The Ultimate Cruise Port Stop Guide for Reykjavík, Iceland

Here’s all you need to know when your cruise ship makes a stop to Reykjavík, Iceland!

_{Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. There is no additional cost to you and helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active}. _{Thanks for supporting my blog (AKA feeding my ice cream addiction around the world!) Rosemary}

LOGISTICS

MONEY MATTERS

Credit cards were widely accepted (we were able to use Visa and Mastercard throughout Iceland but I couldn’t always use my AMEX). We found that other than for tipping in local currency, we didn’t need to carry cash (ie tipping guides on already paid tours). Speaking of which, Iceland is similar to Norway in that tipping is not obligatory with high/living wages and strong workers laws so there isn’t a need for a tipping culture (vs in the US where workers are reliant upon tips as part of their salary). It’s a gesture of appreciation to tip if you receive great service so I still do so when it’s warranted.

COMMUNICATION

English is widely spoken throughout Iceland.

PORT INFO

_{BEAUTIFUL TIP: Reminder that arrival times for port days are estimates for when the ship will be docked and may not be when the port has given approval to the ship to allow passengers to get off. IF the activity start time is close to arrival times, I will always reach out the activity/tour provider and find out exactly what their policy is if I am not able to be there on time. I have found that many operators are flexible especially if the majority/all of the participants are from the cruise ship but some may not be able to accommodate late arrivals with no refund given. Whilst both scenarios are valid business practices, don’t make the mistake of finding out it’s the latter when you aren’t able to join!}

How to get from the Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal to Reykjavík:

TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS/TOURS

Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Tour  

This all day (8.5 hours) tour takes you to many of the renowned sights near Reykjavík and is an ideal itinerary for first time visitors and was the tour I took with my family.

If you want a shorter, 7- hour tour, book this highly rated Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik that does not make a stop at the Kerid Crater.

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket and Kerid Volcanic Crater

No need to choose between experiencing Iceland’s famous Golden Circle or visiting the iconic Blue Lagoon (admission ticket with complimentary drink and towel included), you’ll do both on this small group tour with transportation

Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour

This all day (10 hour) tour takes you around the Golden Circle route with additional visits and admission to Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater

Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour

Visit all of the renowned Golden Circles sites on this small group tour, then end with a luxurious Sky Lagoon experience (admission ticket with complimentary towel included)

Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling

This tour adds some adventure onto the Golden Circle as you across Iceland’s second-largest ice cap on an exhilarating snowmobile ride on Langjökull glacier. The tour includes use of a helmet, buff under the helmet, gloves, overalls and overshoes while on the snowmobile.

Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group

This day long tour takes you to the Southern Coast of Iceland where you will go chasing waterfalls, see a (rapidly receding) glacier, visit a black sand beach with a small group

Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos – From Reykjavík

One of the most unique experiences I have ever had with snorkeling in crystal clear waters between the North American and Eurasian continents/tectonic plates was on this tour

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavík

Take the opportunity to ride an Icelandic horse on this tour which can include pickup if required.

Snaefellsnes Small Group Tour with Homemade Meal

Visit the best of the Snaefellsness peninsula in West Iceland in a day in this small group, all day tour. Explore mountains, glaciers, beaches, and more including Mt. Kirkjufell and Djupalonssandur black-sand beach and spot wildlife. (PHOTO are from Viator – Provider Photos)

*Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching Boat Tour

See puffins, seabirds, and more in Faxaflói Bay in a custom made RIB boat on this boat tour. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment as well binoculars are provided

IMPORTANT NOTES: there is no pickup for this tour and it meets from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik (which is ~ 850 meters / 11-15 min walk from Harpa) AND there is a minimum of height of 145 centimeters/ 4 feet 9 inches to participate

*RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour

Sail Faxaflói Bay in search of whales and more marine wildlife. During puffin season, this boat ride will also sail by the smaller islands so you can see the puffins and other birds. The great thing about this tour is in the case of no sightings you will get a ticket for an alternative tour

IMPORTANT NOTES: that children must be over the age of 10 and over 145 centimeters/ 4 feet 9 inches’ tall to participate AND there is no pickup for this tour and it meets from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik (which is ~ 850 meters / 11-15 min walk from Harpa)

*Reykjavík Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

I don’t remember seeing any other perfect – 5* star rated with 100% of travelers recommending a tour with this many reviews before (16,519 at the time of this post being published) INSANE right? I will be booking this 3 hour small group tour that dives into Reykjavík’s foodie scene and allows one to sample delicious Icelandic cuisine

NOTE: Meetup for this tour is from Harpa Concert Hall

*Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour

Reykjavík is a perfect city to do a walking tour as many of the top sights/attractions are close to one another and this small-group tour ensures a personal sightseeing experience

I love walking tours when visiting cities for a number of reasons. You are able to discover the top attractions (with lots of info to help you decide what to do with your time after), learn things you would not have otherwise and have opportunity to connect with other travelers/guide.

