Nicknamed the “Capital of North Iceland“, Akureyri Cruise Port is home to Iceland’s second largest city (after Reykjavik), though it still only has about 20,000 residents today. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, fjords and waterfalls, Akureyri cruise port offers not just outdoor activities but also a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries and historical sites.
So in this blog post, I’d like to share with you how to plan a DIY shore excursion at Akureyri Cruise Port, whether you want an active port day hiking, whale watching or a more relaxing day at the Forest Lagoon, strolling in the Akureyri Botanical Gardens or enjoying the museums in town.
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Akureyri Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎 Straightforward
Planning an Icelandic cruise for the summer and Akureyri Cruise Port is on your cruise itinerary? Then you’ll find Akureyri one of the few Icelandic ports where it’s quite straightforward to plan a DIY shore excursion. Here’s why:
- Walk to Akureyri Town Centre from Port: Both cruise piers are within 15 minutes’ walk of Akureyri’s town centre, making it easy to explore independently.
- Free Buses within Akureyri region: If you’d like to venture further to some of the museums I mention below, then hop on a free bus! Yes, the buses in Akureyri are free to both residents and visitors. It’s easy to navigate too, as all bus routes start and end in the same bus station in the town centre.
- Independent Tours Galore: It wasn’t always this way but Akureyri has really stepped up its game in the past two years. There’s now loads of tour excursion options with departure points near the cruise port.
And if you don’t want to venture outside of Akureyri, there’s enough to do within Akureyri itself for a wonderful DIY port day! I’ll tell you what these are below…
Akureyri Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know
Akureyri Cruise Port – Where Your Ship Docks: There’s two cruise piers in Akureyri where your ship will most likely dock. Both are within walking distance of Akureyri’s town centre – see both marked on my Akureyri Cruise Port map 🗺️📌👇 below:
- Oddeyrarbryggia 12 aka “Old Harbour”: this is typically where smaller ships dock. Silversea’s and Azamara’s ships usually dock here.
- Tangabryggia 11a: Opened in 2019, this is where the larger ships will dock. If you’re traveling on a NCL, Carnival, Princess, MSC, HAL or Celebrity ship, you will usually dock here, as the Old Harbour’s pier is too short for your ship.
Akureyri Cruise Port Schedule: Check where your ship will dock at the official Akureyri’s port authorities’ website. Note that berths are always subject to change due to operational reasons and may not list on the calendar until a few months’ before your cruise date!
Special Note: During peak summer months (ie. July-August), up to 4 ships can be calling at Akureyri on a single day. If this happens to you, then your ship may get “bumped” from both cruise piers and dock elsewhere.
- Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)
- (As of February 2025), US$1 = ~140 ISK, GBP£1= ~175 ISK, Euro €1 = ~150 ISK
- Language: Icelandic. English is very widely spoken, especially in Reykjavik and Akureyri!
- Official Tourism Website is Visit Iceland and Visit Akureyri.
- eSim for Iceland: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout
- Note on Icelandic prices: Iceland IS expensive! So if you’re planning a cruise to Iceland, be sure to factor into the cost of shore excursions! I personally found Iceland cheaper than Alaska during peak months (June-August). If you’d like to keep a tight budget on shore excursions, then there’s lots of independent shore excursion options. Booking through a local operator will generally be cheaper than through your cruise line.
Akureyri Cruise Port Map
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- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
Akureyri Cruise Port to City Centre: Your Options
The best landmark in Akureyri to orient yourself around town is the Hof Cultural & Conference Centre – see this marked in my Akureyri Cruise Port map above 🗺️📌 and the photo👆. It’s a good landmark because it’s easily recognisable, with the local bus station nearby and it’s the home of the Tourist Information Centre during the summer.
1. Walk from Akureyri Cruise Port (Recommended)
(a) Docked at Oddeyrarbryggia 12 (aka Old Harbour):
- How Far is the Walk? It’s 500m (0.3 miles) on flat ground to the Hof Cultural & Conference Centre. The walk should take about 5 minutes.
