Akureyri cruise port guide - port maps, transportation & more

Akureyri is located at a latitude of 65.7°N, making it one of the northernmost towns of its size in the world. Despite its northern location, the town enjoys relatively mild temperatures due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.

Akureyri has a population of around 19,000 residents. While smaller than Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, Akureyri plays a vital role as a hub for services, education, and culture in northern Iceland.

Akureyri is home to the University of Akureyri, a dynamic institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its focus on law, social sciences, and marine biology, capitalizing on its coastal location.

The town’s harbor is essential to its economy, serving as a hub for fisheries and trade. The nearby Eyjafjörður Fjord offers fertile waters that support a variety of marine life, contributing to the local fishing industry.

Akureyri has an airport, Akureyri Airport, which provides domestic flights to and from Reykjavik and other destinations. The town is also accessible by road, with Route 1 (the Ring Road) passing through it, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the country.

Despite its northern location, Akureyri experiences a relatively mild coastal climate due to the aforementioned Gulf Stream influence. The surrounding landscapes offer diverse outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and even golf during the summer months at the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world.

Akureyri takes its Christmas celebrations seriously. Each year, the town transforms into a winter wonderland with elaborate decorations, markets, and events. The nearby Kjarnaskógur Forest is home to a Christmas house, where you can immerse yourself in the festive spirit.

Akureyri has a rich cultural heritage, evident in its well-preserved old town. The area is filled with charming wooden buildings, reflecting the town’s history and architectural traditions.

In addition to fishing and trade, Akureyri’s economy is bolstered by tourism, education, and services. The town’s dynamic economy has contributed to its growth and development as a regional center.

Akureyri has a lively music scene with various music festivals and events taking place throughout the year. The town’s smaller size creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy live performances.

Akureyri is know as being one of the places in Iceland that will receive the most snow in wintertime. Many Icelanders will come up to the town that will turn itself into a snow resort in wintertime. From Reykjavik it is only a 5 hour drive so it makes a great getaway.

Did you know that the oldest animal in the world was found in Akureyri. It is a clam that is almost 500 years old.

Cruise port Akureyri

Cruise destination Akureyri can facilitate two cruise ships at the same time. Cruise ships dock at the commercial port close to the city center. About 100 ships make Akureyri their port of call in a year so the town is very much used to facilitating the big amount of visitors and their needs. At the Akureyri cruise dock you will find a small souvenir shop and a free wi-fi point. There are also free maps to take away with you when you go ashore.
From the cruise port it is only a 5 minute walk to get to the city center of Akureyri. The walk is flat and is clearly marked as well.

Distance Akureyri cruise port to:

Town center – 500 meters/yards
Tourist information centre: 400 meters/yards
Organized tours: 60 meters/yards
Private tour operators: 110 meters/yards
Car Rental: 150 meters/yards

Tourist information at the cruise dock Akureyri

There is no tourist information at the cruise dock in Akureyri. However as you walk to the city there is a tourist information point in the building at the exit of the port that you will automatically come across on your way out. There are clear signs leading the way to the information point. The tourist information is about 400 meters from the dock. They have lovely information ready for you so make sure to make a stop here if you are planning to go independently.

Independent tours on the cruise dock of Akureyri

There are local tours being offered on the cruise dock in Akureyri. There is variety that might be offered on shore although availability is not guaranteed.
Typical tours that will be offered shore side are whale watching tours, taxi tours, hop on hop off bus and bus tours. Prices and times are usually clearly displayed just past the exit of the pier as well as on the way to the city center.

Taxis at the Akureyri’s cruise facility

Usually there are taxis available at the cruise dock and they are keen to giving tours to the cruise visitors. If you can’t find a taxi at the cruise dock than please know there is another official stop at the local bus station which you will find just outside of the port area. There is usually a telephone number as well that you can call if you don’t encounter one on the stop. The taxi prices are also displayed on an information sign. Please find the taxi prices as displayed in the cruise port of Akureyri here:

Taxi prices at Akureyri’s cruise port:

2 hour tour to Godafoss waterfall:
1 – 4 persons: 33.000 kroner or 5 – 8 persons: 41.500 kroner
3,5 hour tour to Godafoss and Laufas:
1 – 4 persons: 43.500 kroner or 5 – 8 persons: 54.500 kroner
6,5 hour tour to Godafoss and Myvatn:
1 – 4 persons: 72.000 kroner or 5 – 8 persons: 90.000 kroner

Use the currency converter tool to see how much the prices above in Icelandic kroner turn out in your currency. Please know prices are subject to change and availability is limited.

