Icelandic Tourist Board

Reykjavík is a harmonious combination of a lively modern capital with 110,000 inhabitants, and a friendly, charming village. Travelers will find not only an international standard and range of comforts and conveniences that they would expect from a city many times the size, but also an environment of peace and quiet.

Nature, culture, natural energy and bustling human endeavor add up to make Reykjavík a unique place to live or visit. The city is dotted with wonderful, natural spaces to stroll and enjoy the fresh, clean air. Quaint buildings in the old city center are right beside the harbor, and a beautiful lake teeming with ducks, geese and swans is only a few minutes’ walk away.

For passengers visiting Reykjavík by cruise ship, many shore excursions are on offer. Among the sightseeing options outside town is the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, only half an hour’s drive, and the Golden Circle (8 hours), taking in the Geysir geothermal area with its bubbling hot springs and mud pools, powerful Gullfoss waterfall and the ancient lakeside parliament site of Þingvellir.

During the summer season most international cruise line companies call at Reykjavík, such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises. In most cases passengers are flown from the USA to a European city where they board the cruise vessel for a voyage lasting anywhere from 8 to 15 days, often sailing to destinations in England, Ireland, the Shetland Islands and the Faroe Islands en route to Iceland. Some cruise companies offer Greenland as a destination as well as Iceland when crossing the Atlantic.

Last year 50 cruise ships visited Reykjavík carrying around 30,000 passengers.