Making the most of Akureyri
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The approach to Akureyri crosses the Arctic Circle. On board, a "Polar Bear" ceremony usually involves swimming in the pool in arctic temperatures.....
Ships berth at Oddeyrarbryggja Quay, close to central Akureyri. The town centre is 1km away, making it easy for passengers to walk from the quay; shuttles and taxis are available for anyone who would rather not walk.
Akureyri has a naturally sheltered harbour, with three cruise berths and an anchorage for both small and large ships.
A new high-power tugboat serves the port, which is extending its main pier from 210 meters to 360 meters.
The city of Akureyri sits at the southern end of Eyjafjordur, which is Iceland's longest fjord.
Webcam feeds
Cruise schedule: select the month, year and port
With a population of 16,000, Akureyri is north Iceland's administrative, transport and commercial hub. The town stands at the head of Eyjafjörður, a 60km-long fjord that is Iceland's longest.
Alongside the world's northernmost botanical garden and golf course, Akureyri has museums and shops. From mid-June to the end of August, its summer arts and culture festival includes concerts, exhibitions, theater, lectures and a jazz event.
Getting around
Lake Mývatn, an hour's drive away, is the cruise visitors' most popular guided outing. Mývatn Nature Baths, opened in 2004, is the newest of the region's visitor attractions and Iceland's newest spa. It offers a natural experience, from steam rising out of a fissure deep below the earth's surface to geothermal-water swimming drawn from as far as 2,500mtr below, against a mountainous backdrop. Tours generally stop at the sulphurous, steaming 'mud pots'. Their paths are wet, muddy and very squelchy in wet weather (i.e. on most days), so it is advisable…
A non-open-top hop-on hop-off bus, 30 euros pp, waits on the left as you leave the port.
BSO, the local taxi company, runs 2 to 6 hour taxi tours for 27,500 kr - 85,000 kr per car, carrying up to 4 people. Routes are Godafoss; Godafoss and Laufas; Godafoss and Myvatn; and Myvatn and Dettifoss.
Hiring a car is another worthwhile choice.
Nearby places
Some visitors fly 25 minutes north to Grímsey, the country's only island crossed by the Arctic Circle, where a certificate confirms that they have crossed into the Arctic.
Goðafoss, meaning "the waterfall of the gods" in Icelandic, is among Iceland's most spectacular falls. At the start of the Sprengisandur highland road in North-Central Iceland's Mývatn district, the Skjálfandafljót drops 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. Walking towards town, look left for a large Midnight Sun travel bus offering Godafoss Waterfall and Eyjafjordur bay excursions: 10:45-13:15, 13:45-16:15 and 16:30-18:45. They cost 55-60 Euros by credit card, depending on the time, or 5 Euro less for cash.
Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa 3km from the port, opens at 10am. Admission is 5990 isk pp, or about 43 euros.
Food and shopping
Icelandic shops offer merchandise of international standard. Local specialities include woolen knitwear such as sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens, along with handmade ceramics, glassware, silver jewelry and a wide selection of high-quality seafood.
Money
Iceland's currency is the "króna." Coin values are 100 kr., 50 kr., 10kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr.; bank notes come in 5000 kr., 2000 kr.,1000 kr., and 500 kr. Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00.
EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA are Iceland's main cards. Cash is available from every bank branch (over 170) and from ATMs across the country.
Staying connected
Icelanders still speak the Vikings' language, though modern Icelandic has naturally changed in pronunciation and vocabulary.
The tourist information center's cafe, around 150 meters from the ship's pier exit gate, offers free wifi. Buy something there, such as a coffee, then ask staff directly for the login password on request after your purchase.
Opening Hours and
General office hours are 09:00-17:00, changing to 08:00-16:00 in June, July and August. Shops usually trade Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00 and Sat 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets open until 23:00 seven days a week, while banks operate Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.