Cruises from Reykjavik (Iceland)

Photo: Andreas Tille / wikipedia.org unter GNU Free Documentation License

Cruise Terminals in Reykjavík

A cruise day in Reykjavík begins with the question of which quay the ship is docked at. The facilities are spread across two distinctly different parts of the capital: Miðbakki is at the Old Harbour, close to the city centre; Skarfabakki and VÖR are in the Sundahöfn harbour area farther east. The name Reykjavík alone therefore does not identify a specific berth. Check your travel documents to find the right starting point for going ashore.

At the Old Harbour, the quay, harbour basin and Grandi neighbourhood meet. From Miðbakki, the city centre is just inland, making the harbour a convenient starting point for exploring the city on foot. The waterfront and streets lead into the centre, where shops, cafés and cultural attractions are clustered close together. If you would like to avoid a longer journey during your visit, you can plan a walk that takes in the Old Harbour and the surrounding streets.

Sundahöfn lies east of the centre, along the coast. Skarfabakki and VÖR are located there; these names refer to facilities in the harbour area and do not necessarily identify the berth of a particular ship. Routes into the city centre therefore differ from those starting at Miðbakki. When planning, the specific berthing information is more important than the general description “Reykjavík harbour.” Harbour areas are working facilities: passengers should leave through the designated exits and follow the routes signposted on site.

Hafnarfjörður is also part of the capital region, but it is a separate port town southwest of Reykjavík. A call there should not be confused with Miðbakki or Sundahöfn. These three names refer to different starting points, each with its own routes into the city. If you are planning your own shore excursion, first check which port is listed, then decide on a route, pickup point or return to the ship.

City Visits and Excursions

As well as offering views of the boats, the Old Harbour provides access to the Grandi neighbourhood. From there, you can combine a waterfront visit with a stroll towards the city centre. Harpa is a distinctive cultural and event venue on the waterfront, and makes a destination in its own right on a city walk. You can tailor your plans to the time available: a short stroll might focus on the harbour and centre, while a longer visit could take in several neighbourhoods.

When travelling from abroad, distinguish Keflavík International Airport (KEF) from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV). KEF is outside the capital; the Flybus runs to BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. BSÍ is south of the city centre and is a separate transport hub, not a cruise terminal. The airport, bus terminal and cruise berth are three different stops. If you are connecting a flight with a cruise, include the transfer and a time buffer in your travel plans; the specific bus connection and journey time depend on your travel date.

Miðbakki connects the Old Harbour with the nearby city centre, while Sundahöfn lies farther east. If you are planning your own time ashore, make sure the pickup point and return journey match the berth actually listed. This is especially important for Hafnarfjörður: the separate port town is not another name for a quay in Reykjavík.

Iceland’s cruise ports are spread across the capital region and the eastern fjords. Hafnarfjörður is a separate port town south of Reykjavík with its own cruise quay; Seyðisfjörður lies at the head of a fjord in the east and offers different conditions for a shore visit.