- Directions for Walk: Once out of the port gates, take your first left into “Strandgata” and just keep walking. The street “Strandgata” is clearly signposted!
(b) Docked at Tangabryggia 11a (aka “Industrial Harbour):
- How Far is the Walk? The walk is just over 1km (0.6 miles) on flat ground to the Hof Cultural & Conference Centre. The walk takes around 15 minutes.
- Directions for Walk: Once you disembark, walk along the road to the first main junction where you’ll see a big gas station called “Orkan”. Turn left into Hjaiteyrargata street and then just keep walking! At the end of Hjaiteyrargata, the road bends into Strandgata, along the harbour front. Follow the road and you’ll be at the Hof!
2. Bus from Akureyri Tangabryggia Pier
If you’re docked at Tangabryggia Pier and prefer not to walk into town, then here’s how to get the free local bus into town, though it only runs every 30 minutes on weekdays and less frequently on weekends.
- Bus Stop: Walk to stop “Grenivellir”, marked on my Akureyri Cruise Port map. Once you disembark, walk on the main road until the first junction and take a left onto Hjalteyrargata street. You should then see the bus stop for routes #A1 and #A5.
- Bus Routes: Bus routes #A1 and #A5 both stop at Grenivellir and you can take either bus into the final stop, Miðbær, the main bus station. (If you see the bus stop for route #A6, then cross to the opposite side of the road!)
- Journey Time: Once on the bus, the trip takes less than 5 minutes. (It’s only 2 stops).
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes or so on weekdays but note on weekends, services don’t start until around 12 noon.
- Timetables & Bus Map: Download the official bus map & the bus timetables on your phones here. I find it easier to use Google Maps on my phone to see the next departure time.
Top Tip: Akureyri local buses are free to both residents & visitors. So no need to worry about tickets. Just hop on and take a seat! All Akureyri buses runs on a circular loop starting/ending in the local main bus station, Miðbær, across the street from the Hof Cultural & Conference Centre. So if you somehow get lost, then just hop on a bus and it will get you back to the Hof.
Check also with your cruise line to see whether there’s a shuttle into town. If one is running, then it usually stops near the Hof Cultural & Conference Centre as well.
Akureyri Cruise Port: Top Things to Do Nearby
1. Akureyri Church (Akureyrakirkja)
The Akureyri Church dominates the skyline of Akureyri’s town centre! Built in 1940, this prominent Lutheran church blends modern elements with traditional Icelandic styles, with a tall, peaked roof and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Akureyri Church is also known for its impressive pipe organ, with 49 stops and 3,3000 pipes. Also, look out for the model ship hanging from the ceiling!
The church is situated on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. So even if you’re not interested in seeing inside the church, you may want to climb the 112 steps leading up to the church to enjoy the views!
- How to Get There: Around 5 minutes’ walk from the Hof Centre
- Opening Hours: Typically 10am to 4pm Mondays to Fridays but as it’s a working church, schedule may change at short notice (eg. funerals). If you’re keen to see inside, then visit 3pm – 6pm Mondays to Fridays as these are designated opening hours from 21 May to 30 August 2025
2. Akureyri Art Museum
Housed in a former school building, the Akureyri Art Museum is home to contemporary Icelandic art, with revolving exhibitions by both local and international artists. It’s almost directly across from the Akureyri Church.
- Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm daily from June to August. Otherwise 12 noon to 5pm daily.
- Tickets: 2,200 ISK for adults, 1,100 ISK for seniors & students. Free for under 18s. If you’re visiting on a Thursday, there’s a guided tour in English starting at 12:30pm included in the ticket price!
- Current Exhibitions: Check the current exhibitions here.
3. Akureyri Botanical Gardens
The Akureyri Botanical Gardens is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world! There’s over 7,000 plant species in the park, with over 400 native to Iceland. So this is the perfect spot for a stroll for those interested in horticulture, or just those after a serene escape from their Icelandic adventure.
