Akureyri Cruise Port Guide (Iceland)
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Akureyri is Iceland’s second-busiest cruise port after Reykjavik, but it feels much quieter and more relaxed.
I visited Akureyri on a cruise and had time to walk around town before heading out on a Lake Mývatn tour, with a stop at the stunning Goðafoss Waterfall.
The cruise port is just a 5-minute walk from the town center, so Akureyri is very easy to explore on foot.
In this Akureyri cruise port guide, I’ll explain where ships dock, how to get around, what you can see on foot, and which excursions are most worth considering during a cruise stop.
Where Cruise Ships Dock in Akureyri
Akureyri sits at the end of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, so arriving by ship is part of the experience.
The sail-in is beautiful, with mountains rising on both sides of the fjord.
Cruise ships dock at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, located about a 5–10 minute walk from the town center.
Unlike some Icelandic ports, there’s no need for shuttles or complicated transport if you plan to stay in town.
Facilities at the port are simple but sufficient. You’ll usually find:
- tourist information nearby
- souvenir shops
- local tour operators
- taxis
- limited car rental options
Wi-Fi is normally available at the terminal area.
Can You Explore Akureyri on Your Own?
Yes — Akureyri works very well for an independent cruise day.
The town is small, easy to navigate, and most visitors can comfortably explore the center, cafés, harbor, church, and botanical gardens without needing a guide or transport.
For places farther outside town, such as Lake Mývatn or Goðafoss, organized tours are usually the more practical option on a cruise day.
Getting Around from Akureyri Cruise Port
Walking Around Akureyri
The cruise pier is located very close to downtown, so walking is the easiest way to get around.
Hafnarstræti, the harbor area, shops, and cafés are all within a short walk from the ship, while the church and botanical gardens require a bit more uphill walking.
Taxis and Car Rentals
Taxis wait near the cruise port and are useful for short rides, although prices in Iceland are generally high.
Car rentals are available near the port, but options are limited and should be booked in advance during the cruise season.
Shore Excursions from Akureyri
Akureyri is one of the best ports in Iceland for nature excursions.
Most tours focus on North Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, and whale watching.
I booked my excursion through GetYourGuide during my cruise stop, and it worked out perfectly.
The tour was well organized, returned on time, and cost much less than the cruise line option.
👉 Browse shore excursions on Viator or GetYourGuide — trusted platforms widely used by cruisers.
🎥 Watch my YouTube video covering the Akureyri cruise port, top things to do in town, and my Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss tour.
How Much Time You Need in Akureyri
- 3–4 hours: Enough time to explore Akureyri on foot, including the harbor, church, cafés, and main streets.
- 5–7 hours: You can combine town exploration with a shorter excursion such as Goðafoss.
- 8+ hours: This gives you enough time for a Lake Mývatn tour or a longer North Iceland excursion.
What to Do in Akureyri Cruise Port
If it’s your first visit, these are the main things to do in Akureyri from a cruise ship, starting with the easiest independent plan and then the most popular excursions outside town.
Explore Akureyri on Foot
Akureyri is small enough that most cruise visitors can comfortably explore the town without transport.
The center has a relaxed feel, with colorful buildings, cafés, local shops, and mountain views around almost every corner.
The main streets to walk are Hafnarstræti and Kaupvangsstræti, both close to the harbor.
This is the best area for:
- local cafés
- Icelandic souvenirs
- small galleries
- relaxed walking near the port
You can comfortably explore most of central Akureyri in 1–2 hours.
👉 Browse Akureyri walking tours and local experiences
Visit Akureyri Church
Akureyrarkirkja sits on a hill above town and is Akureyri’s best-known landmark.
The church was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the same architect behind Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik.
Its elevated location gives wide views over the harbor and fjord.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk there from the cruise port, including stairs and uphill streets.
The church was closed during my visit, but the viewpoint alone made the walk worth it.
👉 Check guided tours that include Akureyri Church and the town center
Walk Through the Botanical Garden
The Akureyri Botanical Garden is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world and a peaceful place to spend some time away from the harbor.
It’s located slightly uphill from the center, about a 20-minute walk from the cruise port.
Despite Iceland’s climate, the garden contains both native plants and species from around the world.
Entry is free, and it works well as a quiet stop if you’re exploring independently.
👉 Explore Akureyri nature and walking tours
Take a Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Tour
This was the excursion I chose during my Akureyri cruise stop, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the entire Iceland trip.
The tour combines several of North Iceland’s most famous natural sights into one full-day experience, including Goðafoss Waterfall, the Lake Mývatn region, Dimmuborgir lava fields, Grjótagjá Cave, and the Námaskarð geothermal area.
Our first stop was Goðafoss, often called the “Waterfall of the Gods.”
