Cruises to Akureyri
Akureyri - the unofficial capital of North Iceland and the coziest gateway to volcanic landscapes just south of the Arctic Circle. The town sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, stretching 70 kilometers (43 miles) inland from the Arctic Ocean. Colorful wooden houses tumble down the hillsides toward the harbor, snow-capped peaks frame the horizon even in summer, and the world's northernmost public garden proves that lilacs can bloom at 65°41′N. For cruise travelers, Akureyri is the launchpad for Iceland's most famous natural wonders: Goðafoss waterfall, volcanic Lake Mývatn, and whale watching right in the fjord's waters.
Akureyri is not an embarkation port — it's a port of call, where liners arrive as part of round-Iceland itineraries or transatlantic crossings between Europe and North America. The port welcomes more than 150,000 cruise passengers annually and confidently holds second place among Iceland's cruise ports by popularity, right after Reykjavik. 🚢
📋 Before setting off on a cruise to Akureyri or stepping ashore for a few hours of port time, here's what matters most:
🇮🇸 Country: Iceland
📍 Region: North Iceland (Norðurland eystra)
👥 Population: about 20,000 residents — the fifth-largest municipality in the country
📐 Area: 125 km² (48 sq mi)
🗣️ Languages: Icelandic (official); English is spoken fluently by the vast majority of locals
💰 Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
🕐 Time zone: GMT (UTC+0) year-round, with no daylight saving time
☀️ Climate: subarctic oceanic, with cool summers (+50…+59 °F / +10…+15 °C) and cold, snowy winters (+27…+36 °F / −3…+2 °C); the fjord and surrounding mountains noticeably soften the wind compared with the open coast
✈️ Nearest airport: Akureyri Airport (AEY) — 3 km (1.9 mi) from downtown and the cruise pier
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Port of Akureyri (Hafnasamlag Norðurlands)
🗺️ Berth: Oddeyrarbryggja Quay, about 270 m (886 ft) long, 1 km (0.6 mi) — a 5–10 minute walk — from the town center
🏛️ History of Akureyri — from Vikings to the Capital of the North
⏳ Over 1,100 years on the fjord's shore
Akureyri's history begins long before the town itself. According to the Icelandic sagas, the area was settled in the 9th century by the Norwegian Viking Helgi magri Eyvindarson, who arrived during the great settlement of Iceland (landnám). Yet the first written record of the name "Akureyri" dates only to 1562, appearing in court records concerning a sentence for an extramarital affair. At the time, the only buildings here were the warehouses and shops of Danish merchants who came for the summer trading season.
The first permanent residential house wasn't built until 1778, and in 1786 the Danish Crown officially granted the settlement trading-post status. Growth remained slow, however: in 1836, a declining population cost Akureyri its municipal charter, and for a quarter century it reverted to an ordinary rural settlement.
⚓ Revival through trade and fishing
City rights were permanently restored in 1862, and steady growth followed. In 1871, local merchants founded the Gránufélagið trading cooperative, challenging the Danish trade monopoly and turning Akureyri into the commercial heart of the North. A real industrial leap came in 1927 with the opening of a herring processing plant — fishing and fish processing became the backbone of the local economy for decades.
During World War II, Allied troops were stationed in Akureyri, which sped up the development of the town's infrastructure. The postwar decades brought urbanization, as Icelanders increasingly moved to towns and cities, cementing Akureyri's status as the "Capital of the North." The University of Akureyri opened in 1987, and today the town is a hub for education, fishing, and tourism, welcoming tens of thousands of travelers every year, drawn by its fjords, volcanoes, and northern lights.
⚓ The Port of Akureyri — gateway to volcanic North Iceland
📊 Scale and layout of the port
The Port of Akureyri sits in a naturally sheltered harbor at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. The main cruise berth, Oddeyrarbryggja Quay, was extended between 2018 and 2019 from 210 to about 270 meters (886 ft), allowing several large liners to dock at once. The berth lies just one kilometer from the town center, so most passengers step ashore and find themselves right among the colorful streets of downtown — no shuttle buses or long transfers required.
For ships that can't dock due to size or berth availability, an anchorage is available in the fjord, with passengers brought ashore by tender boats, though for Akureyri this is more the exception than the rule.
