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
Ships can berth alongside at the 230mtr-long quay or anchor in the fjord which has a 1.200mtr turning basin.
Most points of interest in downtown are within walking distance from the cruise terminal, typically no more than a 5 to 10-minute walk.
Cruise calendar choose month and year and port
Grundarfjörður itself is built up around the harbor and there is great interaction between the local community of 960 inhabitants and passengers.
This Cruise Port gives passengers an opportunity to experience the Icelandic way of life close-up.
The shops and restaurants display various national flags and locals, dressed in the Icelandic National costume, greet passengers on the quayside and guide them to the nearby Heritage center for tourist information and exhibitions. Musical events are often held in the church and passengers are welcome to walk freely in and around the town and surrounding countryside.
Nearby places
Grundarfjörður offers easy access to both the Snæfellsnes peninsula and west Iceland, combining the breathtaking natural beauty of the peninsula with the rich cultural heritage of the whole of west Iceland.
Snæfellsjökull National Park, with its mystical glacier is a big attraction, as is Iceland's greatest archipelago, Breiðafjörður with its outstanding variety of rich bird life. Departure from Ólafsvík for whalewatching excursions or horseriding across the beaches of Löngufjörur.
Food and shopping
The shops in Iceland are of international standard, and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialties are woollen knitwear (for example sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewelry. Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood.
Money
The Icelandic monetary unit is the "króna." Coins are in denominations of 100 kr., 50 kr., 10kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Bank notes are in denominations of 5000 kr., 2000 kr.,1000 kr., and 500 kr. All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and are generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00.
The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA. Cash can be obtained at every bank branch (over 170) as well as in all ATMs throughout the country.
Staying connected
The Icelanders still speak the language of the Vikings, although modern Icelandic has undergone changes of pronunciation and, of course, of vocabulary!
Opening Hours and
Office hours are generally 09:00-17:00 and 08:00-16:00 during June, July and August. Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets are open to 23:00 seven days a week. Banking hours are Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.