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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 route in MapsA gentle loop around the central pond, past the City Hall, the Settlement-era streets, and Austurvöllur square by the parliament and cathedral.
🗺️ Open in MapsThe main downtown street — design shops, wool, cafés, and street art running through the lively heart of the capital.
🗺️ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F / 2°C | 27°F / -3°C | 18 |
| Feb | 36°F / 2°C | 28°F / -2°C | 16 |
| Mar | 37°F / 3°C | 29°F / -2°C | 18 |
| Apr | 43°F / 6°C | 34°F / 1°C | 18 |
| May | 48°F / 9°C | 39°F / 4°C | 18 |
| Jun | 53°F / 12°C | 45°F / 7°C | 17 |
| Jul | 56°F / 13°C | 48°F / 9°C | 16 |
| Aug | 56°F / 13°C | 47°F / 8°C | 14 |
| Sep | 51°F / 11°C | 43°F / 6°C | 18 |
| Oct | 44°F / 7°C | 37°F / 3°C | 18 |
| Nov | 39°F / 4°C | 33°F / 1°C | 16 |
| Dec | 35°F / 2°C | 27°F / -3°C | 17 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
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.