🚢 How many liners the port can accommodate
The Oddeyrarbryggja berth can host up to three cruise ships simultaneously, with additional vessels able to anchor in the fjord. Overall, the Port of Akureyri handles more than 150,000 cruise passengers per season, which runs from April to October and peaks in June–August, with around 150 ship calls annually — the highest figure of any Icelandic port besides Reykjavik. On peak summer days, two or three liners can be in port at once, carrying several thousand passengers combined.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Akureyri
The port is regularly visited by ships from leading global brands: Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, Cunard, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, MSC Cruises, AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), P&O Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Hurtigruten Expeditions. In 2025, Virgin Voyages called at Akureyri for the first time — further proof of the destination's growing popularity. This makes Akureyri an essential stop on nearly every round-Iceland cruise. 🌍
💡 Interesting facts about Akureyri and its port
A few lesser-known details make getting to know the town even more rewarding:
🌸 The Akureyri Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn), founded in 1912, is considered the world's northernmost public garden, growing thousands of plant species in open ground — including many that normally thrive in much warmer latitudes.
❤️ In 2008, at the height of the financial crisis, local authorities replaced the usual red traffic-light signals with hearts — a symbolic gesture of support for residents. Several of these heart-shaped lights still operate downtown and have become a signature Akureyri detail.
⛪ Akureyrarkirkja church (1940) was designed by the same architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, who created Reykjavik's famous Hallgrímskirkja — hence the similarity in silhouette.
🐋 Eyjafjörður fjord is considered one of Iceland's best spots for whale watching: humpback whales are spotted almost daily throughout the summer, and safari boats depart right from the town's harbor.
⛷️ Thanks to its cold, snowy winters, Akureyri is jokingly nicknamed "the winter capital of Iceland" — the Hlíðarfjall ski resort, just minutes from downtown, is one of the country's most popular skiing areas.
💶 Since 2025, Iceland has levied an infrastructure fee on cruise passengers; for 2026 it was reduced to ISK 1,600 per person for each 24-hour period spent in Icelandic waters — an amount usually included in the cruise fare or billed separately by the cruise line.
📍 Top sights in Akureyri and its surroundings — must-sees for cruise visitors
A cruise ship's stay in Akureyri typically lasts 6 to 10 hours, so it pays to plan your route in advance — especially if your goal lies outside town. You'll find a detailed list with addresses, prices, and tips in the "Landmarks and Attractions" section; below is a quick overview of the town's signature sights.
⛪ Akureyrarkirkja — a Lutheran church on a hill above downtown, dominating the town's skyline with its distinctive stained-glass windows and organ.
🌸 Lystigarðurinn Botanical Garden — the world's northernmost public garden, with thousands of plant species right in the town center; free admission.
🏘️ Hafnarstræti pedestrian street — the main shopping street, lined with cafés, local design shops, and the town's oldest houses.
🐋 Eyjafjörður fjord — the departure point for whale-watching safaris, where you can spot humpback whales, minke whales, and even orcas.
💧 Goðafoss waterfall — the "waterfall of the gods," one of Iceland's most photogenic sights, 50 km (31 mi) from the port.
🌋 Lake Mývatn — a volcanic lake with lava fields, geothermal springs, and fumaroles, 90–100 km (56–62 mi) from Akureyri.
⛷️ Hlíðarfjall ski resort — the largest winter-sports area in North Iceland, just minutes from downtown.
✨ Why choose a cruise to Akureyri
Akureyri — is a perfect example of how a small town can deliver an experience as vast as an entire country.
First, it offers the easiest logistics of any Icelandic cruise port: the berth is just minutes on foot from downtown, with no long transfers or shuttle buses required. 🚶
Second, it's the launching point for the North's best nature routes — from whale safaris right in the fjord to day trips to Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss. 🌋
Third, the town itself is a cozy counterpoint to the volcanic landscapes around it: colorful houses, cafés, and the world's northernmost botanical garden are just as memorable as the waterfalls. 🌸
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the ideal round-Iceland itinerary, plan around Akureyri's short port time, and book the best excursions in advance, while offering exclusive rates from Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Akureyri
Akureyri is one of Iceland's most convenient cruise ports, precisely because there's barely any traveling to do once you're ashore: the pier sits just steps from the town center. Ships dock directly alongside the Oddeyrarbryggja quay, and tender boats or long transfers are generally not required. Below is a verified, step-by-step guide with every transport option, current prices, and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯
📍 Where Exactly Is the Akureyri Cruise Terminal
The Port of Akureyri is operated by the port authority Hafnarsamlag Norðurlands and sits at the head of Eyjafjörður — Iceland's longest fjord, roughly 60 km (37 mi) long. Cruise ships berth at the Oddeyrarbryggja quay (Old Harbour), which since a 2019 expansion stretches about 270 meters (886 ft) and can accommodate up to three large ships at once.