Public transportation from Akureyri

There are public busses serving the area from Akureyri. Find the mail bus station at the exit of the port. You will know when you are there if you spot the yellow busses.

Shopping at Akureyri

There is a small souvenir shop at the cruise dock which can be great if you have been on a shore excursion by the ship. The town is only a short walk away and here you will find the local shops as well as souvenir shops.
If you are interested in shopping make sure to stop by the Hafnar straeti street. Which is where you find most of the town shops.

Car rental at the port

The local car rental office available at the port would be Europcar. Be sure to check the availability and prices on their website. A booking in advances would be recommended because it might save you time and disappointment. Please know renting a car in Iceland can be a pricy event with most cars renting out for around 250 USD a day. Again, please the the Europcar website for the accurate prices.

Wi-fi at the cruise port

There is a free wi-fi point available at the cruise dock. It is clearly indicated by signs and banners on the pier.

Currency in Akureyri

The local currency used is the Icelander kroner. Sometimes prices are displayed in euros and US dollars. However please know that you will most likely pay by card with a creditcard.
Creditcards are accepted at most places and there is no need to change to the local currency of to have cash on you. Also please know, tipping is not typically something you would do in Iceland. Not in bars and restaurants and also not for tour guides. Although some locals might be aware that you are not aware of this fact and will happily make themselves available for a tip, please know it is not in their culture to do so.

Scenic sail in and out of Akureyri

Akureyri is located at the end of the fjord. Sailing in and out of this beautiful fjord is something you don’t want to miss and I hope your ship can provide some scenic cruising commentary about what you will be seeing on the way.
First of all, to get into Akureyri your cruise ship will have to cross the Arctic Circle for about an hour before going south again and entering the fjord. Obviously this will not be a scenic experience. However being above the Arctic circle, even if it is just for an hour, might just be a thing to tick off the bucket list.
In the fjord you can expect to see lots of bird life (bring binoculars) and cattle farms along the line. Furthermore you have change to see whales. Be on the lookout for them, however a sighting of a minkey, blue of humpback whales is rare in this fjord.

Things to see in Akureyri town

Within walking distance of the cruise port you will find:
The Botanical garden
The church
The motorcycle museum
The aviation museum
Public pool with hot tubs and spa
Industrial museum
Akureyri museum
Toy museum

Out of town:

– Myvatn. Which is a 1 hours drive where you find the waterfalls, bird life, lava field, countryside, lava pillars, caves and lagoons.

FAQ about Cruise port Akeruyri

Does the cruise ship dock or tender in Akureyri?
Cruise ships dock in Akureyri.
What is the name of the cruise dock in Akureyri?
The name of the cruise pier is Oddeyrarbryggja 12.
Is there free wi-fi in the cruise port?
Yes, there is a free wi-fi zone on the cruise dock
Is there a hop on hop off bus in Akureyri?
Yes, there is.
Do I need to have local currency to a cruise to Iceland?
No, not necessarily.
Are there shore excursions offered on the cruise dock in Akureyri?
Yes, there are.
How far is Akureryri’s city center from the cruise dock?
About 400 meters / yards. That would be a 5 minute flat walk.
Are there taxis available at the cruise dock in Akureyri?
Yes, usually there are. Taxi prices are on display.
What close should you wear in Akureyri?
Check the weather forecast. Be prepared for wind, rain and sunshine. Layers are always a good idea.
Are there lagoons nearby good for swimming?
You will often see steam coming from the ground in Akureyri, which indicated that there is water. Even if this would be a spring you cannot know if that spring is suitable for swimming. If you want to visit a lagoon, please go to an official facility. Do not bath in any type of water you come across.

If your ship is going to Akureyri you will most likely go to Ísafjörður as well.
Check out the Ísafjörður cruise port guide here.

Akureyri – Iceland