Which cruise ports can you sail to on an Iceland cruise?

From colourful fishing towns and vibrant cities to remote fjords surrounded by waterfalls, every port of call on an Iceland cruise reveals a different side of this extraordinary island. While dramatic landscapes may be what first comes to mind, it’s often the places you’ll visit along the way that bring Iceland’s history, culture and natural beauty to life.

Whether you’re sailing on a full circumnavigation of Iceland or visiting just a handful of ports, each destination offers something unique. Some are gateways to world-famous attractions such as the Golden Circle and Lake Mývatn, while others provide the opportunity to discover quieter corners of the country that few travellers experience.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the main cruise ports you’ll encounter around Iceland, what makes each one special and the incredible sights that await beyond the harbour. 

Almost every Iceland cruise begins or ends in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Situated on Iceland’s south-west coast, it’s the country’s cultural, political and economic heart, yet it remains remarkably compact and easy to explore. Colourful streets, striking modern architecture and dramatic coastal scenery combine to create a city that’s unlike anywhere else in Europe. 

One of Reykjavík’s biggest advantages is that many of its highlights are within walking distance of the cruise port. Hallgrímskirkja Church dominates the skyline and rewards visitors with panoramic views across the city, while Harpa Concert Hall showcases contemporary Icelandic design with its striking glass façade. A stroll along the waterfront brings you to the Sun Voyager sculpture before reaching the Old Harbour, where cafés, restaurants and whale-watching operators line the quayside. 

Many guests choose to venture beyond the city on organised excursions. Reykjavík is the gateway to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, one of the country’s most popular sightseeing routes. Here, you’ll discover Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, the erupting Strokkur geyser and the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall. Others opt to relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, both within easy reach of the capital. 

Leaving Reykjavík behind, many circumnavigation cruises make their first stop at Heimaey, the largest island in the Westman Islands archipelago. Located just off Iceland’s south coast, this small island offers one of the country’s most remarkable stories, combining dramatic volcanic history with spectacular wildlife and breathtaking coastal scenery. 

Despite its modest size, Heimaey has played a significant role in Iceland’s history. In January 1973, Eldfell volcano erupted without warning, forcing the island’s entire population to evacuate overnight. Today, visitors can still see the lava flows that reshaped the landscape and visit the outstanding Eldheimar Museum, where an excavated family home sits preserved beneath layers of volcanic ash, providing a fascinating insight into one of Iceland’s most significant natural disasters. 

Heimaey is equally renowned for its wildlife. During the summer months, towering sea cliffs become home to one of the world’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies, making this one of Iceland’s finest bird watching destinations. Boat trips around the island offer another perspective, revealing dramatic basalt cliffs, sea caves and impressive rock formations shaped by centuries of Atlantic waves.

For those who enjoy walking, the hike to the summit of Eldfell rewards visitors with sweeping views across the island, neighbouring islets and the Icelandic mainland. It serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to both destroy and reshape the landscape. 

Continuing around Iceland’s west coast brings you to Grundarfjörður, a picturesque fishing town overlooked by one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks. Nestled beneath the distinctive peak of Kirkjufell Mountain, it’s a destination that many visitors instantly recognised from photographs, travel brochures and even television. 

The town itself is peaceful and welcoming, with colourful houses, a small harbour and beautiful views across Breiðafjörður Bay. It’s an ideal place to experience the slower pace of Icelandic coastal life while enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds it. 

Grundarfjörður’s greatest attraction lies just beyond the town. Kirkjufell, often described as Iceland’s most photographed mountain, rises dramatically above the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, creating one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. It’s no surprise that photographers from around the world are drawn here throughout the year. 

The port also serves as the gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, frequently referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” because it showcases so many of the country’s natural wonders within a relatively small area. Excursions may include black sand beaches, lava fields, dramatic sea cliffs, charming fishing villages and Snæfellsjökull National Park, where a glacier-capped volcano dominates the landscape. The volcano itself gained worldwide fame as the fictional entrance to the centre of the Earth in Jules Verne’s novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth. 

Few cruise ports capture Iceland’s untamed beauty quite like Ísafjörður. Located deep within the country’s remote Westfjords, this charming fishing town is surrounded by towering mountains and dramatic fjords that remain largely untouched by modern development. 