📌 GPS address: Oddeyrarbryggja, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
🚶 Distance to town center: about 1 km (0.6 mi) to the main street, Hafnarstræti — a 5–10 minute walk
🏢 Terminal: a small, modern terminal right on the pier with free Wi-Fi, restrooms, a souvenir shop, and a tourist information desk
🎪 The Hof Cultural Centre, about 400 meters (0.25 mi) from the pier, serves as the main summer tourist information point and bus station
❗ Important: on peak summer days (July–August), when more than three ships call at once, the largest vessels may anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore directly at the Old Harbour. This is uncommon — the exact disembarkation method is always noted in your cruise voucher.
🚶 From the Pier to Town Center — On Foot
This is by far the most popular and simplest way to get around in Akureyri: the town is entirely walkable.
• Travel time: 5–10 minutes to Hafnarstræti, the main street with shops, cafes, and restaurants
• Route: a short, level climb straight up from the pier into the town center; the path is safe and easy
• Wheelchairs and strollers: the walkway from the pier to town is fitted with ramps and is suitable for passengers with reduced mobility and families with strollers
💡 Four Gates tip: a stand with town maps and guided-tour schedules is right at the pier — it's worth grabbing a paper map, as mobile signal in some outlying areas can be unreliable.
✈️ From Akureyri Airport (AEY) to the Pier
If you're flying into Akureyri separately — for example, planning an extra night before or after your cruise — Akureyri Airport (AEY) is only 3 km (1.9 mi) from the town center and the pier. There are no direct international flights from Ukraine: the airport handles domestic flights from Reykjavík Airport (not Keflavík) plus a limited number of seasonal charter flights from London, Copenhagen, and other European cities.
🚕 Taxi
• Travel time: 5–10 minutes
• Cost: around 3,500–4,500 ISK (a 10–15-minute wait is possible during off-peak hours, as taxis don't always queue at the terminal)
• Payment: cash (ISK) or card
🚌 Strætó Bus (SVA)
• Cost: around 490 ISK one way
• Frequency: roughly once an hour
• Operating hours: approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes to the center
🚗 Car Rental
Major rental companies — Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar — have desks right at the airport terminal. This is a convenient option if you're planning independent travel around North Iceland after your cruise (Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík).
🚶 On foot — in good weather, the walk from the airport to town takes 30–40 minutes along the scenic fjord shoreline.
🚗 By Private Car — Parking Near the Port (and Car Rental)
If you're traveling by rental car and plan to drive to the pier yourself for boarding or disembarkation:
🅿️ Parking at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier
• Address: Oddeyrarbryggja, 600 Akureyri
• Cost: free or a nominal fee in most cases — unlike major European ports, there are no paid multi-story car parks right at the pier
• Note: spaces are more limited on days when large ships call, so arrive early
🅿️ Parking in town center — streets around Hafnarstræti use a zoned parking system paid via the EasyPark app or a parking meter, with the first 30 minutes usually free.
🚙 Renting a car for independent trips: if you're planning to drive to Goðafoss or Lake Mývatn on your own, booking a rental car online in advance is more cost-effective. Expect to pay roughly 12,000–18,000 ISK per day in summer; in winter a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended and rates run higher.
💡 Four Gates tip: roads outside Akureyri include gravel stretches and can be slippery even in summer due to mountain weather — plan your return time carefully.
♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Akureyri is one of the most accessible Icelandic ports for passengers with reduced mobility:
✅ The walkway from the pier to town is level, ramped, and step-free
✅ The terminal is fitted with ramps and is wheelchair-accessible
✅ If tendering is required (on peak days), the ship's crew assists passengers with reduced mobility
✅ Pre-booked taxis can provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles — mention this when booking
✅ Each terminal has staff available to assist with boarding — notify your cruise line of your needs in advance
⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
Akureyri is a port of call: the vast majority of ships stop here for a few hours as part of a longer Iceland or North Atlantic itinerary, with no embarkation or disembarkation of passengers.
