Cruise port · Iceland · Iceland, Greenland & the Arctic
Akureyri cruise port guide
Akureyri is the friendly capital of North Iceland, set at the head of the long Eyjafjörður fjord. Ships dock right in town, and from here tours head to Goðafoss waterfall and the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn, with geothermal fields, lava formations and nature baths. Whale watching from the fjord or nearby Húsavík is another highlight.
- Waterfalls
- Volcanic landscapes
- Whale watching
- Geothermal baths
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Iceland, Greenland & the Arctic
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Icelandic. English is spoken by almost everyone.
- Currency
- Icelandic króna (ISK). Cards are accepted everywhere; cash is rarely needed.
- Best time to visit
- June–August
- Average highs
- 30–55°F through the year
About Akureyri
Akureyri is Iceland’s largest town outside the capital area, with colorful houses, a botanical garden, a hilltop church and cafés along the main pedestrian street. Its sheltered fjord setting gives it a milder climate than you might expect, and even the red traffic lights are shaped like hearts.
Most cruisers use Akureyri as a base for North Iceland’s natural wonders. Goðafoss is about 30 to 40 minutes away, and Lake Mývatn, with steaming vents, pseudocraters and the Mývatn Nature Baths, roughly an hour or more. If you want to stay close, the town is pleasant for a few hours. Iceland is expensive, and weather can change quickly.
Where cruise ships dock in Akureyri
Ships tie up at the cruise quay in central Akureyri, a short walk from the pedestrian street, the church and shops. Some ships use a second quay a bit farther from the center. Goðafoss is about 30 to 40 minutes by road, Lake Mývatn about an hour or more, and Húsavík about an hour. Public transport to these sights is limited, so a ship tour, private tour or rental car is the practical choice. The town takes two to three hours on foot.
Best things to do in Akureyri on a cruise
- 1
Goðafoss waterfall
nature
The Waterfall of the Gods spills in a wide horseshoe over basalt cliffs. According to the sagas, around the year 1000 a local chieftain threw his pagan idols into the falls after Iceland adopted Christianity. Paths on both sides offer viewpoints. About 30 to 40 minutes from town.
- 2
Lake Mývatn
nature
A volcanic lake surrounded by striking landscapes: the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, the Hverfjall crater and the bubbling mud pots and steam vents of Námaskarð. Tours usually take a full day from Akureyri.
- 3
Mývatn Nature Baths
adventure
A geothermal lagoon with milky blue water and views over the volcanic landscape, often less crowded than Reykjavík’s Blue Lagoon. Many Mývatn tours include a soak. Bring a swimsuit and book ahead.
- 4
Whale watching
wildlife
Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi Bay at Húsavík are known for humpback whales in summer, along with dolphins and porpoises. Tours leave from Akureyri or Húsavík, about an hour away. Dress warmly; boats provide overalls.
- 5
Akureyri Church and Botanical Garden
culture
Climb the steps to Akureyrarkirkja, designed by the architect of Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja, for views over the fjord. Then visit Lystigarðurinn, one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, with hundreds of Icelandic and foreign plants.
- 6
Forest Lagoon
adventure
A geothermal spa just across the fjord from town, with pools set among birch and pine trees and views back to Akureyri. It’s close enough for a short port call.
- 7
Laufás turf farm
history
A well-preserved turf-roofed farmhouse and church about 30 minutes from Akureyri, showing how wealthy Icelandic families lived in the 19th century. Often combined with Goðafoss.
Akureyri weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 30-1 | 310 | 331 | 373 | 425 | 5211 | 5513 | 5412 | 489 | 404 | 341 | 30-1 |
| Low °F (°C) | 20-6 | 21-6 | 22-5 | 27-3 | 331 | 426 | 468 | 447 | 394 | 310 | 26-3 | 21-6 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.1103 | 3.9100 | 3.896 | 2.872 | 3.077 | 3.589 | 4.0101 | 4.3109 | 5.2133 | 5.3135 | 4.3110 | 4.9125 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 5 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 21 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 3 |
What to eat and drink in Akureyri
Try Icelandic lamb soup (kjötsúpa), Arctic char and skyr, the thick, protein-rich dairy. Hot dogs (pylsur) with crispy onions and remoulade are a cheap classic. Akureyri is known for Brynja, a much-loved ice cream shop, and Kaldi beer is brewed nearby. At Mývatn, look for geothermal rye bread baked in the ground.
Tips for your port day
- Book Mývatn and whale tours early; they fill quickly on cruise days.
- Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and swimsuit for geothermal baths.
- Iceland is nearly cashless; cards work everywhere, even for small purchases.
- Weather can turn quickly; check forecasts and dress for wind and rain.
- Allow time for the drive back from Mývatn; roads are good but distances add up.
Cruise lines that visit Akureyri
Often on the same itinerary
Akureyri cruise FAQs
Can you walk from the Akureyri cruise port to town?
Yes. Ships dock in central Akureyri, a short walk from the main street, church and shops.
How far is Goðafoss from Akureyri?
Roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive east. It’s often combined with Lake Mývatn on a full-day tour.
Can you see whales from Akureyri?
Yes. Whale watching tours leave from Akureyri and from Húsavík, about an hour away, with humpbacks commonly seen in summer.
Is Lake Mývatn worth it on a cruise stop?
Yes. It’s one of Iceland’s most varied volcanic areas, though a full-day tour is needed.
Do I need cash in Akureyri?
No. Iceland is nearly cashless, and cards are accepted everywhere, even for small purchases.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.