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 dock in the heart of town in the Old Harbor, but most ships will use the cruise dock about two miles from the town center. Measuring 450m long with a draught of 12m, the new quay in the modern Sundahöfn harbor can take two cruise ships at a time, offering a vast array of tourist facilities, including phone and internet services, a shop, toilets etc.
Cruise terminals in Reykjavik.
Shuttles, for a fee, are normally provided.
Printable map to take along.
Cruise Schedule choose month and year and port
Reykjavik is by far the most visited cruise port in Iceland, with Akureyri and Isafjord running behind.
One of the advantages of Reykjavik is being able to see it on foot. For passengers spending time in the city there is a wide choice of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafés. Shopping is a must too and the ultimate relaxation experience is a trip to one of the city's seven thermal baths and pools.
Getting around
Reykjavík hop on/off double decker busses collects passengers from next to the cruise terminal building. Allegedly it runs every half hour, and a timetable is displayed by the cruise terminal bus stop, however at times it runs closer to an hour than to the published 30 minutes. Pre-booked tickets are somewhat cheaper than paying in local currency as you board the bus.
Taxis are very expensive. Public bus transportation
An office of Gray Line Iceland Excursions is close to the pier.
Reykjavík is at the same time a small town and a capital city combining the benefits of both. It has a thriving cultural life in which its citizens take a very active part. The downtown area is rather small and walkable.
Nearby places
Organized tours offer you the opportunity to enjoy the view and relax, while someone else takes over the planning, driving and guiding. There is a wide variety of tours available to suit all interests. A sightseeing tour of Reykjavik on arrival will familiarize you with what the city has to offer, while a day tour from Reykjavik may include the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, the spectacular Geysir geothermal area, a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, a visit to Thingvellir National Park (and World Heritage Site), or a close-up view of a glacier. Longer excursions around the country and into the interior are also available.…
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. Euros are widely accepted.
The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA. Cash can be obtained at every bank branch 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!
The Cruise Liner Visitor center offers computers and is a Wi-Fi hot spot.
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.