🔵 Port of call: the key rule is to be back on board 60–90 minutes before the stated departure time (“all aboard”). A typical port stay in Akureyri runs 7–10 hours.
❗ Important: if you're exploring independently rather than on a ship-organized excursion, build in extra time for the return trip — especially if you're heading to farther-flung sights (Goðafoss, Mývatn). The ship will not wait for late passengers, and catching up with it at the next port of call is both costly and time-consuming.
🕐 Ship-organized excursions: guarantee a return to the ship no later than 30 minutes before departure — the main advantage of booking an organized tour to more distant sights.
💶 Port fee: passengers are charged Iceland's cruise infrastructure fee of roughly 1,600 ISK per day, which is typically already included in the cruise fare.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group Experts
Over years of working with Icelandic ports, our cruise specialists have gathered advice that will save you time, money, and stress:
🌋 Book your Goðafoss and Mývatn excursion in advance. These are the most popular routes out of Akureyri, and tour spots sell out quickly, especially at the height of summer.
👟 Pack warm layers, even in summer. Temperatures in Akureyri rarely exceed +15…+18 °C (59–64 °F), and the wind off the fjord can feel sharp even in July.
💶 Carry a small amount of cash in ISK — while Iceland is one of the most cashless countries in the world, cards aren't always accepted everywhere in outlying areas.
🐋 Whale watching is one of the top reasons to visit Akureyri specifically: Eyjafjörður fjord is considered one of Iceland's best spots to see humpback whales, so it's worth booking this excursion ahead of time.
📱 Download an offline Google Maps area in advance — mobile signal outside town can be patchy.
🚻 Don't expect much in the way of cafes right at the pier — most eateries are clustered in the town center, a 5–10-minute walk away.
📞 Akureyri Cruise Port Contacts
Hafnarsamlag Norðurlands (Port of Akureyri, general inquiries):+354 460 4200
Tourist Information (Hof Cultural Centre):+354 450 8050
Iceland Emergency Services: 112
Four Gates Group Cruise Specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Logistics in Akureyri are refreshingly simple compared with major European ports — there's no need for complicated transfers or long subway rides. The key is timing things right if you choose an excursion to one of North Iceland's farther sights. The Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients find the best way to experience Akureyri — from a walk through town to an organized tour to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn. Get in touch with your manager, and your day in Iceland will go off without a hitch. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Attractions in Akureyri: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Akureyri — Iceland's “Capital of the North,” a town that opens the door to some of the island's most astonishing landscapes: waterfalls, volcanic craters, geothermal springs, and a fjord stretching 60 km (37 mi). The cruise pier sits just a few minutes' walk from the town center, so even passengers without a booked excursion have time to stroll through town. Those who venture further afield can, in a single port call, see the Goðafoss waterfall, the volcanic Lake Mývatn, or watch humpback whales right in the fjord. Port time typically runs 7–10 hours, and below is a verified guide to the main attractions with 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier to each site. 🎯
⛪ 1. Akureyri Church (Akureyrarkirkja)
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Akureyri Church is the town's defining landmark, perched on a hill above the center and visible from almost anywhere. It was designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson — the same architect behind Reykjavík's famous Hallgrímskirkja — so both churches share the same basalt-column motif, although the “northern sister” looks more like a stylized 1920s American skyscraper. 🏛️
🔹 Inside stands a massive 3,200-pipe organ, one of the most powerful in Iceland.
🔹 A model ship hangs from the nave ceiling — a nod to the old Nordic tradition of a votive ship offered for the protection of sailors and fishermen.
🔹 For more than 70 years, the central stained-glass window above the altar was believed to be a surviving fragment of the legendary Coventry Cathedral in England, destroyed by German bombing in 1940. In 2014, researcher Jonathan Foyle determined the window actually came from a different English church — though the legend still lives on locally. 🪟
🔹 The bas-reliefs on the nave balcony are by sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson, and the 1863 altarpiece is by Danish artist Edvard Lehmann. The marble baptismal font is a replica of a work by the celebrated sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.
📜 History:
Construction of the church was completed in 1940 — one of the last major churches built in Iceland before World War II. The stained-glass window was purchased and donated to the church by local merchant Jakob Frímannsson, who saw similar windows in Reykjavík and realized one would fit perfectly in the new church; it was installed in 1943. Today the church is an active Lutheran parish and one of the most photographed buildings in North Iceland.