- How to Get There: Take the #A1 bus from the bus station, Miðbær, just outside the Hof Cultural Centre (see above) and get off at stop Þórunnarstræti / Sjúkrahús – see this marked on my Akureyri Cruise Port map above. Alternatively it’s about a 20-minute walk from the Hof Cultural Centre.
- Opening Hours: From 1st June to 30th Sept, 8am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 10pm on weekends. Gates are also open from October to May but you’ll find that there is generally much less to see!
- Free Entry: The garden is free to visit. There’s also a cafe!
4. Akureyri Museum
If you’re interested in the history and culture of Akureyri and the surrounding Eyjafjörður region, then this is the spot!
There’s a permanent exhibition on Akureyri’s history, from its origins as a 16th century trading post to its present day status as the “Capital of the North”. You’ll find lots of artefacts and photographs showcasing the town’s development, including its maritime heritage and industrial growth.
For (old) map lovers, don’t miss the Schulte Collection of Maps, with maps of Iceland dating from 1547 to 1808.
In the same museum complex, there’s also the Akureyri Museum Church and Nonni’s House. The latter is a museum dedicated to Jón Sveinsson, a renowned Icelandic author and priest who wrote children’s books under the pen name “Nonni”.
- How to Get There:
- Walk from the Botanical Gardens: If you’re intending to visit the Botanical Gardens (see above), then it’s about a 15 minute walk from there to the Akureyri Museum.
- Free Bus from Hof Cultural Centre: Bus route #A5 is more direct and will get you to the museum in under 10 minutes. Bus route #A6 does a long anti-clockwise loop before reaching stop “Aðalstræti / Minjasafn)“, a stone’s throw from the museum’s main entrance. Use Google Maps to find the next bus; note buses run less frequently on weekends.
- Tickets: 2000 ISK for adults, free to under 18s. Admission ticket also includes entry to nearby Akureyri Toy Museum (about 5 minutes’ walk away).
- Opening Hours: Open 11am to 5pm from June to September; double-check opening hours here
5. Ziplining in Glerárdalur Valley
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure with breathtaking views, try ziplining in Glerárdalur Valley. Zipline Akureyri offers a thrilling experience with five zip lines zigzagging across the river canyon.
You’ll soar over the glacial river Glerá and enjoy stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The tour includes a mix of ziplining and light hiking through the scenic canyon, making it a great way to connect with nature while getting your heart racing! The walk at the end of the ziplines is only about 10 minutes.
- How to Get There: Catch bus routes #A2, #A5 and #A6 from the bus station near the Hof Cultural Centre. All stop at bus stop “Þingvallastræti / Pálmholt“, 2 minutes walk from Zipline Akureyri. Using Google Maps to find the next available bus. Otherwise, it’s a 30 minutes walk from Akureyri Town Centre.
- What to Wear: At the very least, wear comfortable shoes with good grip! Hiking boots or trail running shoes would be even better. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring a jacket, preferably a waterproof one.
- Tours: The ziplining tour is only 90 minutes, so you can definitely fit other sightseeing options in.
- Pre-booking Required: There’s very limited capacity, so be sure to book ahead to get availability.
6. Motorcycle Museum of Iceland & Icelandic Aviation Museum
I’m going to mention the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland & the Icelandic Aviation Museum, both in central Akureyri, in case it peeks your interest! Both museums serve specialist interests and I wouldn’t recommend a hike out to either, unless you’re normally into motorcycles or aviation!
The Motorcycle Museum of Iceland has a collection of over 200 motorcycles, racing from classic vintage models to modern motorbikes. There’s also a treasure trove of memorabilia, including photos, motorcycle gear and historical artefacts on show. Check opening hours on its website here.
Aviation enthusiasts will be interested in the Icelandic Aviation Museum, located near the Akureyri Airport. Check opening hours here.
