Plan a CruiseAkureyri Cruise Port Guide
Akureyri, with a population of 16,000, serves as the administrative, transportation, and commercial hub of northern Iceland. Your cruise ship will dock at the Oddeyrarbryggja Quay, which is conveniently located near the town center. Akureyri is situated at the head of the 60km long Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, offering a sheltered natural harbor. The port has three cruise berths and ongoing expansion, including extending the main pier from 210 meters to 360 meters. The town is known for its northernmost botanical garden and golf course, as well as various museums and shops. From mid-June to the end of August, Akureyri hosts a vibrant arts and culture festival featuring concerts, exhibitions, theater, lectures, and jazz events.
Getting Around from the Port
The town center is just 1km from the Oddeyrarbryggja Quay, making it an easy walk for most passengers. For those who prefer not to walk, shuttle services and taxis are available.
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus: A hop-on hop-off bus (not open-top) is located to the left as you exit the port, costing 30 euros per person.
- Taxis: The local BSO taxi company offers private tours for 2 to 6 hours, ranging from 27,500 kr to 85,000 kr per car (up to 4 people). Popular tours include Godafoss, Godafoss and Laufas, Godafoss and Myvatn, and Myvatn and Dettifoss.
- Rental Cars: Renting a car is a flexible option for exploring the region independently.
- Midnight Sun Travel Bus: A bus from Midnight Sun travel is located on the left when walking towards town, offering tours to Godafoss Waterfall and Eyjafjordur bay. Tours run from 10:45-13:15, 13:45-16:15, and 16:30-18:45. Prices are 55-60 Euros with a credit card, with a 5 Euro reduction for cash payments.
Attractions and Activities
- Lake Mývatn & Mývatn Nature Baths: This is the most popular guided tour, approximately an hour's drive from Akureyri. The Mývatn Nature Baths, opened in 2004, offer a natural spa experience with geothermal water drawn from depths up to 2,500 meters and steam rising from fissures. Tours often include a stop at the sulfurous steaming 'mud pots.' Warning: The paths to the mud pots can be wet, muddy, and squelchy, so wear appropriate footwear that can be easily cleaned.
- Goðafoss Waterfall: Known as "the waterfall of the gods," this spectacular waterfall is located in the Mývatn district. The river Skjálfandafljót plunges 12 meters over a 30-meter width. It can be visited as part of a taxi tour, the Midnight Sun travel bus tour, or by rental car.
- Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa: Located just 3km from the port, this new geothermal spa opens at 10 am. Entry costs 5990 ISK per person, which is approximately 43 Euros.
- Grímsey Island: For a unique Arctic experience, consider a 25-minute plane ride north to Grímsey Island, the only part of Iceland crossed by the Arctic Circle. Visitors receive a certificate to confirm their crossing. Note this will take a significant portion of your port time.
- Akureyri Town: Explore the town's northernmost botanical garden, local museums, and unique shops.
When considering tours, it's advisable to compare cruise line excursions with independent options available through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Icelandic shops offer a wide variety of merchandise of international standard. Look for local specialties such as woolen knitwear (sweaters, cardigans, hats, and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry. You'll also find a great variety of high-quality seafood.
For communication, free WiFi is available at the cafe within the tourist information center, located about 150 meters from the ship's pier exit gate. Simply purchase something, such as a coffee, and they will provide the login password upon request.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (króna). Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 krónur. Banknotes come in 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 krónur. Major credit cards like EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA are widely accepted. Cash can be obtained at any bank branch (open weekdays 09:15-16:00) or from ATMs located throughout the country.
While Icelanders speak Icelandic, a language rooted in Old Norse, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas.