country if something serious happens. But the chances are so much lower when you’re driving a vehicle you actually know.
Now don’t get me wrong… you don’t have to overthink this or ignore it. It is your responsibility though. Make sure you understand that Iceland is rough, and if you plan to go into the Highlands, you really need to understand the risks and what that experience actually means.
What if I don’t want to camp?
I’ll be honest — if non of the options above (sleeping in the car, van or tent) applies to your case, Iceland by ferry is probably not worth i. But Smyril Line has some insane price offers for people who want to visit the Faroe Islands on a budget. I’ve seen crossings as low as 700 euros for 2 people + a car and 4 nights in hotels, which is incredibly cheap compared to flying there and booking everything yourself.
Offer examples on official website:
To add to this experience — keep in mind the road to Hirtshals, too. Wherever you are in Europe, consider the time and costs to get to Denmark. This option is really only worth it if you’re planning a longer vacation or if you live closer to the departure point.
A third option is flying into Germany, renting a van there, and then driving/sailing to the Faroe Islands and Iceland but this might get much more expensive. Just make sure the rental company allows this — I recommend checking RoadsSurfer’s travel conditions and prices.
How to book the trip
Booking is simple — you can do it only through the official Smyril Line website. It might seem confusing at first, but here’s how it works. You can book a direct crossing to Iceland without stopping in the Faroes, or you can include a stopover in the Faroes (minimum 3 days, or 7+ if you want more time). Ferry crossings have fixed sailing schedules, so you’ll need to plan how long you want to stay, taking the crossing time into account: roughly 1 night and half a day to the Faroe Islands, and another night to Iceland. The same applies for the return trip. The ferry always stops in the Faroes, but you can’t decide later to get off — it’s exactly as you booked.
If you book a stopover in the Faroes, the port to select is Tórshavn. For Iceland, the port is Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland). So:
For a round trip directly to Iceland: Hirtshals → Seyðisfjörður → Hirtshals
For a stopover: Hirtshals → Tórshavn → Seyðisfjörður → Hirtshals
You can also include a stopover on the way back from Iceland — just make sure the dates fit your overall itinerary (arrival times matter).
You’ll also need to book a cabin or room — you can’t just sit in the cafeteria. Options include double rooms, twin or berth cabins, and even couchettes for backpackers (the cheapest, but least comfortable). We went with couchettes the first time, and a private berth cabin the second time — it was a huge upgrade. Double rooms are expensive, but offer full comfort if that matters to you.
You can add extras like breakfast or lunch, but I don’t really recommend it — you can buy food directly on board. The ferry has restaurants, coffee shops, and even a small supermarket (more on that in the next chapter).
After booking, you only need to pay a deposit, with the rest due up to 30 days before departure. Pro tip: booking 4–5 months in advance (or more) will significantly lower the price. If you wait until 1–2 months before, you might not get the dates you want — the ferry is small, and during summer it’s almost always fully booked. If you truly want this experience, book early to secure your spot and save money.
Before Departure: Getting to Hirtshals and Preparing for the Ferry
First, drive to Hirtshals and make sure you arrive on time. You absolutely need to be there 3 hours before departure if you’re going directly to Iceland, and 2.5 hours if your route includes a stop in the Faroes. The same applies for your return trip.
Make sure you understand the travel requirements for both Iceland and the Faroe Islands. For the Faroes and Iceland, EU/Schengen citizens do not need a visa or passport — otherwise, you do. Always check the official travel guidelines before your trip.
For example, Schengen & EU citizens don’t need a visa or passport. When you arrive at the port, have your IDs and tickets ready. Also, prepare a backpack with all the items you’ll need on the ferry, because you won’t have access to the car deck for most of the trip. Essentials include:
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Sleeping bag & pillow (if you’re using couchettes)
Drinks or perishable food & snacks (to save money)
Headphones, books, or anything else for your comfort
Once you check in and receive your cabin ticket at the entrance, you can either head to your cabin or enjoy a coffee in the upper lounge and settle in for a relaxing journey.
Crossing the North Sea: What It Feels Like
It depends — every time you cross the North Sea or the Atlantic, you need to remember the sea is unpredictable. Usually, the crossings are smooth (the ferry has good stabilizers), but it can get rough if the weather turns crazy. If you’re prone to seasickness, take your pills in advance — you can bring your own or buy them at the reception. Trust me, they really work.
For example, my first sail in 2023 was extremely smooth, but in summer 2025, the sea was rough. You never know. The great thing is you can sleep or relax in your cabin the whole time, which is why I recommend a private cabin. You can also read, play games, or just chill — there’s even a small book library with English and Danish books.
