Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland, is a city of creative spirit and breathtaking natural beauty. As the world's northernmost capital, it serves as a fantastic gateway to Iceland's dramatic landscapes. The city itself is a compact, colorful, and walkable hub with a vibrant arts scene, quirky shops, and cozy cafes. For a cruiser, Reykjavík offers a perfect blend of urban exploration and a launching point for incredible adventures to see geysers, waterfalls, and glaciers.
⛵ Port Introduction
Reykjavík has two main cruise terminals: Miðbakki (Old Harbour) and Skarfabakki. Your ship's docking location will depend on its size.
Miðbakki (Old Harbour): This is a smaller, more central terminal. If your ship docks here, you are right in the heart of downtown Reykjavík and can walk off the ship and begin exploring immediately.
Skarfabakki: This is the terminal for larger cruise ships. It's located about 3 miles (5 km) east of downtown. From here, you will need to take a shuttle, taxi, or public bus to get to the city center.
⚓ Terminal Information
The terminals are modern and well-equipped. At Skarfabakki, you'll find a permanent building with the basic amenities you need. The walk from the ship to the terminal is short and easy.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
At the Skarfabakki terminal, you'll find a café, a souvenir shop, and restrooms. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi and a currency exchange desk. A handy tourist information counter can provide maps and leaflets. Tour pickups and taxi stands are located just outside the terminal building.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Icelandic, a North Germanic language with roots in Old Norse. However, most people you will encounter in Reykjavík, especially in the tourist industry, speak excellent English. You will have no problem navigating or communicating.
A few useful phrases:
Halló (hah-LOH) - Hello
Takk (tahk) - Thank you
Já (yow) - Yes
Nei (nay) - No
💰 Money
The official currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit cards are the preferred method of payment and are widely accepted everywhere, even for very small purchases. It's not necessary to have cash on hand, as many places are cashless. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.
🚗 Transportation
To get from Skarfabakki to downtown Reykjavík, you have a few options:
Shuttle Bus: Many cruise lines offer a shuttle bus service to the city center. This is a convenient and easy option.
Public Bus: Reykjavík has an excellent public bus system, called Strætó. The buses are very reliable and a great way to get around the city. You can use the "Klappið" app to buy tickets, as bus drivers do not carry change.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal and are a convenient option, but they can be quite expensive. You can use the Hreyfill taxi app or call them directly.
Ride-Sharing: There are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft in Reykjavík.
♿ Accessibility
Reykjavík has an accessibility rating of 5 out of 10. While the cruise terminals and many of the main attractions are accessible, the city has some challenging terrain. The downtown area has some cobblestone streets and older buildings with stairs. Some tour operators offer accessible tours, and the city's public buses are also accessible.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
If you dock at Miðbakki, the best way to get to town is to walk. You are already there! If you dock at Skarfabakki, the best way to get to town is to take the shuttle bus provided by your cruise line.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in Reykjavík, especially at major tourist attractions, shopping centers, and museums. Some public toilets may charge a small fee, typically 100-300 ISK. It is a good idea to have some coins or a contactless payment card on hand for this purpose.
💊 Drugstore
Apotek 1: There are many Apotek 1 pharmacies throughout the city, including one located on Laugavegur, the main shopping street.
Lyfja: This is another major pharmacy chain with locations throughout the city.
✨ Authentic Experience
Dine at the Kolaportið Flea Market: For a truly local experience, visit the Kolaportið flea market, which is open on weekends. It's a great place to wander through stalls selling everything from second-hand clothes to books and local food. You can get a taste of local delicacies like harðfiskur (dried fish) and interact with locals.
Soak in a Local Swimming Pool: Instead of a long trip to the Blue Lagoon, take a bus or a short taxi ride to one of Reykjavík's many local swimming pools. They are a beloved part of Icelandic life and are much more affordable than the Blue Lagoon. They typically include hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, and it's a great place to relax and chat with locals.
Walk the Old Harbour and Try a Famous Hot Dog: For a taste of local life, take a walk around the Old Harbour. It's a peaceful area with a mix of old fishing boats and tour boats. After your walk, head to the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand and try one of the "best hot dogs in the world," which is a classic and authentic Icelandic experience.