NOTE: Meetup for this tour is from Hallgrimskirkja (1.2 km/ 18-22 min walk from Harpa)

REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík is the northernmost capital in the world, is the largest city in Iceland, and serves as the country’s cultural, economic, and governmental center. Foreigners are drawn here as it is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. Plus the whole population of Iceland is 400,000 so even with the majority of people living in/around the capital area, it won’t feel crowded to most visitors.

One of the reasons why I love GetYourGuide is that they have this awesome part of their site dedicated to Trip Inspiration with City Guides

Safety

Iceland is often touted as the safest country in the world to travel to and that extends to the capital as well. After such a long and complicated knee injury/recovery, I was really nervous to travel again but especially solo. It was serendipitous that our cruise ended in Reykjavík as I don’t think there could have been a better place to venture out alone. I have tried to explain what I mean with the feeling that I have when I am in Iceland but I compare it to what I wish that I felt when home – safe in all regards. Not once did I feel threatened and also didn’t experience any type of sexual harassment (which unfortunately was the first time this had ever happened for me!).

Water Quality

Icelandic water is incredible – the water quality is high so feel free to fill up your reusable water bottles =)

TOP ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTEREST

Harpa Concert Hall

Within Reykjavík: 4.1 kilometers 55-65 min walk from cruise port / HOHO stop. Architectural gem on the harbor with kaleidoscopic glass panels and the drop off point for cruise shuttles

Beautiful tips: Even if you don’t attend a concert, take some time to check out the inside of the building as it’s free to enter. Note that there are public restrooms here but there is a nominal 200 ISK fee to use – credit cards/Apple pay work so no need for coins if you don’t have them.

Hallgrimskirkja

Within Reykjavík: 1.2 kilometers 18-22 min walk from Harpa / HOHO Stop Reykjavík’s iconic, modernist Lutheran church inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns

Beautiful tips: You are able to visit the tower/ride the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the colorful rooftops and mountains. Tickets are available in the church shop located to the left as you enter the foyer

Skolavordustigur

Within Reykjavík: 600 meters / 9-12 min walk from Harpa The famous Rainbow Street known for its restaurants and pubs with interesting galleries and shops.

Old Harbour Area

Within Reykjavík: ~850 meters 11-15 min walk from Harpa / HOHO Stop Vibrant neighborhood with whale-watching, puffin boat tour departures, cafés, seafood restaurants, museums, and boutiques.

Perlan Museum

Within Reykjavík: 2.9 kilometers 44-53 min walk from Harpa / HOHO Stop Why is the Perlan one of my FAVORITE places to go in Reykjavík? Fun and immersive museum experience? – check! Incredible 360 views of Reykjavík? – check! Delicious and reasonably priced food, drinks AND ice cream? – check! Read about my experience here. Get your tickets here

If you want to have the transportation figured out for you: consider the Reykjavík: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Perlan Museum Entry Ticket – where the Perlan and the cruise terminal are two of the 16 stops for the bus

Golden Circle (GC)

This is the tour that I did with my family on our NCL Prima Cruise, read what our experience was like here

GC Stop: Gullfoss Waterfall

“Golden Falls“We were given the opportunity and time to view this massive waterfall from multiple viewpoints along scenic, paved trails. Unlike most waterfalls, which are typically observed from below, the desired vantage point is from above to fully appreciate it’s unique features. Rather than being a single cascade, Gullfoss is made up of two distinct tiers: the first drop is 36 feet (11 meters), followed by a second, larger plunge of 69 feet (21 meters).

GC Stop: Geysir Geothermal Area

The area is known as the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley and you are able to walk among steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant hot springs, which are framed by colorful hills and see where the namesake Geysir comes from in person

GC Stop: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park

In 2004, Þingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for both its historical and geological importance.

Historical: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) translated to English means “Assembly Plains.” and as such, holds great historical significance. Althingi, the oldest parliament in the world, was established here in 930 AD and is why many consider this to be the birthplace of the nation

Geological: The Mid-Atlantic Rift or Ridge, which runs through Iceland, marks the boundary between two tectonic plates. Þingvellir lies in a rift valley or where the Earth’s crust is being pulled apart. Here we were able to see the separation of the Eurasian and North American plates as it is one of the few places on Earth where this movement can be seen on land!

GC Stop: Kerid Crater (can be added on)

Kerid which is a crater that was formed approx. 6500 years ago when an ancient volcano’s magma chamber collapsed. It is known for the striking contrast between the red, black and green slopes that are set against mesmerizing blue-green waters of the crater lake.

