Akureyri, proudly known as the Capital of the North, stands apart from other cruise ports with its rare blend of urban vitality and wild, sculpted landscapes. Protected by Eyjafjörður’s long, wind-sheltered harbor and hugged by mountains on three sides, it offers ships an easy, comfortable welcome and passengers a quick path from quay to a lively town. Stroll from the waterfront to late 19th‑century wooden houses that whisper of a bygone era, while the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rise on a green hill as a timeless focal point. Signature experiences center on intimate Icelandic moments—breathtaking fjord views, short excursions to see the pyramid-shaped rhyolite mountain Súlur to the south, and a sense of Eyjafjörður’s grand scale toward Kerling, the district’s highest peak. The port itself accommodates a range of fleets with its sheltered approach, smooth docking, and walkable town layout that make shore days effortless. Onboard, cruise guests enjoy curated excursions, local cuisine insights, and seamless transfers that connect them to culture, nature, and Nordic hospitality, ensuring Akureyri feels both a refreshing escape and a convenient gateway to the North of Iceland.
Currency
Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Language
Icelandic
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit
May–Sep
Typical Duration
7-16 nights
Price Range
$893.50–$91,949 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Gateway to Iceland's dramatic Arctic landscapes, offering access to waterfalls, glaciers, and the unique culture of northern Iceland.
Cruises that visit Akureyri
- cruises to Akureyri
- Akureyri sailings
- Akureyri cruises
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 7-night Polar Latitudes Expeditions cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 9-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 9-night Poseidon Expeditions cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Akureyri
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Goðafoss
Waterfall on alien planet
Akureyri Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is free to the public to explore and enjoy.
Closes soon · 10 PM
Forest Lagoon
The Forest Lagoon was such a unique place.
Akureyrarkirkja
Also check the art studio around the corner.
Akureyri Backpackers
Great atmosphere, a nice variety of beers and the chicken tacos were superb!
Elding Whale Watching Akureyri
It was a challenge to keep our 4 year old engaged for the entire duration :)
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Bautinn Restaurant
The lamb chops and the fish and chips were incredible.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Christmas House
You can come here to visit Santa's house and workshop all year long.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Strikið
The food was delicious, service was great and the atmosphere was so cozy.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Kaffi Ilmur
The food was amazing—fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Greifinn
The experience was exceptional, and every meal we ordered was delicious.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Akureyri Swimming Pool
Something for all ages and abilities.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Taste
The burger was a revelation—juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
Centrum Kitchen & Bar
Eclectic menu, large cocktail and wine selection, and vibrant ambiance.
Closes soon · 10 PM
Rub23
Delicious, outstanding food, great bar and clean bathrooms.
Closes soon · 10 PM
Ketilkaffi
Delicious, beautifully presented food with a quiet friendly atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Kjarnaskógur
Wonderful variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Hagkaup
Excellent collection, fair price and friendly staff.
Open · Closes 12 AM
LYST
The ambiance is amazing, a stunning piece of architecture and decor.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Icelandic Aviation Museum
For me the highlight was exploring the 747 cockpit - very interesting!
Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Glerártorg
Easy parking and a number of different shops including a pharmacy.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
R5 Micro Bar
Fantastic little bar with some amazing craft beers and a fun atmosphere
Mulaberg Bistro & Bar
Staff were professional and this was the best food I’ve eaten in Iceland
Eyja
Great food, wonderful atmosphere, tasty drinks and lovely staff!
Closes soon · 10 PM
Akureyri Museum
Lively museum, very friendly staff, a d a great cup if free coffee
Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu
Akureyri Tourist Information Centre
Great voew and info.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Zipline Akureyri
5 zip lines criss-crossing the river right in the heart of Akureyri.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Penninn Eymundsson Akureyri
Awesome store full of interesting departments filled with great merchandise.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
North Restaurant
The menu is creative and delicious, service attentive and friendly.
Closed · Opens 6 PM Thu
Presley Bar and Grill
Great happy hour deals and local beer!
Aurora Restaurant
The service was perfect and the atmosphere beautiful.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Icewear Akureyri
Great shop offering souvenirs, and a good selection of outdoor clothing.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Vamos AEY - Einstök Beer Lounge
Good drinks, amazing service and nice atmosphere
Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
The Viking
Good displays and prices are fair.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Fairytale figures
And to convert a backyard into an exhibit for this is magical.
Temporarily closed
Hertex Hjálpræðisherinn
Good selection, great prices.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Götubarinn
The bar with a memorable and non-standard design.
Visit North Iceland - Markaðsstofa Norðurlands
Wonderful experience
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Græni hatturinn
... this cosy club with great atmosphere, music and wonderful bar.
Sunnuhlíð verslunarmiðstöð
Maybe still developing the premises?
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Fold Anna
Cute shop with lots of selection for unique and authentic Icelandic sweater.
Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu
Arctic Plant Collection
Perfect, quick surprise visit for my wife.
Closes soon · 10 PM
Leyni Akureyri
Cozy bar, great drinks, great Playlist, awesome service ❤️
Krossanesborgir
Needed to kill some time and stumbled upon this place.
Icewear Magasín Akureyri
Decent prices compared to other souvenir stores with an okay selection.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Samkomubrú
Recommend it for a stop and some pics!
Sjoppan vöruhús / Design Shop
Great selection of well- curated pieces and a warm and welcome owner!
Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Akureyri
Cruise Lines at Akureyri
- Viking Ocean Cruises (73 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (33 cruises)
- Holland America Line (22 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (21 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (16 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (12 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (12 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (11 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (6 cruises)
- Seabourn (4 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (3 cruises)
- Aurora Expeditions (1 cruise)
- HX Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Polar Latitudes Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Poseidon Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Silversea (1 cruise)
- Virgin Voyages (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Akureyri
Cruises Visiting Akureyri
Ship Schedule at Akureyri
Akureyri Location
Other Cruise Ports in Iceland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Akureyri Port (ISAKU)?
The official port serving Akureyri in northern Iceland, located by Eyjafjörður.
Where is Akureyri located?
Akureyri is in Iceland, at latitude 65.6885 and longitude -18.1262.
What facilities does the port offer?
Harbor facilities, easy access to town, nearby lodging and services.
How can I reach Akureyri Port?
Access by road from Route 1; maritime services operate seasonally.