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes uphill, with the final stretch up a staircase (about 100 steps, roughly 65 ft/20 m of climb). The walk covers most of the town-center route, so it's easy to combine with other sights
• Taxi: 3–5 minutes, approximately 1,500–2,000 ISK
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free (donations welcome)
• Opening hours: daily, roughly 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in summer; the exact schedule is posted on the church door, since the church is closed during funerals and other services
⚠️ Tip: check the current service schedule on the official website akureyrarkirkja.is
🌷 2. Akureyri Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn)
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
This is the world's northernmost public botanical garden — and yet a genuine green oasis just steps from the Arctic Circle. Spread over roughly 3.6 hectares (8.9 acres), it holds more than 7,000 plant species: nearly the entire native flora of Iceland alongside arctic, alpine, and imported plants that, on paper, shouldn't be able to survive this far north. 🌸
🔹 The park first opened in 1912 as an ordinary town square, with a dedicated botanical section added in 1957.
🔹 A cozy restaurant, LYST, on the grounds serves dishes built around local fish and vegetables.
🔹 In summer, during the midnight sun, the garden can be visited almost around the clock — the sun barely sets.
📜 History:
The idea for a northern garden came from local gardening enthusiasts in the early 20th century, who wanted to prove that flowers and trees could thrive even in the Arctic. Over the decades the collection grew through seeds and seedlings brought back from expeditions and exchanges with botanical gardens abroad, and today Lystigarðurinn is a point of local pride and a must for any nature lover.
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• On foot: 15–20 minutes, a gentle uphill walk past the church along Eyrarlandsvegur straight to the entrance
• Taxi: 5–7 minutes, approximately 1,800–2,200 ISK
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free
• Opening hours: the garden grounds are open daily; in summer, during the midnight sun, effectively around the clock, while restaurant LYST keeps its own separate hours
🐋 3. Whale Watching in Eyjafjörður
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Eyjafjörður is Iceland's longest fjord (about 60–70 km / 37–43 mi) and also one of the most reliable places in the country for whale watching: the success rate for humpback whale sightings here exceeds 95% year-round. 🐳
🔹 The fjord reaches depths of over 200 meters (656 ft), and cold Arctic currents mixing with warmer coastal waters create ideal conditions for the plankton, herring, and capelin that whales feed on.
🔹 Besides humpbacks, the fjord regularly hosts minke whales and white-beaked dolphins.
🔹 Tours depart directly from the town harbor — practically from the cruise pier itself — making this one of the most convenient ways to spend a few hours in port.
📜 History:
Commercial whale watching in Akureyri has grown steadily since the 2010s and is now one of North Iceland's signature attractions, competing with Husavík — a 75–90-minute drive away and unofficially known as Iceland's “whale-watching capital.”
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• On foot: 5–10 minutes to Ægisgarður harbor, where the tours depart
• Warm, waterproof gear is typically provided on board — no need to buy anything extra
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Classic tour (2.5–3.5 hours): approximately 13,990–14,990 ISK (adults), 6,995–7,500 ISK (children 7–15)
• RIB speedboat (2 hours, smaller group): from 24,900 ISK
• Departures: usually at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., more frequent in high season
⚠️ Tip: during peak season (July–August) tours sell out well in advance, so booking before your cruise is recommended
🌲 4. Forest Lagoon
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Forest Lagoon is Iceland's newest — and, according to many travelers, most atmospheric — geothermal complex. Opened in 2022 amid the birch and pine of the Vaðlaskógur forest, it offers panoramic views of Akureyri and the fjord found at no other lagoon in the country. 🌿
🔹 Two pools with a combined area of more than 530 m² (5,700 sq ft), with water kept at around 37°C (98.6°F).
🔹 Two swim-up bars right in the water, plus a cold plunge pool and sauna with forest views.
🔹 The complex holds up to 200 visitors at a time, making it noticeably calmer than the often-crowded Blue Lagoon in the south of the island.
📜 History:
The project was created to answer demand for a quieter alternative to Iceland's large-scale thermal resorts — the founders deliberately chose a forested site outside town to preserve a sense of seclusion in nature. Within a few years of opening, Forest Lagoon has become a must-visit stop for cruise passengers calling at Akureyri.
