Iceland’s Sunniest Town Is Also Its Most Surprising Cruise Stop

Akureyri sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, and manages to feel like an entirely different country from the grey skies and tourist crowds of Reykjavík. Known as the “Capital of the North,” this compact, colourful city of just 20,000 people punches well above its weight — offering volcanic landscapes, whale-filled waters, and one of Iceland’s best botanical gardens, all within easy reach of the dock. If you’ve written off Iceland cruise stops as one-trick-pony glacier tours, Akureyri is here to change your mind.

Arriving by Ship

Cruise ships dock at Akureyri’s dedicated cruise terminal, which sits right in the heart of town — an immediate advantage over many Icelandic ports. You’ll step off the gangway and find yourself just a short walk from the main shopping street, Hafnarstræti, and the iconic red-roofed Akureyrarkirkja church perched dramatically on the hillside above. There’s no tender service here; ships berth directly at the pier, so even tight port schedules feel manageable. The town is genuinely walkable, but taxis, rental cars, and organised tours are all readily available for those wanting to venture further afield.

Things to Do

The view from Akureyrarkirkja is your first order of business — climb the broad staircase (or cheat and take the lift up from Kaupvangsstræti) for sweeping fjord panoramas. The adjacent Akureyri Botanical Garden is one of the world’s northernmost, and surprisingly lush in summer, with Icelandic wildflowers and exotic species thriving in the shelter of the fjord.

For the real drama, you need to leave town. The Lake Mývatn area, roughly 100km east, is a geothermal wonderland of lava fields, bubbling mud pots, and pseudo-craters — a half-day trip that rewards every kilometre of the drive. On the way, Goðafoss Waterfall (the “Waterfall of the Gods”) drops in a thunderous horseshoe curve that makes even seasoned Iceland travellers stop and stare. A guided excursion combining both is one of the most popular choices from this port. 🎟 Book: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port If your time is tighter, the waterfall alone still makes for a highly satisfying short excursion. 🎟 Book: Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

Back in town, whale watching from the inner fjord is a genuinely exciting option — Eyjafjörður is one of Iceland’s most productive whale-watching spots, with humpbacks, minkes, and white-beaked dolphins regularly sighted. For a more exhilarating experience, consider a RIB speedboat tour that covers more water in less time. 🎟 Book: Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat If you’re short on time but want a town overview before deciding where to linger, the hop-on hop-off bus is a sensible starting point. 🎟 Book: Akureyri Hop on Hop off tour

Local Food

Akureyri’s food scene is unpretentious, warming, and deeply tied to the sea. Kjötsúpa — a thick Icelandic lamb soup with root vegetables — is the quintessential comfort dish and appears on nearly every local menu. The fish is exceptional: pan-fried Arctic char and salt cod feature at restaurants along the waterfront, often paired with skyr-based sauces or caramelised butter. For something casual, try the local bakeries for a slice of kleina (twisted Icelandic doughnuts) and a strong coffee. Ráðhústorg (the town square) has a handful of cafés ideal for a quick lunch between sightseeing. Look out for Noa Skyr ice cream — a local obsession that’s thicker and more intensely flavoured than anything you’d find elsewhere.

Shopping

Akureyri’s main shopping street offers a compact but curated selection of Icelandic crafts, woolens, and design. The lopapeysa (traditional Icelandic sweater) is the souvenir worth investing in — hand-knitted versions sold in local wool shops are a far cry from the machine-made imitations found in Reykjavík airport. Vinberið chocolate shop, tucked near the town centre, produces small-batch Icelandic confections worth stocking up on. You’ll also find jewellery made from local lava rock, illustrated prints of Icelandic wildlife, and quality ceramics from northern Icelandic artisans.

Practical Tips

• Currency: Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK), but credit cards are accepted almost universally — you’ll rarely need cash.
• Weather: Even in summer (June–August), temperatures hover around 10–15°C. Pack a waterproof layer regardless of the forecast.
• Time: Most ships allow 8–10 hours in port, which is enough for a Mývatn excursion and some town time — but plan your priorities early.
• Walking shoes: The church staircase and surrounding hills involve real climbing; comfortable footwear is essential.
• Light: In June and July, Akureyri experiences near-24-hour daylight — an otherworldly experience that makes every photo glow.

Cruises That Visit Akureyri Iceland

Several major cruise lines include Akureyri on their North Atlantic and Iceland itineraries, particularly between late May and early September when the fjord is ice-free and the days are longest. Hurtigruten and Havila Kystruten both offer Norway-to-Iceland sailings that make Akureyri a primary stop, typically departing from Bergen or Oslo on voyages of 12–15 nights. These expedition-style itineraries suit travellers wanting a deeper connection with Arctic landscapes.

Silversea, Viking Ocean, and Regent Seven Seas include Akureyri on their British Isles and Iceland roundtrip voyages, often departing from Southampton, London Tilbury, or Copenhagen. These sailings typically run 12–16 nights and combine Akureyri with Reykjavík, the Westfjords, and Scottish or Faroese ports.

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer Iceland-focused sailings from New York, Boston, or Amsterdam, usually 14–18 nights, with Akureyri appearing alongside Ísafjörður and Seyðisfjörður. These itineraries tend to depart in July and August when Atlantic crossings are most comfortable.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a particularly popular choice for UK-based travellers, running roundtrip Iceland voyages from Southampton or Newcastle, typically 14 nights, that place Akureyri at the northern apex of the route.

The best time to visit by cruise is June through August — you’ll get maximum daylight, the best whale-watching conditions, and Akureyri’s botanical garden and outdoor spaces at their peak. Late May and early September are quieter and slightly cooler but can offer dramatic skies and fewer crowds.

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🚢 Cruises That Stop at Akureyri Iceland

Akureyri rewards curious travellers who arrive with an open itinerary and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious. Whether you spend your day chasing waterfalls through lava fields, watching humpbacks breach in the fjord, or simply sitting in a café with a bowl of lamb soup and a view of the mountains, this northern Icelandic gem has a way of staying with you long after the ship has sailed.

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🎟️ Things to Book in Advance

These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.

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📍 Getting to Akureyri Iceland

Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.