Iceland Ferry
Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður
With the M/S Norröna from Smyril Line via the Faroe Islands to East Iceland - the only car ferry to the island.
- Only car ferry to Iceland: Smyril Line with the M/S Norröna from Hirtshals
- Crossing takes around 2 days, including a stop in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands
- Weekly departures, twice a week in summer - season March to November
Ferry to Iceland
The only car ferry to Iceland
The route Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður is the only ferry link on which you can bring your own vehicle to Iceland. The M/S Norröna, operated by the Faroese company Smyril Line, departs Hirtshals at the northern tip of Denmark and reaches the port of Seyðisfjörður in eastern Iceland after a stop in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. You book the crossing as a single ticket, and it takes around two days depending on the season.
Sailings run from March to November, weekly, with two departures a week in the summer months; there is no service in winter. Because the crossing runs overnight, every passenger needs a proper berth on board - anything from a bed in a couchette compartment to a suite. You can also use the stop in the Faroe Islands as a stopover for a stay of its own.
- Crossing
- around 2 days
- Operator
- Smyril Line
- Frequency
- weekly, 2x in summer
Next departures
Route guide
Ferry Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður at a glance
The Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður ferry is the only way to bring your own car or motorhome to Iceland. Smyril Line's M/S Norröna takes you from the northern tip of Denmark via the Faroe Islands to eastern Iceland - one ticket for the whole crossing, with a stop in Tórshavn.
Getting to the Hirtshals terminal
The Norröna departs from the ferry terminal in Hirtshals, Container Quays 4, 9850 Hirtshals. If you're driving, follow the E39 motorway to the last roundabout before the town and take the exit signposted "Smyril Line", which leads straight to the terminal. Vehicle check-in is at the end of Sigurd Espersens Vej.
If you're arriving without a vehicle, take the train to Hirtshals, changing at Hjørring; the nearest airport with international connections is Aalborg, from where a train runs on to Hirtshals via Hjørring. A bus not operated by Smyril Line connects Hirtshals station with the ferry terminal. You can use the stop in the Faroe Islands as a stopover; we cover the individual legs separately under Hirtshals - Tórshavn and Tórshavn - Seyðisfjörður.
Check-in and departure
All passengers must be checked in at least an hour before departure. If you're travelling with a vehicle, be at the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure; in peak season up to 800 vehicles are loaded, so queues at the quay can add up to an hour's wait. Build in extra buffer so you reach boarding around an hour before sailing without stress.
Carry a valid travel document: entering Iceland requires a passport or national ID card, and checks can be made at the terminals.
On board the Norröna
Because the crossing takes several days and nights, Smyril Line does not sell seat-only tickets - every passenger books a berth. Options range from a bed in a gender-separated couchette compartment to cabins in several categories, up to suites. On board you'll find restaurants, a fitness area and a heated seawater hot tub on deck; you can add internet access at the reception desk.
Payments on board are in Danish kroner. All major credit cards are accepted, along with cash in euros, US dollars and Icelandic krónur - notes only, no coins; change is always given in Danish kroner. One card is enough for the whole crossing.
Vehicle, motorhome and pets
The Norröna carries cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorcycles. The fare depends on your vehicle's length and height, so give the exact dimensions when booking. If you're bringing an electric vehicle, you must declare it when booking; charging the battery on board is not allowed for safety reasons. For tips on registering a motorhome, see the guide Taking a motorhome to Iceland.
The situation with pets is clear: Iceland does not allow tourist imports of dogs and cats, and strict import and quarantine rules apply. Animals aren't allowed in the cabins anyway, and on board they may only travel in numbered cages on deck. What applies when entering with a pet is summarised in the guide Taking a dog to Iceland.
Arrival in Seyðisfjörður and onward travel
The Norröna docks in Seyðisfjörður at the Fjarðargata 8 terminal, at the head of the fjord and a few minutes' walk from the town centre. From here, road 93 crosses the Fjarðarheiði pass to Egilsstaðir, around 27 kilometres and, depending on conditions, a 30 to 40 minute drive. At Egilsstaðir you join the Ring Road (Route 1), which connects to the whole of Iceland; the pass can be closed at times in winter weather.
If you'd like to see more of the Faroe Islands than just a passing glimpse, break your journey at the stop in Tórshavn and continue on a later sailing.
Tickets and fares
What the crossing costs depends on the season, vehicle size, number of passengers and the berth category you choose; peak summer is the most expensive, spring and late autumn are cheaper. Since only a limited number of berths and vehicle spaces are available and the Norröna is the only ferry to Iceland, popular summer sailings sell out early - booking ahead pays off twice over. The booking window shows the exact price for your travel date.
Ferry Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður ferry with Smyril Line
How long is the ferry from Hirtshals to Seyðisfjörður?+
The crossing from Hirtshals to Seyðisfjörður takes around two days depending on the season, including the stop in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. In summer the Norröna runs the more direct schedule, while in the shoulder season a longer stopover in the Faroe Islands extends the overall journey.
You book the route as a single through ticket. During the stop in Tórshavn you can go ashore, but you need to be back on board in good time before the ship continues.
How often does the ferry to Iceland run, and where can I find the timetable?+
The Norröna sails from March to November, usually once a week and twice a week during the summer months. There are no crossings in winter.
For the exact weekday and departure time on your travel date, check the current timetable.
Do I need to book a cabin for the crossing?+
Yes. On this multi-day overnight crossing, Smyril Line does not sell seat-only tickets - every passenger needs a proper berth. You can choose between beds in couchette compartments (split by gender) and cabins in various categories, up to suites.
Book early, especially in peak season and if you are travelling as a family, since the number of berths in each category is limited. The booking window shows the price for your preferred category.
Can I bring my motorhome or car?+
Yes, the Norröna is a car ferry and carries cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorcycles. Give the exact dimensions of your vehicle when booking, as the fare depends on length and height. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you must declare it when booking; charging the battery on board is not allowed for safety reasons.
Details on travelling by motorhome are in the guide Taking a motorhome to Iceland.
Can I bring my dog or cat to Iceland?+
For a tourist trip, the answer is clearly no. Iceland does not allow pets to be brought in as travel companions. Dogs and cats cannot simply come along - strict import and quarantine rules apply. On the crossing itself, animals are not permitted in the cabins anyway, only in numbered cages on deck.
What applies for entering Iceland with a pet is summarised in the guide Taking a dog to Iceland.
How much does the ferry to Iceland cost?+
The price depends on the season, the cabin or couchette category you choose, vehicle size and the number of people; summer is considerably more expensive than spring and autumn. Because the ferry has limited capacity, booking early pays off. The booking window shows the exact price for your travel date.