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• Car/taxi: 5–7 minutes, about 3 km (1.9 mi); taxi fare is roughly 2,500–3,500 ISK
• Free shuttle: from early June through early September, a free shuttle runs from the harbor near the pier; check the schedule locally, as it is timed to cruise ship calls
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Standard admission: about 5,990 ISK (adults)
• With a drink included: about 7,150 ISK
• Towel rental: about 1,400 ISK
• Opening hours: daily, roughly 10:00 a.m.–midnight
⚠️ Tip: allow at least 2 hours for your visit, including travel time — you won't want to rush this one. Book online at the official site forestlagoon.is
💦 5. Goðafoss Waterfall — the “Waterfall of the Gods”
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Goðafoss is one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls: the horseshoe-shaped Sk&jacute;álfandafljót River drops 12 meters (39 ft) over a width of about 30 meters (98 ft), crashing onto basalt ledges below. 💧
🔹 The name translates as “waterfall of the gods” and is tied directly to Iceland's conversion to Christianity.
🔹 According to legend, around the year 1000 AD the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljosvetningagoði, upon deciding that Iceland would adopt Christianity, returned home and threw statues of the pagan gods into the falls as a symbol of the final break with the old faith.
🔹 The waterfall sits at the start of the Sprengisandur highland road, which crosses Iceland's central interior.
📜 History:
Goðafoss was long considered a sacred site among pre-Christian Icelanders, and after the year 1000 it took on symbolic meaning as the dividing line between the island's pagan past and Christian future. Today it is one of the country's most visited natural sites and a fixture on nearly every excursion out of Akureyri.
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• Group or private tour: the most common option, about 45 minutes' drive each way
• Rental car: a self-drive trip also takes about 45 minutes along Route 1, the main ring road
• Walking paths and viewpoints are set up on both riverbanks near the falls
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free, open around the clock
• Combined “Goðafoss + Mývatn” tour (6–7 hours): from 29,000–30,000 ISK per adult
• Combined “Goðafoss + Forest Lagoon” tour (5 hours): approximately 20,000–27,000 ISK
♨️ 6. Lake Mývatn and Earth Lagoon Geothermal Baths
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Mývatn is a volcanic lake 90 minutes' drive from Akureyri, ringed by pseudocraters, the Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the bubbling mud pots of Námaskarð. It is the heart of what's known as North Iceland's “Diamond Circle” — the northern counterpart to the popular southern “Golden Circle.” 🌋
🔹 The region's star attraction is a geothermal lagoon formerly known as Mývatn Nature Baths, rebranded as Earth Lagoon in October 2025. Following a major renovation, the complex reopened on July 9, 2026 with a larger lagoon, additional hot tubs, and a new steam cave.
🔹 Water drawn from a mineral-rich borehole 2,500 meters (about 8,200 ft) deep has a distinctive milky-blue color and a temperature of 36–40°C (97–104°F).
🔹 The lagoon is often described as the “quieter, less touristy sister” of the Blue Lagoon in the south of the island.
📜 History:
Geothermal bathing around Mývatn dates back to the mid-20th century, when locals made use of the natural hot springs around the lake. The modern facility opened in the early 2000s as a developed version of these traditional baths, and the 2025–2026 renovation and rebrand have turned it into one of Iceland's flagship resorts.
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• Group or private tour: the only realistic option for a single port call, about 90 minutes' drive each way
• Given the distance, a visit to Mývatn only makes sense with a port stay of 8 hours or longer
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Earth Essential tier (lagoon, hot tub, steam bath, private showers): from 7,900 ISK
• Earth Signature tier (+ towel, drink, bistro discount): from 9,900 ISK
• Earth Exclusive tier (private area, private changing rooms, bathrobe, drinks): from 52,000 ISK
• Swimsuit rental: about 1,100 ISK; towel rental: about 1,200 ISK
• Children 5 and under: free with an accompanying adult
⚠️ Important: the complex is operating in a phased reopening following renovation — some areas and hours may still be settling in, so it's best to check the current schedule shortly before your visit
🏘️ 7. Akureyri's Old Town (Innbær) and Nonnahús
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
The oldest part of town, the Innbær district, has preserved its 19th-century wooden houses with colorful facades and corrugated-iron roofs — a classic Nordic small-harbor townscape. 🏡
🔹 Here stands Nonnahús, one of Akureyri's oldest houses, built in 1850. It was the childhood home of author and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson, known by the pen name “Nonni,” whose children's books have been translated into more than 40 languages, including Japanese.
