Making the most of Grundarfjordur
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 fjord has a 1.200mtr turning basin, while ships may berth alongside the 230mtr-long quay or anchor offshore.
Most downtown points of interest are walkable from the cruise terminal, typically within a 5 to 10-minute walk.
Choose the month, year and port on the cruise calendar.
Built around the harbor, Grundarfjörður has strong interaction between its local community of 960 inhabitants and passengers.
Passengers at this Cruise Port can experience the Icelandic way of life at close range.
Shops and restaurants show a range of national flags, while locals in Icelandic National costume greet passengers on the quayside and direct them to the nearby Heritage center for tourist information and exhibitions. Musical events are often held in the church, and passengers may walk freely around town and the surrounding countryside.
Nearby places
Grundarfjörður provides easy access to the Snæfellsnes peninsula and west Iceland, pairing the peninsula's breathtaking natural scenery with west Iceland's rich cultural heritage.
Snæfellsjökull National Park and its mystical glacier are major draws, as is Breiðafjörður, Iceland's greatest archipelago, with its outstandingly varied bird life. Ólafsvík is the departure point for whalewatching excursions or horseriding across the beaches of Löngufjörur.
Food and shopping
Icelandic shops meet international standards and stock a broad range of goods. Local specialties include woollen knitwear such as sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens, handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewelry, plus a wide selection of high-quality seafood.
Money
Foreign exchange is provided by Icelandic banks, which generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00. The country's monetary unit is the "króna." Bank notes come in 5000 kr., 2000 kr.,1000 kr., and 500 kr., while coins are issued as 100 kr., 50 kr., 10kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr.
EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA are Iceland's major cards. Cash is available at every bank branch, of which there are over 170, as well as at ATMs throughout the country.
Staying connected
The language of the Vikings is still spoken by Icelanders, although pronunciation and vocabulary have naturally changed in modern Icelandic!
Opening Hours and
Generally, offices keep 09:00-17:00 hours, changing to 08:00-16:00 in June, July and August. Shops trade Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, and Sat from 10:00 until 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Certain supermarkets remain open to 23:00 seven days a week. Banks open Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.