Making the most of Reykjavik
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
Smaller ships berth in the Old Harbor in the heart of town, while most use the cruise dock about two miles from the town centre. The modern Sundahöfn harbor's new 450m quay, with a draught of 12m, can accommodate two cruise ships at once and has many tourist facilities, including phone and internet services, a shop, toilets etc.
Reykjavik cruise terminals.
Fee-paying shuttles are normally provided.
A printable map is available to take with you.
Choose cruise schedule month, year and port.
Reykjavik is Iceland's most visited cruise port by far, followed by Akureyri and Isafjord.
Seeing Reykjavik on foot is one of its advantages. Passengers spending time in the city can choose from museums, galleries, restaurants and cafés; shopping is also a must, while the ultimate relaxation is a visit to one of the city's seven thermal baths and pools.
Getting around
Reykjavík's hop on/off double decker busses pick up beside the cruise terminal building. They allegedly run every half hour, and a timetable is posted at the cruise terminal bus stop, but at times service is closer to an hour than the published 30 minutes. Pre-booked tickets cost somewhat less than paying in local currency when boarding.
Taxis are very expensive; public bus transportation is available.
Gray Line Iceland Excursions has an office close to the pier.
Reykjavík combines a small town with a capital city, gaining the benefits of both. Its citizens participate actively in a thriving cultural life, and its rather small downtown is walkable.
Nearby places
Organized tours let you enjoy the view and relax while someone else handles planning, driving and guiding, with a wide range to suit all interests. An arrival sightseeing tour of Reykjavik can introduce the city's offerings. Day trips from Reykjavik may take in the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, spectacular Geysir geothermal area, a dip in the Blue Lagoon's mineral-rich waters, Thingvellir National Park (and World Heritage Site), or a close-up glacier view. Longer trips around the country and into the interior are also available.…
Food and shopping
Icelandic shops meet international standards and stock a wide range of merchandise. Local specialities include woollen knitwear, for example sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens, plus handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewelry. There is also a great variety of high-quality seafood.
Money
Iceland's monetary unit is the "króna." Coin denominations are 100 kr., 50 kr., 10kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr.; bank notes are 5000 kr., 2000 kr.,1000 kr., and 500 kr. Icelandic banks all provide foreign exchange and generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00. Euros are widely accepted.
EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA are Iceland's major cards. Cash is available from every bank branch and all ATMs throughout the country.
Staying connected
Icelanders still speak the Vikings' language, although modern Icelandic has, of course, changed in pronunciation and vocabulary!
Computers and a Wi-Fi hot spot are available at the Cruise Liner Visitor center.
Opening Hours and
During June, July and August, offices generally operate 08:00-16:00; at other times their hours are 09:00-17:00. Mon-Fri shopping runs 09:00-18:00, while Saturday opens from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Seven-day supermarket opening can extend to 23:00. Banking is Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.