Why was the Iceland ferry discontinued?

Question

I understand there used to be lots of ferry options to Iceland via the North Sea. The one I really wanted to try was from Lerwick. I'm not sure if this ferry went directly to Iceland or if it stopped at the Faroe Islands. You have no idea how badly I'd want to take this adventure, mainly so I can drive my car around Iceland, but let's not get too far from the point.

I've read a few comments online saying things like it was a 'hellish' journey, or just unpleasant and unpopular. However none of these people elaborated on why the service was poorly received. Could it be the distance? The cold? The price? The choppy seas in winter time? The lack of people on board?

Answer 1

Just for clarification: As of 2024, the ferry between Hirtshals, Denmark and Seyðisfjörður, Iceland with a stopover at Tórshavn, Faroe Islands does indeed still operate, and it's the only realistic option for those who want to take their own car to Iceland.

However, since a few years ago, this ferry no longer makes voyages to Lerwick, UK and to Bergen, Norway. It goes without saying that the main reason behind all reductions of ferry services is a stiff competition from low-cost airlines.

Answer 2

I suspect that low cost airlines are what killed the ferry. Nowadays you can buy a round trip ticket from mainland Europe to Iceland for as little as 100 euros, so the vast majority of people would rather save time and money by flying and renting a car. If you don't have a car taking the ferry is even less attractive. If you do have one, car rentals are very much ubiquitous these days in Iceland and unless you have a specialized 4x4 vehicle it would be cheaper to rent a car locally instead.

Cheap airlines (along with faster day trains) are also the reason why night trains have been disappearing in the late 2010s and routes such as the London to Istanbul train have long become a tourist attraction rather than a practical mode of travel (unless you're the guy from Seat61). And they're also why you no longer see boats full of immigrants landing in New York from Europe - nowadays you just take a relatively short flight :)