🔹 Nearby stand several more museums under the shared Minjasafnið umbrella: the Akureyri Museum, the Toy Museum, the Industrial Museum, and the Laufás heritage farm just outside town.
🔹 Downtown, keep an eye out for the town's unique heart-shaped traffic lights — one of Akureyri's most photographed quirky details. ❤️
📜 History:
Akureyri grew from a 16th–17th-century trading post into a harbor town, and Innbær is literally the stretch of shoreline where the earliest settlement took shape. Nonnahús was turned into a museum in the mid-20th century, and today it draws admirers of Jón Sveinsson from around the world, especially from Germany and Japan, where his books remain hugely popular.
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes along the waterfront and the main street, Hafnarstræti
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Strolling through Innbær: free
• Combined ticket for 7 museums (Akureyri Museum, Nonnahús, Toy Museum, Industrial Museum, and others): about 2,500 ISK for adults, free for children and teens under 18
• Opening hours (summer): daily, roughly 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; reduced hours in winter
⚠️ Tip: the full list of museums and current schedule is available at the official site minjasafnid.is
🎨 8. Akureyri Art Museum (Listasafnið á Akureyri)
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Founded in 1993, this is one of Iceland's youngest art museums, housed in the former KEA co-op building — a symbol of the town's industrial past. 🖼️
🔹 The museum specializes in contemporary Icelandic and Nordic art, with regularly rotating exhibitions.
🔹 It's just a few minutes from the main street, Hafnarstræti, so it pairs easily with a stroll through the old town.
📜 History:
The former KEA co-op building — once one of Akureyri's largest 20th-century employers — found new life as a cultural venue as the co-op's industrial importance declined. Today the museum is an important platform for contemporary Icelandic artists working outside Reykjavík.
🚢 Getting there from the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier:
• On foot: 10–12 minutes through the town center
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: about 1,200 ISK
• Opening hours: usually Tuesday–Sunday, roughly noon–5:00 p.m. (extended hours in summer; check locally for exact times)
🎨 9. Other Places Worth Your Time
• 🏊 Akureyri Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Akureyrar) — a geothermal complex with hot tubs and one of the longest water slides in Iceland. Adults about 1,100 ISK, children and seniors about 270 ISK, children under 5 free.
• 🐋 Husavík — the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland” — a 75–90-minute drive away, a great alternative for combining whale watching with a visit to a charming fishing town.
• 💦 Dettifoss — one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls by volume, about 2.5 hours' drive away; featured on full-day “Diamond Circle” tours.
• ⛷️ Hlíðarfjall ski resort — 7 km (4.3 mi) from town, offering skiing and snowboarding with fjord views in winter.
• ✈️ Icelandic Aviation Museum — housed in a hangar at Akureyri Airport, covering the history of Icelandic aviation.
• 🏍️ Motorcycle Museum — a small but engaging collection of classic motorcycles in the old part of town.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Through Akureyri in 8 Hours
A cruise port call in Akureyri typically lasts 7–10 hours. Since the town is very compact and sits right by the pier, even the budget option covers all the main downtown sights, while the other two routes add the region's best natural attractions. Below are three options depending on your budget and interests.
🥉 Route 1. Budget — On Foot Around Town, Free
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 0–3,000 ISK + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the Oddeyrarbryggja cruise pier
Walk along the waterfront toward the town center.
🕘 9:15–10:00 a.m. — Old Town (Innbær) and Nonnahús
Wander the wooden-house streets and photograph the Nonni house museum (exterior view free; admission ticket optional).
🕙 10:00–10:45 a.m. — Akureyri Church
Climb the steps, view the interior and stained glass, and take in the fjord panorama from the church square.
🕚 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Akureyri Botanical Garden
An unhurried walk through the northern garden, with photos among the Arctic flora.
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch in the town center
Cafés on Hafnarstræti — from 2,500 ISK for a simple meal.
🕐 1:00–2:30 p.m. — Shopping and a walk along the harbor
Souvenir shops, photos by the town's unique heart-shaped traffic lights, and a stroll to the harbor where the whale-watching tours depart.
🕝 2:30–4:00 p.m. — Akureyri Swimming Pool (optional)
Geothermal hot tubs and a water slide — a great way to round off the walk.
