Akureyri, Iceland - Cruise Port
Akureyri, the "capital" of northern Iceland, is nestled at the end of Eyjafjordur, the country's longest fjord. Often dubbed Iceland’s second-largest city, it may feel more like a large town, with a population under 20,000. While Akureyri is a popular jumping-off point for attractions like Lake Myvatn, Goðafoss waterfall, whale watching, and boat tours, is an overnight stay in port really worth it? Here’s a rundown of our experience and what you can expect.
Port Basics
Akureyri can accommodate three ships at a time, with the two main piers positioned at right angles to each other. The port itself doesn’t have much to offer—just a large dock and parking area—but the main town is just a 10-minute walk away.
The dock area has basic amenities, including a small "WIFI hut" near the shipping company building. If you need to bundle up, there's a shop offering winter clothes, which is helpful given how cold it can get near the Arctic Circle.
What to Do in Akureyri
If you’re in port late in the day, the usual tourist bustle isn’t present. While you won’t see many tour buses, there are still options for excursions, with several tour operators looking for business. Taxis are also available, and car rentals are nearby, with Europcar and Avis offering options just a short walk from the pier.
The HOF Cultural and Conference Center is a hub for tourists, with a visitor information desk, a café, and clean facilities. It’s also the departure point for the local hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) bus, which can take you around town to several points of interest. The center is also where you can rent bikes and scooters.
From there, walk south to explore the town’s main street. You’ll find a mix of restaurants, bakeries, and stores. Be sure to check out the mural by the children’s play area, and, if you’re in the mood for a snack, the local hot dog stand offers some unique combinations, like hot dogs with bacon, potato salad, or baked beans.
If you need a public toilet, there’s one at a local bookstore, but you’ll need to purchase something to use it. Past the bookstore, you’ll find the Akureyri Church and the Akureyri Art Museum. Although the church was under renovation during our visit, the art museum is worth checking out.
Botanical Garden & Other Attractions
One of the best attractions in town is the Akureyri Botanical Garden, located about 20 minutes from the center of town. It’s a small but charming garden, and there's a café onsite that doubles as an evening performance venue. The Heritage Museum and Toy Museum are also located about a 20-minute walk south of the garden.
One quirky feature of the town is its heart-shaped traffic lights, a gesture meant to make the long Icelandic winters a bit more bearable and welcoming to visitors.
Our Thermal Spa Experience
For a relaxing evening, we visited Forest Lagoon, a thermal spa located just outside of Akureyri. At 6900 ISK ($50 USD), it’s a reasonably priced experience. You’ll need to book online, but the spa is a great way to unwind after exploring the town
So, Is an Overnight Stay Worth It?
While Akureyri is fun and offers several things to do, an overnight port stay doesn’t necessarily offer much more than a day stop. Many attractions, like museums and car rental offices, close early, so if you arrive in the evening, you may find yourself limited in what you can do. The extra hours are better spent when things are open again the next morning. Unless the evening offers something unique—like strolling the streets after dark—an overnight stay may not provide significant additional opportunities, especially since Iceland enjoys long daylight hours in the tourist season.
Final Thoughts:
Akureyri is a lovely and charming place with plenty to see, but for a short stay, it’s easier to do everything in one day, especially with the limited evening hours. If you're planning to explore more distant attractions like Lake Myvatn or Goðafoss, an overnight might make sense, but if you’re just looking to enjoy the town, a day in port should suffice.