Akureyri Cruise Port

Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri is a town and cruise port in the north of Iceland that whilst been relatively easy to explore on foot due to its compact nature, it is actually one of the largest settlements in the country.

That adds a lot of big city aspects to the town such as a main shopping street, a large theatre and many building with interesting architecture.

Akureyri is known as ‘the capital of the north’ with many people moving there from across the north of the country due to its relatively mild temperature and thanks to its year around ice free port. From a visitor point of view, the town makes for a great starting base for exploring all that the region has to offer whilst still having lots to offer those spending a day ashore in the town.

Cruises To Akureyri

Our Visit

We visited the town in August 2023 onboard the Celebrity Summit cruise ship, where we were on the first leg of our Iceland to USA transatlantic journey.

We would spend most of our time on shore exploring the region around Akureyri including visiting the world-famous Godafoss waterfall and exploring its almost otherworldly scenery.

That included a visit to the Myvatn lake, the geothermal ‘dessert’ of Hverir, the lava rock formations of Dimmuborgir and the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar- or in other words, we spend a day exploring things that can only be experience in Iceland.

Upon returning to the town, we walked from the cruise dock on the edge of town into the town centre and did some sightseeing and shopping before heading back to the ship to get a good view of the exit along the stunning Eyjafjorour.

The fjord is home to a wealth of wildlife, we were lucky enough to spot many whales, and offer incredible views of mountains, waterfalls and you sail past Hrisey Island.

Akureyri Cruise Guide

In this guide we take you through all that you need to know before visiting the port on a cruise holiday including what there is to do there, where you dock and what types of cruises offer the chance to call into the port.

No matter if you have already booked a cruise to the port and want to plan your day on shore or if you are still at the research stage and are trying to decide whether an itinerary with a stop in Akureyri is right for you or not, this guide should help you.

It is based on our own experience of visiting Akureyri on a cruise and the research we did before going there.

Type of Cruises Available

The port offers no turnaround facilities, so if you want to visit Akureyri, it will have to be as a port of call on a cruise from a port such as Southampton, New York, Rotterdam or either Southampton or Dover in the UK.

There are a variety of different types of itineraries that call into the port however including transatlantic journey between Europe and North America, round trips from the UK, Europe or North America to Iceland and back, repositioning cruises from the UK, Northeast America or Europe and also itineraries sailing around the whole of Iceland from Reykjavik.

Akureyri Cruise Port Location

The cruise port is located just to the east of the town centre of Akureyri but within easy street of the main square, high street and tourist information. The port is split into 2 for cruise ships, with larger ships docking next to the towns cultural centre and marina, with smaller ships just around the corner.

Akureyri itself is in the north of Iceland at the head of the Eyjafjorour which means that as you walk around the town, you can be assured of incredible views, and it is also protected by the mountains that surround it from some of the worst of the weather that can hit one of the most northern towns in the world.

Akureyri Cruise Facilities

Akureyri has no facilities of note, but it doesn’t need to have any as those staying in the city are within walking distance of the town centre and all of the facilities you could need whilst there is a large parking area next to where you dock, which means those heading off on excursions don’t have far to go to reach their coaches.

Akureyri Attractions

If you are wanting to visit an all-action resort or a vibrant city full of things to see and do, you are not going to find it in Akureyri, but if you are cruising in Iceland, that portably isn’t at the top of your list.

What you do get in Akureyri is a chance to experience a different culture and different way of life in one of the remotest towns you can visit on a mainstream cruise ship.

One thing you may not expect from a port such as Akureyri is that one of its main attractions is a botanical garden that features a range of flowers, plants and trees from across the arctic.

At the town’s airport, there is a small aviation museum and in the town centre there is the chance to gain a understanding of the history of the town at the Akureyri Museum.

One thing that stands out about the town from your cruise ship is its church, the beautiful Akureyrarkirkja, that stands at the top of a flight of steps, on a small hill, right off the town’s main high street.

The town also houses the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland, an industry museum and a small art gallery.

For us though, it is simply walking around the town, taking in the incredible views of the fjord and the mountains that surround the city and just been in a town somewhere as remote and unique as Akureyri that is its main attraction.

Akureyri Shorex

There are lots of shore excursions available to those visiting the town that give you an experience that can only be seen and done in this remote part of Iceland.

Those include a visit to the geothermal ‘dessert’ of Hverir which is almost like walking on the seabed or through the Sahara Desert but with steam vents and blubbling mud pits.

A trip to the lava rock formations of Dimmuborgir is like exploring a different planet, with each formation been different from the next one.

For something completely different, a trip to pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar is something that you will always remember.

Another option is to take a coach ride to the stunningly beautiful Myvatn lake and take in the distinctive scenery around you and you can also take a dip in the Myvatin Nature Baths.

One of the highlights for many visitors is the chance to see the Godafoss waterfalls, a large horseshoe shapes waterfall carved into a rocky valley.

The waters around the town are teaming with wildlife and its whales and dolphins can be seen at close quarters onboard a wildlife watching cruise from the towns harbour.

Best Time To Visit Akureyri

The cruising season is a relatively short one with ship not arriving until mid-May and ending in September, so it maybe a case of whenever you can make it.

If you visit in the earlier parts of the season, the weather can often be wet and windy although there will be more snow on the mountains surrounding the town.

The summer months are arguably the best time to visit as not only do you have the best chance of blue skies and sunny weather but you also get incredibly long days to make the most of your time onshore

Transport

Due to the size of the town, and the closeness to the town centre from the cruise dock, there is no need to use any public transport in the town.

If you have mobility issues, or guided tour of the town can often be booked via your cruise line or simply jump in a taxi when on shore.

Akureyri Cruises From UK

If you want to visit the port directly from the UK without the need to fly, you can do as there are several round-trip journeys offered from ports across the UK.

Akureyri Cruises From Southampton

If you do want to sail there from the UK, the widest range of itineraries, ports and ships are offered out of the port of Southampton.