🕓 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Return to the ship
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Church and botanical garden admission: free
• Lunch: 2,500–4,000 ISK
• Swimming pool (optional): 1,100 ISK
💸 TOTAL: about 3,600–5,100 ISK per person
🥈 Route 2. Balanced — Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 20,000–27,000 ISK + food
🕗 8:30 a.m. — Meet your group transfer at the pier
🕘 9:15–10:15 a.m. — Goðafoss Waterfall
Views from both riverbanks, photos of the “waterfall of the gods,” and your guide's account of Iceland's conversion to Christianity.
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m. — Drive back toward Akureyri
Photo stops at fjord viewpoints along the way.
🕦 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch in central Akureyri
Local cuisine — from 3,500–5,000 ISK for a main course.
🕐 1:30–3:30 p.m. — Forest Lagoon
A short transfer from the harbor (5 minutes), then a soak in the geothermal pools with views of the town and fjord.
🕞 3:45–4:30 p.m. — Walk through the town center
Akureyri Church, the main street, and souvenir shopping.
🕟 4:30–5:00 p.m. — Return to the ship
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Goðafoss tour (half-day): 15,000–18,000 ISK
• Forest Lagoon: 5,990–7,150 ISK
• Lunch: 3,500–5,000 ISK
💸 TOTAL: approximately 24,500–30,000 ISK per person
💡 Swapping Forest Lagoon for whale watching keeps the budget roughly the same.
🥇 Route 3. Premium — Private Diamond Circle Tour
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: from 90,000 ISK per person
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meet a private driver holding a name sign right at the gangway
• ✅ A comfortable SUV or minivan for the full day
• ✅ A professional English- or Ukrainian-speaking licensed guide
• ✅ Skip-the-line admission at every location
• ✅ Restaurant table reservations
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the fly depending on weather
You can book through your cruise manager, or reach us directly through any of the following:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕗 8:00 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the pier
🕗 8:30–10:30 a.m. — Drive to Lake Mývatn, with stops at fjord viewpoints
🕥 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Dimmuborgir lava fields and Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters
A private walk through the volcanic landscape with guided commentary.
🕛 12:15–1:15 p.m. — Earth Lagoon geothermal baths (Mývatn)
A soak on the Earth Signature tier, included in the itinerary.
🕐 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the lake
Premium local cuisine — from 8,000 ISK per person.
🕝 2:45–3:45 p.m. — Goðafoss Waterfall (unhurried VIP stop)
Photos at a private viewpoint and the story of Iceland's conversion to Christianity.
🕞 4:00–4:45 p.m. — Return to Akureyri, brief stop in the old town
🕟 5:00 p.m. — Return to the pier in your private vehicle
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from 45,000 ISK
• Driver with SUV (9 hrs): from 35,000 ISK
• Earth Lagoon admission (Signature tier): from 9,900 ISK per person
• Premium lunch: from 8,000 ISK
💸 TOTAL: from 90,000 ISK per person (for 2+ travelers, priced per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Akureyri and North Iceland with licensed guides, gangway pickup, and a guaranteed return to the ship before departure. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in the “Capital of the North” will be tailored perfectly to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before Going Ashore
🕐 “All aboard” rule: be back on the ship at least 60 minutes before departure. If you're booking a longer excursion (Mývatn, Husavík), always build in extra time for the return trip.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
💶 Cash: in Iceland, nearly everything is paid by card; ISK cash is rarely needed, though a small amount as backup doesn't hurt.
👟 Clothing: even in summer, pack a warm jacket, a hat, and waterproof shoes — the weather in North Iceland can change very quickly. For lagoon visits, bring a swimsuit and towel (or rent one on site).
📱 Internet: free Wi-Fi zones are available downtown and near the pier; download an offline Google Maps for navigation.
🔐 Safety: Akureyri is one of the safest towns in the world with virtually no crime, but on longer excursions be sure to follow your guide's instructions regarding weather and natural hazards.
☀️ Midnight sun: from May through July, the sun barely sets in Akureyri, so daylight won't limit your plans even in the evening.
🚫 Distant sights on your own: Mývatn, Goðafoss, and Husavík are far from town, and without a rental car or organized tour it's difficult to get there and back in time for the ship — an organized excursion is recommended for these destinations.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For the most current details, please check with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the venues listed.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals