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 Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 7-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS 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 Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 10-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 10-night Explora Journeys 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.
Forest Lagoon
I went there with my daughter and few friends, and the children had a blast.
Akureyri Backpackers
Had the best burger in Iceland and loved the happy hour drinks.
Akureyrarkirkja
Also check the art studio around the corner.
Elding Whale Watching Akureyri
It was a challenge to keep our 4 year old engaged for the entire duration :)
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Bautinn Restaurant
The menu is fantastic with a good variety of meat, burgers, fish.
Christmas House
You can come here to visit Santa's house and workshop all year long.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Strikið
The service, food, and atmospheres are all exceptional for akureyri.
Kaffi Ilmur
The girls are super friendly, the food is good and "affordable" for Iceland.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Greifinn
The experience was exceptional, and every meal we ordered was delicious.
Akureyri Swimming Pool
Its affordable and you achieve maximum fun.
Taste
The best food, vibe and taste in Akureyri
Centrum Kitchen & Bar
Eclectic menu, large cocktail and wine selection, and vibrant ambiance.
Malik Kebab&Pizza
The food was delicious, and the portions were generous.
Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri
Great price and vegetarian and vegan options.
Rub23
Food and service were excellent, best meal we have had in Iceland!
Cafe Berlin
The portions are plentiful and the food is cooked to perfection.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Ketilkaffi
Delicious, beautifully presented food with a quiet friendly atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Bláa Kannan Cafe
Great food in a cozy ambiance with prompt and friendly service.
Moe’s Food Truck
Accomodating to lactose free options and gluten free options.
Kjarnaskógur
Wonderful variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
LYST
For me the coffee with the best atmosphere in Akureyri.
Closes soon · 7 PM
Icelandic Aviation Museum
There is an interactive area where you can go inside a cockpit.
Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Glerártorg
Easy parking and a number of different shops including a pharmacy.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Mulaberg Bistro & Bar
The atmosphere, the staff & especially the food was amazing.
Eyja
A lovely find in Akureyri: very friendly staff and delicious food.
R5 Micro Bar
Great atmosphere and wide variety of drinks
Krónan Akureyri
Has a great selection and prices are reasonable.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Akureyri Museum
Lively museum, very friendly staff, a d a great cup if free coffee
Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Zipline Akureyri
You get to do 5 different ziplines and each has its own personality.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Akureyri Tourist Information Centre
Gave us great ideas to fill in our time & we had a wonderful day
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Kaffistofan
Amazing Microroastery with great coffee in the centre of Akureyri.
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Penninn Eymundsson Akureyri
Awesome store full of interesting departments filled with great merchandise.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Presley Grill & Pizza
Best prices in Akureyri Great burgers Great vibe
North Restaurant
We were served from the tasting menu (chef's choice), and it was amazing.
Closed · Opens 6 PM Wed
Axelsbakarí
Try their special coffee drinks (can’t read it in Icelandic)
Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Wok to Walk
The yakisoba noodles were perfectly cooked and delicious.
Bakaríið við Brúna
Food, bread and coffee was very good!
Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Vamos & Fiesta - Einstök Beer Lounge
Went at happy hour great selection and price on beer.
Kaupangur
Good selection
Open 24 hours
Sykurverk Café
Tried their cappuccino and Icelandic spicy bread with cheese.
Aurora Restaurant
Offering a limited but excellent menu.
Icewear Akureyri
Great shop offering souvenirs, and a good selection of outdoor clothing.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Fairytale figures
And to convert a backyard into an exhibit for this is magical.
Þelamerkur sundlaug
A quiet little swimming pool with beautiful nature all around.
Chikin
Amazing food, quick service and lovely staff Would definitely recommend 😁
Terían Brasserie
Highly recommend this place for both great food and great service!
The Viking
Good displays and prices are fair.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Hertex Hjálpræðisherinn
Good selection, great prices.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
Götubarinn
Great bar, well really the only true bar in Akureyri.
Visit North Iceland - Markaðsstofa Norðurlands
Wonderful experience
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Græni hatturinn
Fun place, good atmosphere but the sound quality could be a lot better.
Arctic Plant Collection
Arctic garden seems to have had it's best times behind it already.
Sunnuhlíð verslunarmiðstöð
Maybe still developing the premises?
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Fold Anna
Cute shop with lots of selection for unique and authentic Icelandic sweater.
Closed · Opens 1 PM Mon
Leyni Akureyri
Cozy bar, great drinks, great Playlist, awesome service ❤️
Majó - Food and Culture
Very good food, the sushi was exquisite and the bao bun was very good.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Mon
Krossanesborgir
Redshank, black-tailed godwit and meadow pipit as well.
Samkomubrú
Recommend it for a stop and some pics!
Icewear Magasín Akureyri
A nice shop with a wide variety of souvenirs and clothing.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Swimming Beach
Would be better with cleaner beach, but still good for the purpose.
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 (66 cruises)
- Holland America Line (38 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (33 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (24 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (19 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (11 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (11 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (8 cruises)
- HX Expeditions (7 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (6 cruises)
- Aurora Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Polar Latitudes Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Poseidon Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Silversea (1 cruise)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (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.