How to Get There: Catch bus route #A1 or #A3 to stop “Skautahöll” – it’s known as the “Ice Rink” stop, because the local ice rink is nearby too. Once you alight, the Motorcycle Museum is a 5- minute walk away and the Aviation Museum, a 20 minute walk away.
Note that the local buses don’t stop near the Akureyri Airport. So if you don’t fancy the walk, then take a taxi out to the Aviation Museum. There is an airport bus from the city centre but the airport bus schedule depends on the flight schedule and therefore isn’t really that regular.
Akureyri Cruise Port Excursions
1. Whale Watching from Akureyri Cruise Port
Akureyri is considered the whale-watching capital of Northern Europe! So if you haven’t yet planned a whale watching trip on your Icelandic cruise itinerary, then Akureyri is as good a port as any to do it!
There’s an excellent chance of seeing humpback whales, as well as minke whales, pilot whales and sometimes even orcas. This is because humpbacks are known to come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of Eyjafjörðurfjord.
Whale watching tours depart from Oddeyrarbót pier, just outside the Hof Cultural Centre, a short walk from either Akureyri cruise pier.
- Departure Point: Depart from Oddeyrarbót Pier, just outside the Hof Cultural Centre, a short walk from either Akureyri cruise pier. See this marked on my Akureyri Cruise Port map above.
- Duration: Typically around 3 hours long. You’ll be dropped back at Oddeyrarbót pier and then it’s a short walk back to the ship, making this an ideal half-day excursion. You can also do some sightseeing in Akureyri town centre before/after your whale watching tour.
- What to Bring: Binoculars if you have them, otherwise, nothing! You’ll be given thermal waterproof gear to wear, so you’ll feel comfortable remaining outdoors. Drinks are available for purchase onboard or you can bring your own filled water bottle.
- Pre-Booking Required: All cruise lines will offer whale watching tours. For independent travel, be sure to book ahead, as these trips regularly get booked out during the summer.
2. Akureyri Cruise Port to Godafoss Waterfall
Godafoss (Goðafoss) Waterfall, locally known as the “Waterfall of the Gods“, is a 40-minute drive from Akureyri. The waterfall is 12m (~40 feet) high and 30m (~98 feet) wide and its cascading water tumbles into a wide, crescent-shaped gorge. (Goðafoss Waterfall reminds me of Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls, though obviously on a smaller scale!)
The name “Waterfall of the Gods” comes from a legend of an Icelandic chieftain throwing statues of the norse gods into the water to symbolically demonstrate Iceland’s conversion to Christianity, supposedly over 1,000 years ago.
Goðafoss Waterfall is primarily a spring-fed river, giving it a distinctive blue colour. You can explore both sides of the waterfall – the west side is a small island called Ram Island and the Skjálfandafljót River, running on the east side.
Gullfoss Waterfall, Godafoss Waterfall or Dynjandi Waterfall? If you’re already planned whale watching on another Icelandic port, or just want a short excursion in Akureyri, then I think the Goðafoss Waterfall is an excellent excursion option, especially if you’re not planning to see the “big one” at Gullfoss – typically an excursion from Reykjavik. Alternatively, if Isafjordur is on your Icelandic cruise itinerary, you can see the Dynjandi Waterfall. (All three waterfalls are quite different but I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see a waterfall at every port!)
- Departure Point: Depart from Laufásgata 1, just outside the port gates if you’re docked at Oddeyrarbryggia 12 pier or a short walk if you’re docked at Tangabryggia Pier
- Duration: around 2.5 hours. Pre-book here.
- Top Tip: Book a morning excursion to Goðafoss Waterfall and ask to be dropped off at the Forest Lagoon (see below) instead of back at the port or town centre. Enjoy a relaxing 2-3 hours at the Forest Lagoon before catching the Forest Lagoon’s shuttle back to Akureyri town centre. (Note you’ll need to pre-book the Forest Lagoon yourself for this DIY option – see below.) Or book a combined tour that covers both!