South Coast (SC)

SC Stop: Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most renowned waterfalls, where you have the option to walk behind the cascading water

SC Stop: Skógafoss

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland with a majestic 25-meter width and 60-meter drop

SC Stop: Sólheimajökull Glacier

A stop at Sólheimajökull to admire the glacier up close, without hiking on it

SC Stop: Reynisfjara Beach

The most famous black sand beach in Iceland, with basalt columns and powerful waves.

SC Stop: Vík

A short photo stop at the photogenic village of Vík

Lagoons

One of my top suggestions if you are going to visit Iceland is to go experience a lagoon and take a dip in the geothermal heated water. I consider this a must to truly experience the land of fire and ice in the same way you should sauna when visiting Finland or eat pasta and gelato in Italy.

Blue Lagoon

Outside of Reykjavík: The most iconic of the Icelandic lagoons is the Blue Lagoon. We did this Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers excursion – read about our experience and how convenient it was to get to the Blue Lagoon here.

Important Notes: The Blue Lagoon has introduced tiered pricing so different dates/times can have dramatically different pricing.

Secret Lagoon

Outside of Reykjavík/located conveniently within the Golden Circle for those embarking on that tour:

Sky Lagoon

Outside of Reykjavík: More than just a lagoon, it is a luxurious spa hot/cold experience – click here to book tickets and here for tickets and shared transfer to and from Reykjavík

Note: No children under 12 are allowed at Sky Lagoon

Wildlife

Icelandic Horse

Norse Vikings brought with them horses 1100 years ago when they sailed over to the island and it has been revealed that they descended from an ancient breed of horse that is now extinct outside of Iceland. It is one of the purest horse breeds in the world as they have been and continue to be preserved in isolation. No horses are allowed to be imported in, with the law so rigid that once a horse leaves Iceland, it will never be allowed to return.

Puffins / Bird Watching

Get up close to wildlife without disturbing them during puffin season which runs early May to the end of August on a boat tour 

Marine Life

Search for minke and humpback whales, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins as you cruise Faxaflói Bay – during puffin season, the boats will be able to cruise by the small islands near Reykjavík.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS

National Museum of Iceland

Within Reykjavík: 1.6 kilometers 23-28 min walk from Harpa / near HOHO Stop

Dive into the fascinating history of the Icelandic nation at the National Museum of Iceland. Buy tickets here

Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket – Optional Premium Upgrade

Within Reykjavík: ~850 meters 11-15 min walk from Harpa / HOHO Stop

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Icelandic experience—and get up close and personal to real volcanic lava—during this show in Reykjavik. Buy tickets here

Whales of Iceland

Within Reykjavík: 1.7 kilometers 23-28 min walk from Harpa/ HOHO Stop

Discover more than 20 life-size models of the various whale species that are found in Iceland. Buy tickets here

The Icelandic Phallological Museum

Within town: 350 meters / 5-8 min walk from Harpa.

More than 200 penises and penile parts representing almost all Icelandic land & sea mammals – what did you think this was going to be about?

Sun Voyager Sculpture

Within Reykjavík: 600 meters / 8-10 min walk from Harpa.

Metal sculpture overlooking the bay

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnels

Outside of Reykjavík:

Explore an Icelandic natural wonder only accessible on a guided tour such as this one.

EAT/DRINK

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Within Reykjavík there’s a number of locations but the closest one to Harpa is 500 meters or a 7-10 min walk away: – World-famous hot dog stand loved by both locals and celebs / Try one with “the works”

Íslenski Barinn (The Icelandic Bar)

Within Reykjavík: 450 meters or a 7-10 min walk away from Harpa: Family run gastropub known for authentic Icelandic home cooking with a modern twist / Try: Classics like lamb stew, seafood soup, and even fermented shark (if you dare).

Fiskfélagið (Fish Company)

Within Reykjavík: 650 meters or a 9-12 min walk away from Harpa: Upscale dining with creative Icelandic-Nordic fusion plates.

NOTE: there are a LOT of great bakeries and cafes in Iceland and within Reykjavík so try a few!

Brauð & Co (The Icelandic Bar)

Within Reykjavík there’s a number of locations but the closest one to Harpa is 550 meters or a 8-11 min walk away: Delicious, freshly baked pastries that are reasonably priced, big in size and made with the best organic ingredients / Try: Croissants (made with legendary Icelandic butter) and their addictive cinnamon rolls

Sandholt Bakery

Within Reykjavík: 800 meters or a 13-16 min walk away from Harpa: Excellent bakery and brunch café with sourdough, cakes, and open sandwiches

Kaffibrennslan

Within Reykjavík: 650 meters or a 10-13 min walk away from Harpa: Cozy central café perfect for a quick espresso break.

Reykjavík Roasters

Artisan coffee shop with house-roasted beans and pastries.

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_{Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. There is no additional cost to you and helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active}. _{Thanks for supporting my blog (AKA feeding my ice cream addiction around the world!) Rosemary}