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Reykjavik, Iceland
The world's northernmost capital — a colorful, walkable city on the edge of a land of geysers, waterfalls, and lava fields. Your base for Iceland's greatest hits.
The world's northernmost capital — a colorful, walkable city on the edge of a land of geysers, waterfalls, and lava fields. Your base for Iceland's greatest hits.
Large ships dock at Skarfabakki, ~3 km east of downtown; smaller ships use the central Old Harbour. Either way, Iceland's famous sights are out of town, so most passengers tour.
💡 Pro move: Iceland is cashless-friendly — cards work everywhere, even for a hot dog. Weather changes by the hour, so pack layers and a waterproof regardless of the forecast.
Reykjavik's big ships use Skarfabakki east of downtown, while smaller vessels berth at the central Old Harbour — both with shuttles or short transfers to the city's compact center.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Large cruise ships | Skarfabakki Terminal📍 | Docked |
| Smaller / expedition ships | Old Harbour (Miðbakki)📍 | Docked |
| Princess / Holland America | Skarfabakki📍 | Docked |
| Celebrity / Norwegian | Skarfabakki📍 | Docked |
| Viking / luxury lines | Skarfabakki / Old Harbour📍 | Docked |
Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland's wonders. Pick one big landscape tour, then enjoy the walkable, characterful capital. These are the ones worth your day.
Iceland's classic trio: the erupting Strokkur geyser, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park where the continental plates pull apart. The essential day out.
Find Golden Circle tours →Soak in milky-blue, mineral-rich geothermal water amid a black-lava landscape near the airport. Pre-book entry slots — it's wildly popular and timed-entry only.
Find Blue Lagoon tours →Head into Faxaflói Bay to spot minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and puffins (in season) — departing right from central Reykjavik.
Find whale tours →A longer run to the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the dramatic Reynisfjara black-sand beach — Iceland's south coast at its most cinematic.
Find south coast tours →Reykjavik's center is small, colorful, and made for walking. From the Old Harbour these routes need no tour — link to a map.
From the harbour past the mirror-clad Harpa concert hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, up Skólavörðustígur's rainbow street to the soaring Hallgrímskirkja church and its tower view.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →A gentle loop around the central pond, past the City Hall, the Settlement-era streets, and Austurvöllur square by the parliament and cathedral.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Reykjavik, Iceland (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F / 2°C | 27°F / -3°C | 18 | 10:54 AM | 4:20 PM |
| Feb | 36°F / 2°C | 28°F / -2°C | 16 | 9:22 AM | 6:01 PM |
| Mar | 37°F / 3°C | 29°F / -2°C | 18 | 7:45 AM | 7:28 PM |
| Apr | 43°F / 6°C | 34°F / 1°C | 18 | 5:55 AM | 9:01 PM |
| May | 48°F / 9°C | 39°F / 4°C | 18 | 4:12 AM | 10:37 PM |
| Jun | 53°F / 12°C | 45°F / 7°C | 17 | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Jul | 56°F / 13°C | 48°F / 9°C | 16 | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Aug | 56°F / 13°C | 47°F / 8°C | 14 | 5:19 AM | 9:41 PM |
| Sep | 51°F / 11°C | 43°F / 6°C | 18 | 6:51 AM | 7:52 PM |
| Oct | 44°F / 7°C | 37°F / 3°C | 18 | 8:18 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Nov | 39°F / 4°C | 33°F / 1°C | 16 | 9:57 AM | 4:25 PM |
| Dec | 35°F / 2°C | 27°F / -3°C | 17 | 11:17 AM | 3:28 PM |
Climate source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
City Sightseeing Reykjavik operates a single route with 15-16 stops; buses stop at Skarfabakki cruise terminal. 24-hr ticket ~€39 (~$45 USD).
Skarfabakki terminal offers a complimentary shuttle to downtown Reykjavik with the final stop at Harpa Concert Hall. Check with your cruise line for schedule.
Many cruise lines run shuttles from Sundahöfn terminal to the city center for a small fee. Purchase tickets onboard or at the terminal.
Taxis from Sundahöfn to the city center run about €15–20. Reykjavik taxis are metered and reliable but pricey — confirm the fare estimate before departing.
Strætó bus Route 16 connects Sundahöfn terminal to the city center. Klapp lists an adult single ticket and contactless payment at 690 ISK. Use Klapp ticketing or contactless payment; check the current route and departure before leaving the terminal. Klapp fares
Upcoming cruises that call at Reykjavik, Iceland. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other cruise ports within about 250 km.