Located about 40 minutes from Akureyri, the waterfall stretches across a wide horseshoe-shaped cliff surrounded by lava landscapes.
It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Iceland and easily worth seeing during a cruise stop.
From there, we continued toward Lake Mývatn, an area shaped by volcanic activity, geothermal heat, lava formations, and craters.
The scenery here feels completely different from Reykjavik and southern Iceland.
One thing you’ll notice immediately are the tiny midges around the lake — harmless insects that gave Mývatn its name.
They can be annoying in summer, but the landscapes totally make up for it.
Dimmuborgir was one of the most interesting stops for me, with huge lava formations, arches, caves, and walking paths through the volcanic terrain.
Nearby Grjótagjá Cave, famous from Game of Thrones, contains a naturally heated spring hidden inside a lava cave.
The final stop was Námaskarð, a geothermal area filled with steam vents, bubbling mud pools, and colorful mineral-covered ground.
It felt like walking on another planet.
The whole tour fit very comfortably into a cruise day, and booking independently through GetYourGuide was much cheaper than the cruise line option.
💡 I also wrote a full review of the Lake Myvatn tour from Akureyri, including photos, timing tips, and everything we saw during the day.
- Read my full Lake Mývatn cruise excursion review
- Check the exact Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss tour I booked from Akureyri
👉 Browse all Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss tours from Akureyri
Go Whale Watching in Húsavík
Húsavík is often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland and is located about an hour from Akureyri.
Tours in Skjálfandi Bay regularly spot humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and occasionally blue whales during peak season.
I didn’t visit Húsavík during this cruise, but it’s one of the most popular excursions from Akureyri for visitors interested in wildlife.
The town itself is also pleasant to walk around, with a small harbor, whale museum, and colorful wooden church.
Should You Book a Shore Excursion in Akureyri?
If you mainly want to see Akureyri itself, exploring on your own works perfectly well.
But if this is your only visit to North Iceland, I’d strongly recommend taking an excursion.
Places like Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, and Námaskarð are what make this port truly memorable.
Personally, my Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss tour ended up being one of the highlights of the entire cruise.
Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors
- Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK).
- Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Bring layers and a windproof jacket, even in summer.
- Comfortable walking shoes are important for uneven paths and waterfalls.
- Excursions can sell out quickly during peak cruise season.
- Akureyri is expensive, especially for excursions and dining.
Is It Worth Staying in Akureyri?
Yes — Akureyri works very well as a relaxed walking port, especially if you prefer a slower cruise day.
But the real highlights are outside town.
If you have enough time in port, I’d recommend using the opportunity to see North Iceland’s waterfalls, geothermal areas, and volcanic landscapes.
FAQ
❓ Where do cruise ships dock in Akureyri?
Cruise ships dock at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, about a 5–10 minute walk from the town center.
❓ Is Akureyri walkable from the cruise port?
Yes. Akureyri is one of the most walkable cruise ports in Iceland, with most attractions reachable on foot.
❓ How far is Akureyri cruise port from downtown?
The port sits very close to town. Most central areas are within a short 5–15 minute walk.
❓ What are the best shore excursions from Akureyri?
The most popular shore excursions from Akureyri are Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss Waterfall, Námaskarð geothermal area, and whale watching in Húsavík.
❓ Is Goðafoss worth visiting from Akureyri?
Yes, Goðafoss is one of North Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and one of the best excursions from Akureyri cruise port.
❓ How long does the Lake Mývatn tour from Akureyri take?
Most Lake Mývatn tours from Akureyri take around 6–8 hours and fit comfortably into a cruise port day.
❓ Is Akureyri expensive for cruise visitors?
Yes, Akureyri is relatively expensive, similar to the rest of Iceland, especially for excursions, restaurants, and taxis.
Helpful Resources
- Port of Akureyri – Official port and docking information
- Visit Akureyri – Local attractions, maps, and seasonal updates
- Strætó – Public transport information (limited use for cruise visitors)
- Vedur – Iceland’s official weather forecasts (worth checking before excursions)
Ports Often Included with Akureyri
These ports are commonly paired with Akureyri on Iceland & Northern Europe itineraries:
- Reykjavik – Iceland’s main cruise port and transport hub
- Ísafjörður – Westfjords scenery and small-town charm
- Seyðisfjörður – Scenic fjord arrival and walkable town
- Djúpivogur – Quiet port with short walks and views
- Lerwick – Shetland Islands and coastal landscapes
- Edinburgh (South Queensferry) – Easy access to Edinburgh
- Invergordon – Gateway to the Scottish Highlands
- Amsterdam – Popular embarkation and transit port
- Southampton – Major UK homeport for Iceland cruises
Planning more cruises? You can browse all my regional cruise port guides here: Mediterranean • Caribbean • Northern Europe • USA & Canada • Australia & New Zealand • Middle East