Unlike southern Iceland, relatively few visitors reach the Westfjords by road due to the region’s isolated location and winding mountain routes. Arriving by cruise ship offers a comfortable and scenic way to discover one of Iceland’s most spectacular regions. 

The town itself has retained much of its traditional fishing heritage. Historic timber buildings line the waterfront, while local museums, cafés and galleries provide a glimpse into everyday life in one of Iceland’s oldest trading settlements. Despite its remote setting, Ísafjörður has a welcoming atmosphere and is easy to explore on foot. 

Many shore excursions venture further into the Westfjords. The magnificent Dynjandi waterfall is among Iceland’s most impressive natural attractions, cascading down a broad mountainside in a series of graceful tiers. Other excursions visit tiny fishing villages, explore untouched fjords or head into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, a wilderness known for its dramatic cliffs, Arctic foxes and abundant birdlife. 

Situated at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, Akureyri is often one of the highlights of a circumnavigation cruise. Despite being Iceland’s second-largest urban area, it has the welcoming atmosphere of a small town, with colourful streets, independent cafés and boutique shops set again a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

The town itself is well worth exploring. Within walking distance of the cruise port, you’ll find Akureyri Church, one of the twon’s most recognisable landmarks, along with the Akureyri Botanical Garden, which is home to thousands of plant species despite sitting just below the Arctic Circle. The attractive harbourfront, local museums and thriving café culture make it an enjoyable place to spend a few hours, even without venturing far from the ship. 

Many guests, however, choose to join an excursion beyond the town. Akureyri is the gateway to some of North Iceland’s most spectacular natural attractions, including the geothermal landscapes surrounding Lake Mývatn. Here, you’ll discover bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, lava formations and volcanic craters that showcase Iceland’s incredible geological activity. The powerful Goðafoss waterfall, often referred to as the ‘Waterfall of the Gods,’ is another popular stop and is considered one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. 

The waters surrounding Eyjafjörður are also among Iceland’s best whale-watching locations. Humpback whales are regularly spotted during the cruise season, while lucky visitors may also see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. 

Tucked away at the end of a narrow fjord on Iceland’s east coast, Seyðisfjörður is one of the country’s most picturesque cruise ports. Colourful timber houses, dramatic mountain scenery and countless waterfalls create a postcard-perfect setting that’s unlike anywhere else in Iceland.

Although home to only a small population, Seyðisfjörður has earned a reputation as one of Iceland’s leading artistic communities. Independent galleries, craft shops and welcoming cafés line the streets, while the town’s famous rainbow-painted road leading to the blue Seyðisfjörður Church has become one of Iceland’s most photographed locations. 

The spectacular journey into the fjord is often just as memorable as the destination itself. Cruise ships navigate between towering mountains that rise almost vertically from the water, with waterfalls cascading down their slopes throughout the summer months.

Excursions from Seyðisfjörður showcase the quieter side of East Iceland. Visitors can explore peaceful valleys, scenic mountain passes and traditional farming communities that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. The surrounding region is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot reindeer, seabirds and seals depending on the season. 

The final major stop on many circumnavigation cruises is Eskifjörður, a traditional fishing town nestled deep within Iceland’s spectacular Eastfjords. Surrounded by steep mountains and calm waters, it’s one of the country’s quieter cruise destinations and offers visitors a glimpse into everyday Icelandic life away from the better-known tourist routes. 

Fishing has shaped Eskifjörður for generations, and that heritage remains central to the town today. Visitors can learn more at the Maritime Museum, housed within one of Iceland’s oldest preserved fishing stations, or simply wander the peaceful harbour where fishing boats still play an important role in the local community. 

The surrounding landscapes are equally impressive. Winding coastal roads lead through dramatic fjords, while nearby mountains provide excellent walking opportunities for those keen to experience East Iceland’s rugged scenery. The region is also unique for being home to Iceland’s only wild reindeer population, with sightings becoming increasingly common during the summer months.

Many excursions explore neighbouring villages and scenic viewpoints, offering visitors the chance to discover a region that remains one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. Without the crowds found elsewhere on the island, Eskifjörður provides a slower pace and a more authentic insight into Icelandic culture and everyday life. 

Cruise lines that offer cruises to Iceland: Ambassador Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises | Cunard | HX | Holland America Line | Oceania Cruises | Princess Cruises | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Scenic Ocean Cruises | Seabourn | Silversea