3. Akureyri Cruise Port to Forest Lagoon
The Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa, located about 5km (~3 miles) from Akureyri’s town centre. Nestled in a forested area with views of Eyjafjörðurfjord, the Forest Lagoon is relatively new, having only been opened in 2022.
There’s two infinity pools: a larger one maintained at around 37°C (98.6°F) and a smaller one kept at approximately 40°C (104°F). The larger pool has two swim-up bars and there’s also a Finnish-style dry sauna and a cold pool at a refreshing 11°C (51.8°F).
How the Forest Lagoon compares to the Blue Lagoon:
- Size: The Blue Lagoon is much larger than the Forest Lagoon. In this case, size does matter a bit. I once stayed in the Blue Lagoon for 5 hours before I went to the airport! The smaller Forest Lagoon means that you’ll likely only stay 2 hours or so, perhaps up to 3 hours if you’re planning on eating there.
- Scenery: The Blue Lagoon is surrounded by a stark, lunar-like lava landscape, while the Forest Lagoon offers views of Eyjafjörðurfjord and lush greenery. I’d say that the feel of both geothermal spas are quite different!
- Amenities: Both offer everything you need to have a very relaxing time! Pools with varying temperatures, swim-up bars, changing rooms with lockers, showers with shampoo, conditioner & soap etc. The Blue Lagoon is known for its silica mud masts, which are not available at the Forest Lagoon. Also, bring a towel from the ship to avoid having to rent one at the Forest Lagoon.
- Price: Blue Lagoon is more expensive but a visit to the Forest Lagoon certainly isn’t cheap!
- Should you book it? In my humble opinion, it depends on what you’ve got planned for the rest of your Icelandic cruise! I put this third on the excursion list, because if you’ve already planned whale watching for another port, or visiting Gullfoss waterfall from Reykjavik, then the Forest Lagoon is a great excursion option at Akureyri.
- Pre-booking Required: Due to its small size, be sure to pre-book your time slot during summer months. Admission numbers are strictly controlled, so you may be turned away at the ticket office if you don’t pre-book.
How to get to Forest Lagoon: Your Options
- Forest Lagoon’s own shuttle service: During summer months, the Forest Lagoon operates its own shuttle service hourly from 10am to 6pm (on the hour) from Hof Cultural & Conference Centre. There’s no booking required, nor do they take bookings.
- Priorities are given to those who already have a booked time slot. Even if you’re the sort not to book anything in advance, check online to make sure there’s availability before waiting for the shuttle!
- It’s only a 5-minute drive. So if the bus is full, they just ask you to wait 5 minutes and drive right back to pick you up!
- Taxi from Akureyri Cruise Port: It’s only a 5-minute drive but taxis are really expensive in Iceland! Expect to pay around €35 for a one-way trip. There’s only one taxi company called BSO-Taxi. There’s no Uber or Lyft equivalent operating in Akureyri. Taxis will take cards but double-check with driver first.
- Walk from Akureyri Cruise Port: If you’re feeling adventurous or energetic, walk across the causeway! It will take about 45 minutes from the Hof Cultural & Conference Centre. Just walk along Hringvegur, the main road alongside the harbour and then across the causeway. Assuming good weather, this is a beautiful walk! You’ll see signs for the Forest Lagoon on the other side of the causeway.
- Tour Drop Off or combined tour: Many tours (except the whale watching tours) will drop you off at Forest Lagoon rather than back at Akureyri town centre. You can then catch the Forest Lagoon shuttle bus back to Akureyri town centre after your soak at the Forest Lagoon!
Featured Image by Arvid Olson from Pixabay
I hope that this DIY guide to Akureyri Cruise Port has given you some ideas on how to plan your port day there! Iceland is expensive but I personally found that with a bit of planning, it’s not more expensive than comparable experiences in Alaska.
If this guide has been useful to you, please do share with family and friends, or even better, with your fellow cruisers in your roll call groups! Thank you!
