shipping your own van to Iceland with smyril line

If you're an adventurous spirit looking to explore the dramatic landscapes and untamed beauty of Iceland, what better way to do it than in your own campervan? The convenience and freedom of having your mobile home with you makes travelling the country's remote areas an unforgettable experience. For those considering this unique journey, shipping your campervan to Iceland with Smyril Line offers a seamless and stress-free solution.

How do you take your own van to Iceland?

There is only one way- travelling on the MS Norröna with Smyril Line. It takes 55 hours (yes, you read that right!) and costs an eye watering amount of money, but if you book far enough in advance you will save. We booked ours in March 2024, as I had to wait for my annual leave to be approved first. The crossing cost an extra £1300 since I first costed the crossing in January, so I highly recommend you book as far in advance as you can. We paid £4,900 in total to take our own van to Iceland.

The Journey to Iceland

The ferry voyage on the MS Norröna, Smyril Line's modern and well-equipped vessel, is part of the adventure itself. The route from Hirtshals to Seyðisfjörður Iceland takes 55 hours- just over two days, with a stopover in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. This layover gives you a glimpse of another stunning Nordic landscape, perfect for a short exploration before continuing to Iceland.

What to Expect Onboard

Onboard the MS Norröna, you'll find a variety of comfortable amenities to make your journey enjoyable. There are options ranging from cozy cabins to luxury suites, along with restaurants, cafes, and a duty-free shop. There is lots to do for children on board including a swimming pool, gaming room, on board entertainment and a cinema.

How to save money when taking your own van to Iceland

By taking our own van to Iceland we were able to save money by taking our own food. We made sure the cupboards and the fridge were full before we left home, as food in Iceland is very expensive! I made meals in batch and froze them flat, we took lots of dried goods like rice and pasta, and we ate simple meals. We didn’t eat out, choosing to spend money on the memory making experiences that we came for instead. We also took an electric induction hob on board MS Norröna to reheat meals and boil the kettle for coffee- this saved us a great deal of money! The ship does not have food for sale other than sweets and treats in the duty free shop or cooked food from the restaurants and cafes, which costs a minimum of 60€ per adult, per day.

This is the list of everything we took on board to keep us full AND entertained for the long journey ahead:

Equipment

Packing cube with clothes, pjs, underwear, football kit (for Noah)

Fleeces, hats, coats

Gym wear & running shoes

Swimming clothes & goggles (towels not taken on return journey as towels provided)

Toiletries including shampoo and conditioner (shower gel available in the ensuite)

Hairdryer (not on the return journey, as one provided in the ensuite)

Induction hob

Always pan & wooden spoon

Kettle

Waterbottles

Mug x1

Plates

Bowls

Cutlery

Washing up sponge (prefilled with washing up liquid)

Tea towel

Travel plugs x 3

Laptops and chargers (did not take mobile wifi on return journey as it didn't work- paid £25 for ship wifi)

Kindle & a book each

Teddies

Colouring pens, books, paper, pencils

Games (uno, bananagrams, Ok Play!, Guess who, The big poo quiz, Junior Colour Brain, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Battleships)

Food

Instant oats

1 x box cereal

Long life milk

Pitted dates

Pre-cooked protein pancakes

Frozen chia seed fruit compote

Greek Yogurt

Maple Syrup

Frozen squeezy yogurts

Bananas

Apples

Coffee

Biscuits

1/2 watermelon

Rice cakes

Cream cheese

Sharing bags crisps

Sharing bags popcorn for the cinema

Sharing bags sweets for the cinema

1 x fizzy pop each for the cinema

Cheese

Wraps

Mayonnaise

Lunch rolls premade for first day

Frozen meal (veggie spag bol) for the first night and pre-cooked pasta

Dried pasta

Pesto

1 x tin sweetcorn

8 x hard boiled eggs

mushrooms

pre-chopped and cooked onion, peppers and courgette

• On the first night we had a reheated dinner

• On the second night we had pasta and pesto, I had additional pre-cooked veggies (and was not prepared to argue with the children so I didn't add any to theirs!)

• For lunch we had cheese wraps, sliced eggs, fruit, yogurt and crisps

• For breakfast the children had cereal, fruit and yogurts, I had reheated pancakes or a packet of instant oats with a chopped banana and dates.

Tips for Preparing Your Campervan

Before setting off, make sure your campervan is ready for Iceland's challenging and diverse terrain. Here's a checklist to help you prepare:

1. Check Regulations: Ensure your vehicle complies with Icelandic road regulations, including insurance and emission standards.

2. Stock Up: Bring essential supplies, as some remote areas may have limited access to food and fuel.

3. Winter Gear: If traveling in colder months, winter tires and gear are a must. Hats, gloves, scarves and warm coats are necessary even in summer.

4. Book in Advance: Smyril Line's routes are popular, especially during peak travel seasons, so book your ferry tickets early.

   
   

Arrival in Iceland

Upon arrival at Seyðisfjörður, you're perfectly positioned to start your Icelandic adventure. Whether it's circling the famous Ring Road, exploring the Westfjords, or visiting the Golden Circle's iconic landmarks, having your campervan gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

Conclusion

Shipping your campervan to Iceland with Smyril Line is not just about transportation; it's about enhancing your travel experience. With the convenience of having your home on wheels, you can enjoy the natural beauty and cultural wonders of Iceland in a way that's personal, flexible, and uniquely yours. So gear up, book your trip, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the road!

Safe travels, and happy camping!