From Ferry to Fjords: Our First 24 Hours in Iceland

Setting Sail from Hirtshals

We left Hirtshals on July 1st, and for once, we were among the first vehicles to board the ferry. Our cabin was cozy, perched on the starboard side with a panoramic view of the open sea.

Unexpected Reunions on Board

On our first evening aboard, we set out to explore the ship. By sheer coincidence, a couple approached us, fellow travelers we had noticed earlier in Aarhus. We had seen their Jeep with a rooftop tent and shared a photo on Instagram, tagging them and complimenting their compact setup. As luck would have it, they recognized us onboard. That sparked a lovely conversation, and we bumped into each other a few more times throughout the journey.

Life Aboard the Ferry

The ship itself was a charming mix of classic Scandinavian ferry utility and cruise ship luxury. While we skipped the swimming pool and fitness studio, we found our favorite spot in the "Laterna Magica," the topmost lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows offering dramatic vistas of the ever-changing ocean.

Through the Faroe Islands

The scenery became even more spectacular after our stop at the Faroe Islands. While some passengers disembarked to explore, we stayed on deck and watched the activity unfold. As the ferry glided past the smaller surrounding islands, the views from Laterna Magica were nothing short of breathtaking.

A Surprising Connection in a Remote Fjord

Another heartwarming encounter happened when we arrived in Iceland. The ferry docked at the end of a breathtaking fjord, with towering mountains flanking us on both sides. While soaking in the majesty of the landscape, a couple approached us by name. It turned out they lived not only in the same town as us, but even on the same street. They are exploring Iceland by car, hopping from hotel to hotel. It is fascinating how Iceland draws such a variety of travelers, from hotel hoppers and rooftop tent adventurers to truck-dwellers like us.

A Hidden Spa Gem

Yesterday, we drove inland from the harbor to restock our groceries. Our travel guide book recommended a nearby Icelandic spa, so we decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be a hidden gem. At first, the parking lot revealed only a lake. No building in sight. The secret? The spa was cleverly tucked into the hillside, with a grassy roof that made it almost invisible from above.

Inside, on the lakeside, we discovered three geothermal ponds, each warmer than the last, reaching up to 41°C. The lake itself was a brisk 11°C. Annika, ever the brave one, took a swim in the icy lake. I made an attempt but quickly decided it was not for me. We spent a relaxing afternoon soaking in the warm pools, surrounded by stunning scenery.

A Solo Puffin Mission

Later, we moved camp and drove north to visit the famous puffin cliffs. Annika turned into bed early, so I hopped on the bicycle and pedaled 5 km north to get a closer look. The hill was alive with puffins, absolutely everywhere. A wooden path led to the top, where the birds nested just a meter away. Watching them land with beaks full of fish to feed their chicks was mesmerizing. Their landings are anything but graceful, more like controlled crashes than elegant descents. Puffins spend most of their life at sea, only coming ashore briefly to breed. I managed to snap some great photos of these adorable, fluffy birds.

Reflecting on a Magical First Day

When I returned to the truck, Annika was already asleep. I closed our first day in Iceland and could not stop smiling. The raw beauty of this island is something else. The vastness, the silence, the untouched landscapes, it is easy to fall in love.

We are already looking forward to what comes next. Make sure to scroll through the photos in this post, they say more than words ever could.