I have to say this experience is NOT boring as people expect it to be. I recommend downloading some TV shows or movies in your streaming apps or on YouTube if possible, and take this trip as the relaxing part before the most exhausting adventure that’s yet to come. Have fun! Enjoy the calmness of the sea, the sunset that looks almost endless when you keep going further up north, sleep a lot, and prepare for your arrival in the Faroes.
Your mind will be blown away sailing through the magnificent cliffs and epic-shaped mountains. If you stop there, you’ll be in awe of what these remote islands have to offer — so much that you’ll be genuinely sad when leaving.
Prices and services on the Smyril Line Ferry
Honestly? Prices are pretty reasonable — think of it like going to a pub or a bar. Coffee €4-7, pizza is around €16, cake ~€5 a piece, and fries €5. The small onboard supermarket is like an airport duty-free: lots of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs if you need them. These photos will give you an aproximate idea (taken in June 2025)
Another thing to consider for this trip — turn off your mobile data on your phone. If your provider has a plan with Telenor Maritime, it will be extremely expensive and you definitely don’t want that on your next invoice. There’s no land signal for most of the trip anyway, but you might catch a bit near the UK’s northern islands.
For Romanians: if you have a Digi Mobil SIM card or subscription, you’ll have Telenor Maritime signal on the North Sea, and it’s very expensive. Either lock a carrier on Norway or keep the data off until your arrival — It’s very affordable in the Faroes and Iceland, where EU fees apply.
What to expect upon arrival in Iceland
After another night, you arrive in the land of fire and ice, where you’ll first meet the giant mountains and the waterfalls that already look otherworldly… and after that, customs. Haha. Don’t be surprised — they sometimes randomly control people and cars for unauthorized or prohibited items.
Make sure you declare everything, including alcohol for tax, if you want to keep it. Trust me, even with tax, it’s still cheaper to bring your own from outside. But do declare it, otherwise you can end up without your beer and with a big fat fee for hiding it.
Locals are extremely nice, and this opportunity of arriving in Iceland like this is INSANE to me. So Please be mindful and respect the laws and the people. Don’t go off-road and don’t trash places. Enjoy this absolutely breathtaking paradise and don’t get mad when something isn’t your way. Respect their culture, be patient, be careful when driving so you don’t hit the randomly walking sheep (including in the Faroes), and please DON’T stop in the middle of the road to take photos.
The weather is very unpredictable in Iceland, and arriving in Seydisfjordur might look like full winter even in June. But trust me, once you get out of that valley, you’ll find Icelandic summer.
Other things to consider: driving the Ring Road — make sure you take the long part on the coast. I recommend going clockwise and maybe prioritising the south coast. Avoid Road 95 if you don’t want to break your car — it’s extremely bumpy and not really worth it! Stick to the Ring Road and plan accordingly.
You need to be back at your ferry the night before departure — book a campsite there or arrive early, because it will be full and you’ll end up with no place to sleep. Make sure you’re by the ferry in time; the process is a bit slower compared to Hirtshals.
How it went for us - When to go and what to expect
We booked June to have the best weather. The first trip was 31 May 2023 to 21 June with a 3-day stopover in the Faroes, and the second trip was 31 May to 26 June 2025 with another 3-day stopover in the Faroes for our second trip to go see the highlands. I found 3 days to be not enough for the Faroes, but I always plan to go back, so if you don’t, I recommend planning 7 days if you want to hike a lot.
Both times we got the best weather — less rainy than the other months — but not all the highlands were open yet. So if you have a 4×4 and want to see the highlands, plan for late June to mid-July to catch both the midnight sun and most of the highland roads open.
Touristy places were very crowded during the day, so we chose to hike by night — which is a BIG advantage of having a van.
SECRET TIP — you can have places all to yourself and skip some campsites to save money if you want, because you’ll be sleeping during the day in a paid parking lot (no services). It’s very convenient for Iceland if you’re going on a budget. You can’t really do that if you booked hotels, because what else did you pay for if not for sleeping at night?
So we saved money on rentals, hotels, campsites, and food — and even on some tours — by being able to do things on our own since we weren’t tied to a specific area. We did the Ring Road both times; the second time we did 3 highlands and spent more time on the south coast, traveling slower.
How much did everything cost us?
2500 EUR for the ferry (2 people & a Camper Van 2m height & 5m length), ~600 EUR all groceries, ~200 EUR parking & fees, and the rest was fuel — adding up to a bit over 4000 EUR / 2 persons for the 2025 trip.
(In 2023 we spent less on fuel since we couldn’t go to the highlands, but paid the same amount on tours)
Pretty decent for almost one month in the most expensive part of Europe, right?
So is the Faroe Islands + Iceland by ferry worth it? Heck YESSS!!! Always.
