Akureyri, Iceland
Port Introduction
Welcome to Akureyri, the "Capital of North Iceland"! While it's Iceland's second-largest urban area, you'll find it has a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming small-town feel. Nestled at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, the town is surrounded by stunning mountains, offering breathtaking views right from the port. One of the first things you might notice is the heart-shaped red traffic lights scattered throughout the town – a local initiative to spread positivity after the 2008 financial crisis.
Akureyri itself is a key attraction, with a vibrant cultural scene, a beautiful botanical garden, and a charming downtown area. It also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the incredible natural wonders of North Iceland, such as the Lake Mývatn region, Goðafoss waterfall, and opportunities for whale watching right in the fjord.
There is one main cruise port in Akureyri, with a couple of different docks.
1.1 Terminal Information
Getting ashore in Akureyri is typically a straightforward process. The main cruise dock is called Oddeyrarbryggja. Most ships are able to dock directly, so there is usually no need for a tender. You'll be able to walk down a pier to the terminal area. The walk isn't overly long, generally just a few minutes. The port can accommodate up to two large cruise ships at a time.
1.2. Terminal Facilities
The terminal facilities in Akureyri are located right at the pier. You'll find a modern and welcoming terminal building. Inside, there is ample seating, clean and accessible restrooms, and a water fountain to refill your bottle. You can also expect to find a helpful tourist information desk where you can pick up maps and ask any questions you might have. Complimentary Wi-Fi is usually available within the terminal building.
You will also find a small souvenir shop. This is also the main meeting point for most pre-booked shore excursions.
Public transportation does not go directly to the terminal building itself. However, the walk to the main city center, where you can access local buses, is a pleasant and manageable 10-15 minutes.
2. Language
The official language is Icelandic. However, you will find that nearly everyone in Akureyri, especially those working in tourism, speaks excellent English. You will have no problem navigating and communicating in English.
Still, learning a few basic Icelandic phrases is always appreciated by the locals:
Halló (Ha-low) - Hello
Takk (Tahk) - Thank you
Já (Yau) - Yes
Nei (Nay) - No
Góðan daginn (Go-than-die-inn) - Good day
3. Money
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). While it's always a good idea to have a small amount of cash on hand for smaller purchases or incidentals, credit and debit cards are widely accepted everywhere. In fact, Iceland is a very card-friendly country, and you'll find that many locals rarely use cash.
ATMs are easy to find in the city center. The closest bank with an ATM to the cruise port is Landsbankinn, located at Strandgata 1. When using an ATM, be aware that your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. It's best to check with your bank before you travel.
4. Transportation
The center of Akureyri is very walkable, and you can easily explore the downtown area on foot.
Public Transportation: The city has a public bus system that is free of charge for everyone! You can simply hop on and off as you please. The bus routes cover the main areas of the town.
Taxis: Taxis are available, but they can be quite expensive. You can usually find them near the port and in the city center. Rates are regulated and based on a meter. For groups larger than four, you can request a larger taxi, but this will also increase the fare.
Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft do not operate in Akureyri.
Car Rental: Several car rental agencies have offices in Akureyri, some of which may offer a shuttle service from the port. To rent a car, you will need a valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit is not required for a standard license in English.
4.1. The Best Way to Get to Town from Cruise Port
The absolute best way to get to the center of town is to walk. It is a pleasant and scenic 10-15 minute walk along the harbor. As you walk, you'll see beautiful views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.
4.2. Accessibility
The accessibility in Akureyri for people with limited mobility is reasonably good. I would rate it a 7 out of 10. The sidewalks in the downtown area are generally well-maintained and flat. The main shopping street, Hafnarstræti, is pedestrian-friendly. The cruise terminal itself is accessible. However, some of the older buildings and residential streets may present challenges with stairs or uneven surfaces. Some of the natural attractions outside the city might have limited accessibility.
5. Toilet
Public toilets are available in Akureyri and are generally clean and well-maintained. You can find public restrooms in the city center, often near major attractions and parks. Some may require a small fee to use, so having a few coins on hand can be useful. The toilets are standard Western-style facilities. Good alternatives if you can't find a public one are cafes and restaurants; it is generally expected that you would make a small purchase to use their facilities.
6. Drugstore
The two closest drugstores (known as "apótek" in Icelandic) to the cruise port are:
1. Lyf og heilsa:
a. Address: Hrísalundur 5, 600 Akureyri
b. Hours: Generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and have shorter hours on weekends.
2. Apótekarinn:
a. Address: Hafnarstræti 97, 600 Akureyri
b. Hours: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
7. Authentic Experience
To truly experience the local flavor of Akureyri, we recommend the following:
1. Visit a Local Pool: Icelanders love their geothermal swimming pools. The Akureyri Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Akureyrar) is a fantastic complex with several geothermally heated pools, hot tubs, and a steam bath. It's a great way to relax and mingle with locals. Don't be shy; it's a very common and popular activity for all ages.
2. Explore the Botanical Garden: The Akureyri Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn) is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It's a beautiful and peaceful place to stroll and admire a surprising variety of plants that thrive in this sub-arctic climate. It’s a testament to the town’s green thumb.
3. Savor a Local Treat: For a true taste of Akureyri, head to Brynja for their famous ice cream. This isn't your typical ice cream; it's a soft-serve style made with milk, not cream, and you can get it with a variety of toppings and dips. It's a beloved local institution and the perfect way to treat yourself.
For our experience in Akureyri, don’t forget to check our video below along with helpful resource links and updated intel from our cruising community!
