Romain-Carrera

A memorable journey to Iceland and the Faroe Islands

We had always dreamed of exploring Iceland's magnificent landscapes, but when we looked into flying, the costs of renting a vehicle and accommodations were too high. That’s when we discovered the Smyril Line ferry, connecting Denmark to Iceland via the Faroe Islands. It was the perfect solution, allowing us to take our own camper van and embark on a two-month adventure.

Travelling with your vehicle is an excellent and cost-effective option for longer trips like ours, offering flexibility and freedom to explore. If you’re planning a trip of three weeks or more, this is a fantastic alternative to flying and renting a vehicle. Here’s what made this experience so special for us.

Life onboard Norröna

Our adventure began in Denmark, where we boarded the Norröna ferry. The moment we settled into our cabin, we started exploring the ship and its great facilities. We enjoyed the gym, the cozy library, a lively bar with live music every evening, and several diverse restaurants. One of our favourite spots was the large bar on the upper deck with stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. On the return journey, we even relaxed in the outdoor hot tubs under clear skies, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

The week aboard flew by, thanks to the welcoming and friendly staff who made the experience even more enjoyable. We made full use of the ship's amenities, and before we knew it, our journey was coming to an end. The ferry crossing was not just a means of transportation; it was an integral part of the adventure, offering a unique and memorable travel experience.

Why bring your own vehicle?

Traveling with our own camper van gave us several advantages:

Freedom and flexibility
We could travel at our own pace, choosing our routes and stopping whenever we wanted.

Cost savings
We avoided the high cost of renting a vehicle in Iceland and saved on accommodations by staying in campsites.

Bringing supplies
We were able to bring everything we needed for the journey, reducing the need to buy expensive supplies on the road.

Traveling during the off-season, in early April, provided additional benefits. The winter landscapes were stunning, and there were far fewer tourists than during peak season. We were able to enjoy Iceland's iconic sites without the crowds, which made the experience even more special.

Camping in Iceland

Camping is an excellent way to travel around Iceland. Not only does it save on accommodation costs, but it also brings you closer to nature. We loved the authenticity of camping in Iceland’s wild and remote areas, away from the typical tourist spots. For those traveling in the warmer months, the Camping Card is a great option, offering savings at various campsites. You can even purchase it on board the ferry.

Exploring Iceland

Iceland offers a wide range of activities, and we made the most of it. Whale watching was one of the highlights of our trip. We joined three different excursions:

Whale watching Hauganes
The oldest whale watching company in Iceland.

Elding in Akureyri
Known for its excursions with expert guides in marine biology.

North Sailing in Húsavík
Famous for its traditional boats and eco-friendly approach.

Each excursion provided magical encounters with these majestic creatures, making the experience truly unforgettable. We also enjoyed several other activities, like snowshoeing and exploring ice caves, organized through local tour operators. These adventures allowed us to experience Iceland’s rugged beauty up close, making our journey even more memorable.

Relaxing in Iceland's hot springs

As lovers of spas and hot springs, we couldn't resist visiting a few of Iceland’s best geothermal baths. We particularly enjoyed:

GeoSea in Husavik
Hot baths overlooking the Arctic Ocean.

Forest lagoon in Akureyri
Nestled in serene forest landscapes.

Vok baths in Egilsstaðir
Located in a stunning volcanic area, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.

These hot springs provided the perfect balance of relaxation and natural beauty, adding a special touch to our adventure.

Discovering Iceland’s cities

We visited several towns and cities during our trip, each offering something unique. Our favorites were:

Vik
Known for its black sand beaches and the charming church overlooking the town.

Akureyri
A friendly city with a lively downtown area, perfect for strolling and discovering local culture.

Bakkagerði
A peaceful village near puffin colonies, offering a quiet and picturesque camping experience.

The island of fire and ice and northern lights

Iceland left us in awe, especially with its volcanoes, glaciers, and northern lights. Watching a live volcanic eruption was a humbling reminder of nature’s raw power—a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Exploring the serene, otherworldly glacial caves was equally captivating.

But the northern lights stole the show. Seeing the sky lit up with dancing colours felt magical, adding a perfect touch to our adventure.

These experiences truly brought Iceland’s wild beauty to life, leaving a lasting impression.

Exploring the Faroe Islands

On our way to Iceland, we spent two weeks in the Faroe Islands, where the weather is unpredictable, but the beauty is undeniable. We took several unforgettable hikes, including:

Kallur lighthouse
Offering breathtaking views of the steep cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Drunnesdrangar
A hike that took us to a lake suspended above the ocean, providing unique perspectives of the landscape.

Drangarnir sea tracks
With magnificent views of rock formations rising from the ocean, this hike was a photographer's dream.

We stayed in a lovely guesthouse in Vagar, close to the famous Múlafossur waterfall, and enjoyed a delicious meal at Restaurant Katrina Christiansen to conclude our stay.

Conclusion

Our journey to Iceland and the Faroe Islands with Smyril Line was unforgettable. The freedom to explore at our own pace, the stunning landscapes, and the warm encounters we experienced made this trip truly exceptional. We can't wait to return and explore more of Iceland, especially the highlands in the summer. Without a doubt, we will choose Smyril Line again to continue our adventures and create more lasting memories.

Our Adventure with Smyril Line